Thereupon Tom told Ned something which made that young man open his eyes. But even at the end, when the plans were all detailed, the business manager was a bit doubtful.
“It’s risky, Tom,” he said. “I’m afraid to have you go there alone to meet these fellows.”
“There’s no danger, I tell you. I’m not afraid. My plans have been too carefully made to permit of failure.”
But Ned’s face was serious, and when Mr. Swift heard of what his son proposed to do he added his appeals to the young inventor, asking him to try some other and less risky method.
“This is the only way,” declared Tom. “I’m going to that midnight meeting.”
When the time came, Tom Swift set off in one of his motorboats alone, heading across Lake Carlopa in the darkness, guiding his craft toward the sinister black shape of Rattlesnake Island.
CHAPTER XX
MASKED MEN
Tom Swift sat at the wheel of his craft, his hands on the spokes and his eyes gazing ahead through the darkness. He had set a straight course for Rattlesnake Island and wondered what would happen after he arrived. In spite of his bold words to Ned Newton, the young inventor was a little apprehensive, as well he might be.