, or we have failed," said
Mr. Bartholomew, with decision.

"But--" began Ned; but Tom put up an arresting hand and his financial
manager ceased speaking.

"I have not forgotten the details of our contract, Mr. Bartholomew," he
said, quietly. "Two-miles-a-minute is the target I have aimed for.
Whether I have hit it or not, well, time will show. I have got to try
the locomotive out on the tracks of the H. & P. A. in any case. The
Hercules Three-Oughts-One has been dragged a long distance, and has
been through at least one wreck. I want to see if she is all right
before I test her officially."

"I'll arrange that for you," said Mr. Bartholomew, briskly, putting
away his papers. "I will go with you, too, and take a look at the
marvel."

"And a marvel it is," grumbled Ned. "Don't let him fool you, Mr.
Bartholomew. Tom never does consider what he's done as being as great
as it really is."

"Everything must be proved," Tom said, cautiously. "If it was a
financial problem, Mr. Bartholomew, believe me it would be Ned who
displayed caution. But I have seldom built anything that could not--and
has not--later been improved."

"You do not consider your electric locomotive, then, a completed
invention?" asked Mr. Bartholomew, as the three walked down the yard.

"I have too much experience to say it is perfect," returned Tom. "I can
scarcely believe, even, that it is going to suit you, Mr. Bartholomew,
even if the speed test is as promising as I hope it may be."

"Humph!"

"But before I shall be willing to throw up the sponge and say that I
have failed, I shall monkey with the Hercules Three-Oughts-One quite a
little on your tracks."

"Your six months isn't up yet," said Mr. Bartholomew, more cheerfully.
"And it doesn't matter if it is. If you see any chance of making a
success of your invention, you are welcome to try it out on the tracks
of the H. & P. A. for another six months."

"All right," Tom said, smiling. "Now, there is the Hercules
Three-Oughts-One, Mr. Bartholomew. And there is Koku looking longingly
through the window."

In fact, the giant, the moment he saw Tom, ran to unbar and open the
door of the cab on that side.

"Master! If no let Koku out, Koku go amuck--crazy! No can breathe in
here! No can eat! No can sleep!"

"The poor fellow!" ejaculated Ned.

"What's the matter with him?" asked Mr. Bartholomew, curiously.

"Get out, if you want to, Koku. I'll stay by while you kick up your
heels."

N