"
And this, eventually, was done. After much hemming and
hawing and consultation with the men in the automobile, Mr.
Kanker said he would accept the bonds. It was made clear
that they were not in payment of any damages, though Tom
admitted he was liable for some, but that Uncle Sam's war
securities were only a sort of bail, given to indicate that,
some time later, when a jury had passed on the matter, the
young inventor would pay Mr. Kanker whatever sum was agreed
upon as just.
"And now," said Tom, as politely as he could under the
circumstances, "I suppose we will be allowed to depart."
"Yes, take your old shebang offen my property!" ordered
Mr. Kanker, with no very good grace. "And if you go knocking
down any more barns, I'll double the price on you!"
"I guess he's a bit roiled because he couldn't hold the
tank," observed Ned to Tom, as they walked together to the
big machine. "His friends--our enemies--evidently hoped
that was what could be done. They want to get at some of the
secrets."
"I suppose so," conceded Tom. "Well, we're out of that,
and I've proved all I want to.
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