Looking to make sure his automatic was in readiness, an example followed by Ned, Tom stealthily advanced through the two back rooms of the house to the front one where the man was rummaging about.
Ned did not know just what Tom's plan of capture was, and perhaps the young inventor did not himself. But suddenly, as Tom observed the intruder pocket some toilet articles of silver, which, it developed later, Tom had placed in a dresser for the exclusive use of Mary Nestor, the young man's self control vanished.
With an angry exclamation Tom Swift fairly leaped into the front compartment where the man stood and, leveling his automatic at the intruder, the command came:
"Stick 'em up and do it quick!"
If the fellow had any intention of reaching for his gun, and a momentary deflection of one hand toward the side pocket of his coat would seem to indicate that, he soon gave over the idea as Tom went on:
"No tricks now! Put 'em up, and quick, or I'll let you have it!"
Ordinarily Tom Swift was the soul of politeness. But the sight of the vandal taking the things designed for Mary was too much for his self control. He "saw red," he afterward told Ned.
The look of amazement and fear on the man's face would have been laughable had not the situation been so serious. There was but a moment of hesitation and then up went the hands.
"Take his gun away, Ned," ordered Tom, and this was soon done. That momentary motion of one hand toward the coat pocket had indicated as plainly as words could have done where the weapon was hidden. It was an automatic of expensive make, and Tom put it in his own pocket with a grin of satisfaction.
"Now we've got you, let's hear your story!" ordered Tom, still covering the man with his pistol. "What are you doing here?"