CHAPTER XXII
OFF TO THE MEET
Softly Tom tiptoed into the room where his father lay. At the bedside were the three doctors, and the nurse followed the young inventor in. Mrs. Baggert stood in the hall, and near her was Garret Jackson. The aged housekeeper had been weeping, but she smiled at Tom through her tears.
"I think he's going to get well," she whispered. She always looked on the bright side of things. Tom's heart felt better.
"You must only speak a few words to him," cautioned the specialist, who had performed such a rare and delicate operation, near the heart of the invalid. "He is very weak, Tom."
Mr. Swift opened his eyes as his son approached. He looked around feebly.
"Tom—are you there?" he asked in a whisper.
"Yes, dad," was the eager answer.
"They tell me you—you made a great trip to
165
