Tom Swift and His Wireless Message; Or, The Castaways of Earthquake Island

king some adjustments to the motor of his airship, and glanced down the road

we certainly do need rain," he added, as he looked up toward the sky. "It's very dusty. Well, I may as w

ilt the airship, as well as several other crafts

ud of dust, however, held his atten

make so much fuss. And I never saw a motor-cycle that would kick up as much sand

r buildings surrounding it. But, as the lad had said, the dust did not move at all quickly in comparison to any

om spoke aloud, a habit of his when he was thinking, and had no one to talk to.

head, a puzzled look on his face. A few seconds later there c

car, but we sho' hab been goin' sence we started. Yo' sho' done yo'se'f proud t'day, Boomerang, an' I'se gwine t' keep mah promise an' g

e dusty road, and the rattle of some many-jointe

such speed as that cloud of dust indicates. His mule's feet must be working overtime, but he goes backw

he ball-like cloud of dirt cam

n sit down an' rest if yo' laik. Jest keep it up a little longe

blowing away. Tom Swift walked down to the fence that separated the house, grounds and shops from the

now, when we am most dere!" cried Eradic

ed wagon that was ever dignified by such a name. It was held together with bits of wire, rope and strings, and each of the four wheels leaned out at a different angle. It was drawn by a big mule,

ng his task of jerking on the lines, to which o

t of my shop to see what all the excitement was about.

he make good time," said the colored man. "An'

d time. I watched you, and you came along like an ice wagon after a da

Boomerang done better dan I 'spected he would. I done tole him yo'

"What have you and your mule Boomerang to d

ent on. "De agent at de station see me dribin' ober dis way, an' he done ast he t' deliber it. He said as how he ain't got no messenger boy now, 'cause de o

om, with a laugh, as he took the

d de agent t' say telephone. Anyhow, dere it is.

icate yanked on the reins, and us

on the darkey, raising his voice, "Dinnah am mos' rea

magical. The mule suddenly came t

uld cotch yo', Boomera

n the envelope of the telegram. "I might want to send

ge slowly, and Er

Massa Tom, fo' t' send

inventor, looking up from

othin' till he has it. Ef I started him back t' town now he would jes

this afternoon, Rad," and as the colored man, who, with his mule Boomerang, did odd jobs around the vill

l have written it. So he wants my help, eh? Well, I never heard of him, and he may be all right, but I had other plans, and I don't know whether I can spare the time to go

derly gentleman, who was walking slowly down the path that led

Tom?" asked

ust coming in to ask your advice ab

ntleman seemed much amused. "How did he ever

when he's in a hurry. But listen to this message, dad. I

who have promised to purchase several if it works well. I am in trouble, and I can't get it to rise off the ground. I need help. I have heard about your airship, and th

as his son finished reading the telegram.

going to ask your advice. What wou

elied upon to do just as he says. We are slightly acquainted. Perhaps it would be well to aid him, if you can spare the time. Not that you need the money, but

ttle flight. It was nothing particular, though. Dad, I think I will take a run to Philadelph

his son went into one of the shops, talking of

ollow his decision to go to the Quaker City, nor the danger i