"No one knew. Whether he reached giant land and was killed there, or whether he was struck down by some wild beast in the jungle, I never could find out. The natives under Zacatas waited in camp for him for some time, and then went back to the Amazon region where they belonged. That's all the news I could get.
"But I'm sure there are giants in the interior of South America, for Jake always knew what he was talking about. Now I want to do two things, I want to get on the trail of poor Jake Poddington if I can ,and I want a giant—two or three of them if it can be managed.
"Ever since Jake disappeared I've been trying to arrange things to make a search for him, and for the giants, but up to now something has been in the way. I happened to mention the matter to my friend, Mr. Damon, and he at once spoke of you, Tom Swift.
"Now, what I want to know is this: Will you undertake to get a giant for me, rescue Jake Poddington if he is alive in the interior of South America, or, if he is dead, find out how it happened and give him decent burial? Will you do this, Tom Swift?"
There was a silence in the room following the dramatic and simple recital of the circus man. Tom was strangely moved, as was his chum Ned.
