As for the young inventor, he gave a gasp, almost as if he had plunged into a bath of icy water, at the sight of so many pretty faces staring at him.  He said afterward that he would rather have vol-planed back to earth from a seven-mile height, than again face such a battery of sparkling eyes.

But our hero soon recovered himself, and entered into the merriment of the evening, and, before he knew it he was telling Miss Nestor and her attractive guests something of his exploits.

“But I’m talking altogether too much about myself.” he said, finally.  “How is the new cook Miss Nestor; and have you heard from your father and mother since they sailed on the resolute for the West Indies?”

“As to the new cook, she is a jewel of the first water,” answered Miss Nestor.  “We all like her, and she is anxious for another ride in a taxicab, as she calls your auto.”

“She shall have it,” declared Tom, “for those are the best apple turnovers I ever ate.”

“I’ll tell her so,” declared Mary.  “She’ll appreciate it coming from an inventor of your ability.”

“Have you heard from your parents?” asked Tom, anxious to change the subject.

“Oh, yes.  I had a wire to-day.  They stopped at St. Augustine to let me know they were having a glorious time aboard the yacht.  Mr. Hosbrook, the owner, is an ideal host, mamma said.  They are proceeding directly to the West Indies, now.  I do hope they will arrive safely.  They say there are bad storms down there at this time of year.”

“Perhaps, if they are shipwrecked, Mr. Swift will go to their rescue in one of his airships, or a submarine,” suggested Mabel Jackson, one of the several pretty girls.

“Oh, I hope he doesn’t have to!” exclaimed Mary.  “Don’t speak of shipwrecks!  It makes me shudder,” and she seemed unduly alarmed.

“Of course they won’t have any trouble,” asserted Tom, confidently, more to reassure Miss Nestor, than from any knowledge he possessed; “but if they do get cast away on a desert island, I’ll certainly go to their rescue,” he added.

It was late when Tom started for home that night, for the society of Miss Nestor and her friends made the time pass quickly.  He promised to call again, and try some more samples of the new cook’s culinary art, as soon as he had gotten Mr. Fenwick’s airship in shape for flying.

As, later that night, the young inventor came in sight of his home, and the various buildings and shops surrounding it, his first glance was toward the shed which contained his monoplane, butterfly.  That little craft was Tom’s pet.  It had not cost him anything like as much as had his other inventions, either in time or money, but he cared more for it than for his big airship, Red cloud.  This was principally because the butterfly was so light and airy, and could be gotten ready so quickly for a flight across country.  It was capable of long endurance, too, for an extra large supply of gasolene and oil was carried aboard.