DAMON'S WHIZZER
Characteristic it was of Tom Swift that he did not seem at all
surprised at what most young men would call a liberal offer.
Certainly not many youths of Tom's age would be sought out by a
big manufacturing concern, and offered ten thousand dollars a
year "right off the reel," as Ned Newton expressed it later. But
Tom only smiled and shook his head in negation.
"What!" cried Mr. Gale, "you mean you won't accept our offer?"
"I can't," answered Tom.
"You can't!" exclaimed the treasurer, Mr. Ware. "Oh, I see. Mr.
Gale, a word with you. Excuse us a moment," he added to Tom and
his father.
The two men consulted in a corner of the library for a moment,
and then, with smiles on their faces, once more turned toward the
young inventor.
"Well, perhaps you are right, Tom Swift," said Mr. Gale. "Of
course, we recognize your talents and ability, but you cannot
blame us for trying to get talent, as well as material for our
airships, in the cheapest market. But we are not hide-bound, nor
sticklers for any set sum. We'll make that offer fifteen thousand
dollars a year, if you will sign a five-year contract and agree
that we shall have first claim on anything and everything you may
patent or invent in that time.
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