"Maybe I will some day, but, speaking of autos, did you see the one Andy Foger has?"
"Yes; it's a beaut! Have you seen it?"
"Altogether at too close range. He nearly ran over me this morning," and the young inventor related the occurrence.
"Oh, Andy always was too fresh," commented Ned; "and since his father let him get the touring car I suppose he'll be worse than ever."
"Well, if he tries to run me down again he'll get into trouble," declared Tom, calling for a second cup of coffee.
The two chums began conversing on more congenial topics, and Ned was telling of a new camera he had, when, from a table directly behind him, Tom heard some one say in rather loud tones:
"The plant is located in Shopton, all right, and the buildings are near Swift's house."
Tom started, and listened more intently.
"That will make it more difficult," one man answered. "But if the invention is as valuable as——"
"Hush!" came a caution from another of the party. "This is too public a place to discuss the matter. Wait until we get out. One of us will have to see Swift, of course, and if he proves stubborn——"
