第42章

OFF TO THE BIG RACE

From their task of handing out money to eager depositors, the wearied tellers looked up as Tom and Mr.Damon entered with the big valise crammed full of money.It was opened, and the bundles of bills turned out on a table.

"Perhaps you'd better make an announcement to the crowd, Mr.Pendergast," suggested Mr.Swift."Tell them we now have cash enough to meet all demands, and that the bank will be kept open until every one is paid.""I will," agreed the aged president.His announcement was received with cheers, and had exactly the effect the inventor hoped it would.

Many, learning that the bank was safe, and that they could have their money whenever they wanted it, concluded not to withdraw it, thus saving the interest.Scores in the waiting crowd turned out of line and went home.Their example was contagious, and, though many still remained to get their deposits, the run was broken.Only part of the sixty thousand dollars Tom and Mr.Damon had brought through after a race with time, was needed.But had it not been for the moral effect of the cash arriving as it did, the bank would have failed.

"You have a great car, Tom Swift," complimented Mr.Pendergast, when the excitement had somewhat cooled down, and the story of the hold-up had been told.

"I think so myself," agreed the young inventor modestly."I must get ready for the races now.""And as for those farmers, I think I'll send them a reward," went on the president."They deserve something for the trouble they had with the load of hay.I certainly shall send them a reward," which he did, and a substantial one, too.

Of course the hold-up was at once reported to the police after the run had quieted down, but Chief Simonson surprised Tom by saying that he had expected it.

"The gang that held you up," said the police officer, "was one that escaped from a jail, about twenty miles away.I got a tip after you left, that they were going to rob you, for, in some way, they learned about the money you and Mr.Damon were to bring from the bank.The unfortunate part of it was that the tip I got was to the effect that the hold-up would take place just outside of Clayton.I telephoned to the police there, just after you left, and they said they'd send out a posse.But the gang changed their plans; and held you up near here, where I wasn't expecting it.But I'll get 'em yet."Chief Simonson did not arrest the gang, but some other police officers did, and they were taken back to jail.They were not prosecuted for the attempted robbery of Tom, as it was considered difficult to fix the guilt on them, but they received such a long additional sentence for breaking jail, that it will be many years before they are released.

When Tom reached home that night he found some mail from the officials of the Touring Club of America.It was to the effect that arrangements for the big contest had been completed, and that contesting cars must be on the ground by September first.

"That gives me two weeks yet," thought our hero.

He read further of the regulations covering the race.Each car must proceed from the home town or city of the owner, and go to the track under its own power.This was a new regulation, it was stated, and was adopted to better develop the industry of building electric autos.Two passengers, or one in addition to the driver, must be carried, it was stated, and this one would also be expected to be in the car during the entire race.