But we do claim the right, in common decency, to ask if you
have seen anything of Tom. There may have been an accident;
there may have been foul play; and there may be
international complications in this business. If there are,
those involved won't get off as easily as they think. I'd
advise you to keep a civil tongue in your head and answer
our questions. If we have to get the police and detectives
out here, as well as the governmental department of justice,
you may have to answer their questions, and they won't be as
decent to you as we are!"
"Hurray!" whispered Mr Damon to Ned. "That's the way to
talk!"
And indeed the forceful remarks of the young bank clerk
did appear to have a salutary effect on the surly farmer.
His manner changed at once and his grin faded.
"I don't know nothing about Tom Swift or any of your
friends," he said. "I've got my farm work to do, and I do
it. It's hard enough to earn a living these war times
without taking part in plots. I haven't seen Tom Swift since
the trouble he made about my barn."
"Then he hasn't been here to-day?" asked Ned.
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