.

Dr. Mays read it with knitted brows.

"So this explains it," he said as he returned it to Jack. "Your father
kept muttering about foolish speculations and ruin, but would not tell
me what he meant. Now it is all clear. Poor Chadwick, I'm afraid from
what he said that his fortune, all but a small amount, is wiped out."

"But will he get better, doctor?" asked Jack anxiously, disregarding
the monetary aspect of the affair.

"That all depends," said the doctor seriously, "on his freedom from
anxiety."

"You mean that he must not worry over money matters?"

"Precisely; but, as that letter states he is ruined, it will be hard
to set his mind at rest. If there were only some way of meeting the
situation!"

In the crucible of that moment an idea was borne to Jack that was
destined to lead him into strange paths.

"I think I know of a way," he said quietly, "that is, if the brokers'
message is not exaggerated."

But it was not. The next day confirmatory reports arrived of the wreck
of Mr. Chadwick's fortunes. In his room, attended constantly by Dr.
Mays, his friend as well as physician, the inventor raved of his
losses.

"We have got to think of some way of easing his mind," said Dr. Mays,
who had placed his regular practice in the hands of another doctor so
that he might be with Mr. Chadwick. "If only his fortune could be won
back."

"I think I know of a way," said Jack quietly.

The doctor stared at him as if he thought the boy had taken leave of
his senses.

"You know of a way?" he questioned incredulously.

"Yes, sir. At least if the information Tom and I have on the subject
is correct."

"I don't follow you," said the puzzled doctor. "Your father has lost
thousands."

Jack nodded.

"I know all that," he said.

"And yet you are prepared to get it back?"

"I said I thought there was a possibility," was Jack's quiet reply.

"And what may that be?"

"Did you ever hear of Z.2.X., doctor?" was the entirely unexpected
question.

CHAPTER XXII.

"Z.2.X."

"Z.2.X.? Well, such things are rather out of my line, but I have heard
of it--yes," replied the doctor, looking more puzzled than ever. "But
what do you know about it?"

"Till two days ago--nothing," replied Jack, "but now I believe that I
know where there is a trainload of it."

"Good heavens, boy, you don't know what you're talking about. Why, the
stuff is as valuable--as valuable as radium. Possibly it is worth
more."

"Then e