第13章

"Mr.Swift," he said, "I wish you would reconsider your determination not to enter the Government trials.I'd like to see you compete.So would my firm.""There is no use going over that again," replied the aged inventor."I have another object in view now than trying for the Government prize.What it is I can't say, but it may develop in time--if we are successful," and he looked at his son, smiling the while.

Mr.Berg tried to argue, but it was of no avail Then he changed his manner, and said:

"Well, since you won't, you won't, I suppose.I'll go back and report to my firm.Have you anything special to do this morning?" he went on to Tom.

"Well, I can always find something to keep me busy," replied the lad, "but as for anything special--""I thought perhaps you'd like to go for a trip in my auto," interrupted Mr.Berg."I had asked a young man who is stopping at the same hotel where I am to accompany me, but he has unexpectedly left, and I don't like to go alone.His name was--let me see.I have a wretched memory for names, but it was something like Roger or Moger.""Foger!" cried Tom."Was it Andy Foger?"

"Yes, that was it.Why, do you know him?" asked Mr.Berg in some surprise.

"I should say so," replied Tom."He was the cause of what might have resulted in something serious for me," and the lad explained about being imprisoned in the tank.

"You don't tell me!" cried Mr.Berg."I had no idea he was that kind of a lad.You see, his father is one of the directors of the firm by whom I am employed.Andy came from home to spend a few weeks at the seaside, and stopped at the same hotel that I did.He went off yesterday afternoon, and I haven't seen him since, though he promised to go for a ride with me.He must have come over here and entered your shop unobserved.I remember now he asked me where the submarine was being built that was going to compete with our firm's, and I told him.I didn't think he was that kind of a lad.Well, since he's probably gone back home, perhaps you will come for a ride with me, Tom.""I'm afraid I can't go, thank you," answered the lad."We are very busy getting our submarine in shape for a trial.But I can imagine why Andy left so hurriedly.He probably learned that a doctor had been summoned for me, though, as it happened, I didn't need one.But Andy probably got frightened at what he had done, and left.I'll make him more sorry, when I meet him.""Don't blame you a bit," commented Mr.Berg."Well, I must be getting back."He hastened out to his auto, while Tom and his father watched the agent.

"Tom, never trust that man," advised the aged inventor solemnly.

"Just what I was about to remark," said his son."Well, let's get back to work.Queer that he should come here again, and it's queer about Andy Foger."Father and son returned to the machine shop, while Mr.Berg puffed away in his auto.A little later, Tom having occasion to go to a building near the boundary line of the cottage property which his father had hired for the season, saw, through the hedge that bordered it, an automobile standing in the road.A second glance showed him that it was Mr.Berg's machine.Something had gone wrong with it, and the agent had alighted to make an adjustment.

The young inventor was close to the man, though the latter was unaware of his presence.

"Hang it all!" Tom heard Mr.Berg exclaim to himself."I wonder what they can be up to? They won't enter the Government contests, and they won't say why.I believe they're up to some game, and I've got to find out what it is.I wonder if I couldn't use this Foger chap?""He seems to have it in for this Tom Swift," Mr.Berg went on, still talking to himself, though not so low but that Tom could hear him."I think I'll try it.I'll get Andy Foger to sneak around and find out what the game is.He'll do it, I know."By this time the auto was in working order again, and the agent took his seat and started off.

"So that's how matters lie, eh?" thought Tom."Well, Mr.Berg, we'll be doubly on the lookout for you after this.As for Andy Foger, I think I'll make him wish he'd never locked me in that tank.So you expect to find out our 'game,' eh, Mr.Berg? Well, when you do know it, I think it will astonish you.I only hope you don't learn what it is until we get at that sunken treasure, though."But alas for Tom's hopes.Mr.Berg did learn of the object of the treasure-seekers, and sought to defeat them, as we shall learn as our story proceeds.