I can succeed or not, and I don't want to raise false hopes."
"Then you would prefer not to tell any of us?"
"No one—that is except Mr. Fenwick and Mr. Damon. I may need them to help me."
"I see," responded Mr. Hosbrook. "Well, whatever it is, I wish you luck. It is certainly a fearful place—this island," and, busy with many thoughts, which crowded upon him, the millionaire moved away, leaving Tom alone.
A little while after this Tom might have been seen in close conversation with Mr. Damon and Mr. Fenwick. The former, on hearing what the young inventor had to say, blessed himself and his various possessions so often, that he seemed to have gotten out of breath. Mr. Fenwick exclaimed:
"Tom, if you can work that it will be one of the greatest things you have ever done!"
"I hope I can work it," was all the young inventor replied.
For the next three days Tom, and his two friends, spent most of their time in the neighborhood of the pile of machinery and apparatus taken from the wrecked Whizzer. Mr. Jenks hung around the spot, but a word or two from Mr. Hosbrook sent him away, and our three
