Nestor who had been kidnapped by mistake or they might have
insisted on his release. As it was, Lydane had Mary's father, and
was afraid to let him go, though really their prisoner became a
white elephant on the hands of the conspirators and kidnappers.
And it was after all this was cleared up, and Mr. Nestor
restored to his family and friends, that one day, Tom Swift
received another visit from Mr. Terrill, the government agent.
"Well, Mr. Swift," was the genial greeting, "I have come to
tell you that the favorable report made by my friends and myself
as to the performance of your noiseless motor, has been accepted
by the War Department, and I have come to ask what your terms
are. For how much will you sell your patent to the United
States?"
Tom Swift arose.
"The United States hasn't money enough to buy my patent of a
noiseless motor," he said.
"Wha--what!" faltered Mr. Terrill. "Why, I understood--you
don't mean--they told me you were rather patriotic, and--"
"I hope I am patriotic!" interrupted Tom with a smile. "And
when I say that the United States hasn't money enough to buy my
latest invention I mean just that.
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