Each one fears that the United States will cease
to be neutral, and will aid one or the other."
"Oh, so that's' it?" exclaimed Tom.
"Yes, each nation, which may, at a moments notice, be drawn
into a war with one or more rival nations, fears that we may
throw in our lot with its enemies."
"And, to prevent that, they want to destroy some of my
inventions?" asked Tom.
"That's the way I believe it will work out. So you must be
careful, especially since you have taken on so many new men."
"That's so," agreed the young inventor. "I have had to engage
more strangers than ever before, for I am anxious to get the
Mars finished and give it a good test. And, now that you have
mentioned it, there are some of those men of whom I am a bit
suspicious."
"Have they done anything to make you feel that way?" asked the
lieutenant.
"Well, not exactly; it is more their bearing, and the manner in
which they go about the works. I must keep my eye on them, for it
takes only a few discontented men to spoil a whole shop full. I
will be on my guard."
"And not only about your new airship and other inventions,"
said the officer, "but about yourself, personally.
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