"
"But I did not. I came East, and tried to get help to discover
the cave of the diamond makers, but I was unsuccessful. I needed
an airship, as I--said, and no person who could operate one,
would agree to go with me on the quest. Again I received a
warning to drop all search for the diamond makers, but I
persisted, and about a week ago I found I was being shadowed."
"Shadowed; by whom?" asked Tom.
"By a man I never remember seeing, but who, I have no doubt, is
one of the diamond-making gang."
"Do you think he means you harm?"
"I'm sure of it. That is the reason I have to act so in secret,
and come to see you at night. I don't want those scoundrels to
find out what I am about to do. On my return from Earthquake
Island, I again endeavored to interest an airship man in my plan,
but he evidently thought me insane. Then I thought of you, as I
had done before, but I was afraid you, too, would laugh at my
proposition. However, I decided to come here, and I did. It
seemed almost providential that my first view of you was in a
jewelry shop, looking at diamonds. I took it as a good omen. Now
it remains with you. May I call here to-morrow night, and get
your answer?"
Tom Swift made up his mind quickly. After all it would be easy
enough to find out if the diamonds were real.
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