At other times the scientist would stroll about the extensive
grounds, making what he said were "observations." One afternoon
Tom saw him, apparently much excited, kneeling down back of a
shed, with his ear to the ground.
"What is the matter?" asked the lad, thinking perhaps Mr.
Parker might be ill.
"Have you ever had any earthquakes here, Tom Swift?" asked the
scientist, quietly.
"Earthquakes? No. We had enough of them on the island."
"And you are going to have one here, in about two minutes!"
cried Mr. Parker. "I predict that this place will be shaken by a
tremendous shock very soon. We had all better get away from the
vicinity of buildings."
"What makes you think there will be an earthquake?" asked Tom.
"Because I can hear the rumbling beneath the ground at this
very minute. It is increasing in volume, showing that the tremors
are working this way. There will soon be a great subterranean
upheaval! Listen for yourself."
Tom cast himself down on the grass. Placing his ear close to
the ground he did hear a series of dull thuds. He arose, not a
little alarmed. There had never been any earthquakes in Shopton,
yet he had great respect for Mr. Parker's scientific attainments.
Just then Eradicate Sampson came along. He saw Tom and Mr.
Parker lying flat on the ground, and surprise showed on his
honest, black face.
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