“I know you’re going.  I can see it.  Why, it will be just the very thing you need.  You’ll get more fame out of this thing than from any of your other inventions.  Come, say you’ll do it.

“I’ll tell you what I’ll do !” he went on eagerly.  “After you make the camera, and take a lot of films, showing strange and wonderful scenes, I’ll put at the end of each film, next to my picture, your name, and a statement showing that you took the originals.  How’s that?  Talk about being advertised!  Why you can’t beat it!  Millions of people will read your name at the picture shows every night.”

“I am not looking for advertisements,” said Tom, with a laugh.

“Well, then, think of the benefit you will be to science,” went on Mr. Period quickly.  “Think of the few people who have seen wild animals as they are, of those who have ever seen an earth-quake, or a volcano in action.  You can go to Japan, and get pictures of earthquakes.  They have them on tap there.  And as for volcanoes, why the Andes mountains are full of ’em.  Think of how many people will be thankful to you for showing them these wonderful scenes.”

“And think of what might happen if I should take a tumble into a crack in the earth, or down a hot volcano, or fall into a jungle when there was a fight on among the elephants,” suggested Tom.  “My airship might take a notion to go down when I was doing the photographing,” he added.

“No.  Nothing like that will happen to Tom Swift,” was the confident answer of the picture man.  “I’ve read of your doings.  You don’t have accidents that you can’t get the better of.  But come, I know you’re thinking of it, and I’m sure you’ll go.  Let me make you out this check, sign a contract which I have all ready, and then get to work on the camera.”

Tom was silent a moment.  Then he said: 

“Well, I admit that there is something attractive about it.  I hoped I was going to stay home. for a long time.  But—­”

“Then you’ll go!” cried Mr. Period eagerly.  “Here’s the money,” and he quickly filled out a check for Tom’s first expenses, holding the slip of paper toward the young inventor.

“Wait a minute!  Hold on!” cried Tom.  “Not so fast if you please.  I haven’t yet made up my mind.”

“But you will; won’t you?” asked Mr. Period.

“Well, I’ll make up my mind, one way or the other,” replied the young man.  “I won’t say I’ll go, but—­”

“I’ll tell you what I’ll do!” interrupted Mr. Period.  “I’m a busy man, and every second is worth money to me.  But I’ll wait for you to make up your mind.  I’ll give you until to-morrow night.  How’s that?  Fair, isn’t it?”

“Yes—­I think so.  I am afraid—­”

“I’m not!” broke in the picture man.  “I know you’ll decide to go.  Think of the fun and excitement you’ll have.  Now I’ve taken up a lot of your time, and I’m going to leave you alone.  I’ll be back tomorrow evening for my answer.  But I know you’re going to get those moving pictures for me.  Is that giant of yours anywhere about?” he asked, as he looked cautiously around before leaving the shop.  “I don’t want to fall into his hands again.”