ossessing individual," commented Mr. Titus.
"Well, now what's the first thing to be done, Tom Swift?"

"Get me some samples of the rock, so I can begin my experiments."

"I'll do that. And now let us consider about going to Peru. For I'm
sure you will be successful in your experiments, and will find for us
just the powder or explosive we need."

"We can go together." said Mr. Damon. "I shall certainly feel more at
home in that wild country if I know Tom Swift is with me, and I will
appreciate the help of you and your friends, Mr. Titus, in
straightening out the tangles of our drug business."

"I'll do all I can for you, Mr. Damon."

The three then talked at some length regarding possible plans. Tom sent
out word to one of his men to keep a sharp watch around the house and
grounds, against the possible return of Waddington, but nothing more
was seen of him, at least for the time being.

Mr. Titus drew up a sort of tentative agreement with Tom, binding his
firm to pay a large sum in case the young inventor was successful, and
then the contractor left, promising to have the rock samples come on
later by express.

Mr. Damon, after blessing a few dozen more or less impersonal objects,
took his departure, his fractious horse having quieted down in the
meanwhile, and Tom was left to himself.

"I wonder what I've let myself in for now," the youth mused, as he went
back to his laboratory. "It's a new field for me--tunnel blasting.
Well, perhaps something may come of it."

But of the strange adventure that was to follow his agreement to help
Mr. Titus, our hero, Tom Swift, had not the least inkling.

Tom went back to his labors over the gyroscope problem, but he could
arrive at no satisfactory conclusion, and, tossing aside the papers,
covered with intricate figures, he exclaimed:

"Oh, I'm going for a walk! This thing is getting on my nerves."

He strolled through the Shopton streets, and as he reached the
outskirts of the town, he saw just ahead of him the figure of a girl.
Tom quickened his pace, and presently was beside her.

"Where are you going, Mary?" he asked.

"Oh, Tom! How you startled me!" she exclaimed, turning around. "I was
just thinking of you."

"Thanks! Something nice?"

"I shan't tell you!" and she blushed. "But where are you going?"

"Walking with you!"

Tom was nothing if not bold.

"Hadn't you better wait until you're asked?" she retorted,
mischievously.

"If I did I might not get an