Page:Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive.djvu/13

 A TEMPTING OFFER

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to put all my cards on the table; but I expect the Swift Construction Company to take anything I may say as said in confidence.” “We quite understand that, Mr. Bartholomew,” Swift, softly. elder speak freely. Whether wedo business or not, these walls are soundproof, and om and I can for get, or remember, as we wish. Of course if we take up any work for you, we must confide to a certain extent in our dose associates and trusted mechanics.” “Humph!” grunted e visitor, turning rest lessly again in his chair. Then he said: “I a ee as e necessity of that last statement; but I can only hope that these walls are soundproof.” “What’s that ?“ demanded Tom, rather sharply. He was a bright looking young fellow with an alert air and a rather humorous smile. His father was a semi-invalid; but om ssessed all mental vigor and muscular energy that a young neglected man should have. He had not his athletic developgient while he made the best use of his mental powers. “Believe me,” said the visitor, quite as harshly as before, “I begin to doubt the solidity of all walls. I know that I have watched, and spied upon, and that eavesdroppers ye played bob with our affairs. “of late, there has been little planned in the