Part 7 (1/2)
”Have you done any yet?”
”No, but I expect to.”
”What kind of a camera are you going to use?” asked Mr. Eckert eagerly.
”I must decline to answer that,” replied Tom, a bit stiffly.
”Oh, that's all right,” spoke Mr. Turbot, good naturedly. ”Only 'Spotty' was bragging that you were making a new kind of film for him, and we wondered if it was on the market.”
”We are always looking for improvements,” added Mr. Eckert.
”This camera isn't on the market,” replied Tom, on his guard as to how he answered.
The two men whispered together for a moment, and then Mr. Turbot said:
”Well, as I remarked, we're men of business, and there's no use beating about the bush. We've heard of you, Tom Swift, and we know you can do things. Usually, in this world, every man has his price, and we're willing to pay big to get what we want. I don't know what offer Mr.
Period made to you, but I'll say this: We'll give you double what he offered, for the exclusive rights to your camera, whenever it's on the market, and we'll pay you a handsome salary to work for us.”
”I'm sorry, but I can't consider the offer,” replied Tom firmly. ”I have given my word to Mr. Period. I have a contract with him, and I cannot break it.”
”Offer him three times what Period did,” said Mr. Eckert, in a hoa.r.s.e whisper that Tom heard.
”It would be useless!” exclaimed our hero. ”I wouldn't go back on my word for a hundred times the price I am to get. I am not in this business so much for the money, as I am for the pleasure of it.”
The men were silent a moment. There were ugly looks on their faces.
They looked sharply at Tom and Ned. Then Mr. Eckert said:
”You'll regret this, Tom Swift. We are the biggest firm of moving picture promoters in the world. We always get what we want.”
”You won't get my camera,” replied Tom calmly.
”I don't know about that!” exclaimed Mr. Turbot, as he made a hasty stride toward Tom, who stood in front of the door leading to the shop--the shop where his camera, almost ready for use, was on a bench.
”I guess if we--”
”Koku!” suddenly called Tom.
The giant stepped into the front office. He had been standing near the door, inside the main shop. Mr. Turbot who had stretched forth his hand, as though to seize Tom, and his companion, who had advanced toward Ned, fairly jumped back in fright at the sight of the big man.
”Koku,” went on Tom, in even tones, ”just show these gentlemen to the front door--and lock it after them,” he added significantly, as he turned back into the shop, followed by Ned.
”Yes, Mr. Tom,” answered the giant, and then, with his big hand, and brawny fist, he gently turned the two men toward the outer door. They were gasping in surprise as they looked at the giant.
”You'll be sorry for this, Tom Swift!” exclaimed Mr. Turbot. ”You'll regret not having taken our offer. This Period chat is only a small dealer. We can do better by you. You'll regret--”
”You'll regret coming here again,” snapped Tom, as he closed the door of his shop, leaving Koku to escort the baffled plotters to their auto.
Shortly afterward Tom and Ned heard the car puffing away.
”Well, they came, just as Mr. Period said they would,” spoke Tom, slowly.