Tom Swift in Captivity, Or, A Daring Escape By Airship

" exclaimed Ned, as he settled

more bring away some of the big men, is something I leave to you, Tom Swift. After you have heard my story, if you decide to go, I'll stand all the expenses of fitting out an ex

liked Mr. Preston, even at first sight, in spite of his "loud" attire, and the rather "circusy" manner in w

ns, for the public demands them. Once get in the rut of having nothing new, and your business will fall off. I know, for I've been in the business, man and boy, for nearly forty years. I beg

. The public wanted 'em and we had to have 'em. Some of 'em were fakes--men on stilts with long pants to cover up their legs, and others

rs, jaguars and leopards that I got on the track of the giants. It was about a year ago, b

n his chair, nodded at Mr. Damon, who was listeni

luck hunting along the Amazon. In the first place that region has been pretty well cleaned out of circus animals, and another thing it

big jump, and hike it for the Argentine Republic. He had a tip that along

me time, and, when I did, I got the finest collection of animals I had ever laid eyes on. I got them about the same

he giants?" inter

way: At the tail of his letter which he sent with the shipment o

a story about a race of big natives that have their stamping ground in this sect

d ceased talking and was staring out of the opened libr

eard from poor Jake,"

sped Mr. Damon. "You didn't tel

, and I've never seen him from the time I parted with him to go after the animals.

Tom. "Didn't he have some companions--so

e was the only white man in his party, the rest were natives. That was Jake's way. Well, when some time past and I didn't hear from him,

et any news?" a

me, and no end of trouble, I had a man locate a native named

r that was where the fine shipment of animals came from. Then Jake got that tip about the giants, and set off al

Mr. Damon. "What did Zacatas s

wild beast in the jungle, I never could find out. The natives under Zacatas waited in camp for him for s

at he was talking about. Now I want to do two things. I want to get on the trail of poor

him, and for the giants, but up to now something has been in the way. I happened to

Jake Poddington if he is alive in the interior of South America, or, if he is dead

tal of the circus man. Tom was strangely moved, as was his chum Ned. A

e saw a sluggish river flowing along between rank green banks, while, from the overhanging trees, long festoons of moss hun

he could hear the low growls and whines of the treacherous jaguars and see their lithe bodies slinking along. He

ting, waiting, waiting for he knew not what fate. Again he saw monstrous men stalking along--men who tow

ed Mr. Pres

whether I can get you a giant or not, Mr. Preston, but if

Damon describe you. You've taken a big load off my heart, Tom Swift. Now to talk of ways and means! I'll have a giant yet,