8 TOM SWIFT'S ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE
a scheme, Gentlemen, by which we can counter-
balance any dig Lewis can give us in the ribs.
"If we can extend our electrified line into and
through the Pas Alos Range our freight traffic
can be handled so cheaply and so effectively that
nothing the Hendrickton & Western can do for
years to come will hurt us. Get that?"
"I get your statement, Mr. Bartholomew," said Mr. Swift. "But it is merely a statement as yet."
“Sure. Now I will give you the particulars. We are using the Jandel locomotives on our elec- trified stretch of road. You know that patent?" "I know something about it, Mr. Bartholo- mew," said the younger inventor. "I have felt some interest in the electric locomotive, though I have done nothing practical in the matter. But I know the Jandel patent."
"It is about the best there is and the most recent; but it does not fill the bill. Not for the H. & P. A., anyway," said Mr. Bartholomew, shortly.
"What does it lack?" asked Mr. Swift.
"Speed. It's got the power for heavy hauls.
It could handle the freight through the Pas Alos Range. But it would slow up our traffic so that the shippers would at once turn to the Hendrick- ton & Western. You understand that their rails do not begin to engage the grades that our en-
