“A slight relation,” put in Ned, with a laugh. “In fact, he’s the man himself.”
“But you’re only a boy, lad!” exclaimed the judge, in wonderment.
“Old enough to have a number of good inventions to his credit,” affirmed Ned.
“I’m amazed!” cried the judge, when finally convinced that the boy before him was the noted inventor, Tom Swift. “Well, well, this is indeed an honor! I’ve heard a lot about your wonderful inventions—who hasn’t?—but I never expected to have the pleasure of shaking you by the hand.”
As a matter of fact, the recognition stood Tom in good stead. It simplified matters immensely. His standing was established at once, and the tedious delay otherwise necessary in looking up his references was obviated.
They were deep in the discussion of terms, when Ned, who happened to be facing the window, saw an automobile coming up the road. It stopped at the gate and three men got out.
Ned gave a low whistle of surprise as he recognized them, and Tom and the judge looked up inquiringly.
“Hankinshaw and his partners,” explained Ned.
“Friends of yours?” asked the judge.
“No,” replied Ned. “We’ve known them chiefly in a business way. We——”