文档介绍：TOM SWIFT AMONG THE FIRE FIGHTERS
TOM SWIFT AMONG
THE FIRE FIGHTERS
(OR Battling with Flames from the Air)
VICTOR APPLETON
1
TOM SWIFT AMONG THE FIRE FIGHTERS
CHAPTER I
A BAD PLACE FOR A FIRE
"IMPOSSIBLE, Ned! It can't be as much as that!"
"Well, you can prove the additions yourself, Tom, on one of the adding
machines. I've been over 'em twice, and get the same result each time.
There are the figures. They say figures don't lie, though it doesn't follow
that the opposite is true, for those who do not stick closely to the truth do,
sometimes, figure. But there you have it; your financial statement for the
year," and Ned Newton, business manager for Tom Swift, the talented
young inventor, shoved a mass of papers across the table to his friend and
chum, as well as employer.
"It doesn't seem possible, Ned, that we have made as much as that this
past year. And this, as I understand it, doesn't include what was taken from
the wreck of the Pandora?"
Tom Swift looked questioningly at Ned Newton, who shook his head
in answer.
"You really didn't get anything to speak of out of your undersea search,
Tom," replied the young financial manager, "so I didn't include it. But
there's enough without that."
"I should say so!" exclaimed Tom. "Whew!" he whistled, "I didn't
think I was worth that much."
"Well, you've earned it, every cent, with the inventions of yourself and
your father."
"And I might add that we wouldn't have half we earn if it wasn't for
the shrewd way you look after us, Ned," said Tom, with a warm smile at
his friend. "I appreciate the way you manage our affairs; for, though I have
had some pretty good luck with my searchlight, wizard camera, war tank
and other contraptions, I never would have been able to save any of the
money they brought in if it hadn't been for you."
"Well, that's what I'm here for," remarked Ned modestly.
"I appreciate that," began Tom Swift. "And I want to say, Ned--"
But Tom did not say wha