Drivers of cars who passed or approached the House on Wheels stared curiously at it, and more than one was heard to remark to a companion:
"Some advertising stunt, I guess."
"That might not be bad," commented Ned, after one or two repetitions of this.
"What?" asked Tom, who was intent on listening to the hum of the motor to detect a false note or failure of the oiling system.
"Using this for advertising," said Ned. "Many a firm would pay big money to have a sign painted on the sides of this car, calling attention to the merits of Blank's chewing gum or Hank's breakfast food."
"There are no advertisements going on this!" decided Tom. "I'll make my money some other way."
"Even if you have to take on Cunningham's proposition?" teased Ned.
"I'll never have anything to do with that crook!" said the young man as he slowed down to turn a corner which would take them out on the big state highway. "I'll close down the plant before I'll help him infringe on other inventors. I've had that done to me too many times not to know what it means. No Cunningham in mine!"
They were now in comparatively open country, and though there was more traffic on the state road than on the thoroughfare they had left in coming from the Swift plant, there was not enough to worry a driver of Tom's experience.
"You need a hill for a real stiff test," remarked Ned.