n the house, being out in one of the various
buildings, Mrs. Baggert said.

"Where's Tom?" asked the bond salesman.

"Oh, he hasn't come back from Washington yet," answered the housekeeper.

"He is making a long stay."

"Yes, he went about a week ago on some business. But we expect him back
to-day."

"Well, then I'll see him. I called to ask if Mr. Swift didn't want to
take a few more bonds. We want to double our allotment for Shopton, and
beat out some of the other towns in this section. I'll go to see Mr.
Swift."

On his way to find Tom's father Ned passed the big building in front of
which Eradicate and Koku were on guard. They nodded to Ned, who passed
them, wondering much as to what it was Tom was so secretive about.

"It's the first time I remember when he worked on an invention without
telling me something about it," mused Ned. "Well, I suppose it will
all come out in good time. Anything new, Rad?"

"No, Massa Ned, nuffin much. I'm detectin' around heah; keepin'
Dutchmen spies away!"

"And Koku is helping you, I suppose?"

"Whut, him? Dat big, good-fo'-nuffin white trash? No, sah! I's
detectin' by mahse'f, dat's whut I is!" and Eradicate strutted proudly
up and down on his allotted part of the beat, being careful not to
approach the building too closely, for that was Koku's ground.

Ned smiled, and passed on. He found Mr. Swift, secured his subscription
to more bonds, and was about to leave when he heard a call down the
road and saw Tom coming in his small racing car, which had been taken
to the depot by one of the workmen.

"Hello, old man!" cried Ned affectionately, as his chum alighted with a
jump. "Where have you been?"

"Down to Washington. Had a bit of a chat with the President and gave
him some of my views."

"About the war, I suppose?" laughed Ned.

"Yes."

"Did you get your commission?"

"Commission?" And there was a wondering look on Tom's face.

"Yes. Mary Nestor said she thought maybe you were going to Washington
to take an examination for the engineering corps or something like
that. Did you get made an officer?"

"No," answered Tom slowly. "I went to Washington to get exempted."

"Exempted?" Cried Ned, and his voice sounded strained.

Chapter VI

Seeing Things

For a moment Tom Swift looked at his chum. Then something of what was
passing in the mind of the young bond salesman must have been reflected
to Tom, for he said,

"Look here, old man; I know it may