"Because I had an experience with one, and I believe he was a member of the same gang who robbed me." And thereupon Tom told of his encounter with Happy Harry, and how the latter had broken the wire on the motor-cycle.
"You had a narrow escape," commented Mr. Swift "If I had known the dangers involved I would never have allowed you to take the model to Albany."
"Well, I didn't take it there, after all," said Tom with a grim smile, for he could appreciate a joke.
"I must hurry and pack my valise," went on Mr. Swift. "Mrs. Baggert, we will have an early supper, and I will start at once for Albany."
"I wish I could go with you, dad, to make up for the trouble I caused," spoke Tom.
"Tut, tut! Don't talk that way," advised his father kindly. "I will be glad of the trip. It will ease my mind to be doing something."
Tom felt rather lonesome after his father had left, but he laid out a plan of action for himself that he thought would keep him occupied until his father returned. In the first place he made a tour of the house and various machine shops to see that doors and windows were securely fastened.
"What's the matter? Do you expect burglars,
