“I kin carry dem,” said Eradicate.  “I ain’t got much baggage of mah own.”

So it was arranged, and early the next morning the little band of intrepid travelers, who were going in search of giant land, started for New York.  They little knew what was ahead of them, nor what dire perils they were to pass through.

Of course Tom had said good-bye to Mary Nestor and half-jokingly, he had promised to bring back a giant of his own, that she might see one outside of a circus.

“But, Tom,” Mary exclaimed with a laugh, “what will you do with one of the big creatures if you get one?”

“Have him help me on my newest invention—­the noiseless airship,” answered the young inventor.  “I need some one to lift heavy weights.  It will save putting up a derrick.  Yes, I think I’ll get a giant of my own.”

The last good-byes were said, and the parting between Tom and his father was affecting.

“I’ll soon be back, dad,” he said in as cheerful a tone as he could assume, “and I’ll help you finish your gyroscope.”

“I hope you will, Tom,” and then, with a pressure of his son’s hand, Mr. Swift turned away and went into the house, closing the door after him.

The first part of the trip to New York was rather a silent one, no one caring to talk much.  Eradicate was the only cheerful member of the party, which included the circus man, who was going as far as the steamer with Tom and his friends.

“Say,” Ned exclaimed finally, “any one would think we were going to a funeral!”

“That’s right,” agreed Tom.  “I guess something is on all our nerves.  Let’s do something to take it off.  Here comes a boy with some funny papers.  We’ll buy some and read all the jokes.”

This proved a diversion, and before the train had gone many miles more the giant-hunters were talking and laughing as though they were merely starting on a short pleasure trip, instead of an expedition to the dangerous jungles of South America.

They put up at a good hotel in New York, and as soon as they were established Tom and Mr. Preston went to the steamer Calaban which was to land them at Buenos Ayres.  They found that there was some confusion about their luggage and boxes, and it took them the better part of a day to get the tangle straightened out, and their stuff stored together in one hold.

“It will be easier to get it out if it’s all together,” said Tom, at the conclusion of their labors, and then he and the circus man returned to the hotel.  The ship was to sail two days later, and, several hours before the time set for the departure, Tom and his friends were on board.

“You don’t see anything of your rival circus friend, do you?” asked Tom, of the man who wanted a giant.

“Not a sign,” was the answer, as Mr. Preston glanced over the throng of on-coming passengers.  “I guess we’ve either given him the slip, or he’s given up the game.  You won’t have to worry about him.  Just take it easy until you start for the interior, and from then on you’ll have hard work enough.”