"Sorry to take up your time," went on the man, "but I just had to seeyou.No one else will do.I've heard lots about you.That was a great stunt you pulled off, getting those giants for the circus.This is one; isn't he?" and he nodded toward Koku.
"Yes," replied Tom, wondering if the little man was in such a hurry why he did not get down to business.
"I thought so," the caller went on, as he shook hands with Tom."Once you felt his grip you'd know he was a giant, even if you didn't see him.Yes, that was a great stunt.And going to the caves of ice, too, and that diamond-making affair.All of 'em great.I--""How did you know about them?" interrupted Tom, wishing the man would tell his errand.
"Oh, you're better known than you have any idea of, Tom Swift.As soon as I got this idea of mine I said right away, to some of the others in my business, I says, says I, 'Tom Swift is the boy for us.I'll get him to undertake this work, and then it will be done to the Queen's taste.Tom's the boy who can do it,' I says, and they all agreed with me.So I came here to-day, and I'm sorry I had to wait to see you, for I'm the busiest man in the world, I believe, and, as I said, I've lost about a thousand dollars waiting to have a talk with you.I--""I am sorry," interrupted Tom, and he was not very cordial."But I was busy, and--""All right! All right! Don't apologize!" broke in the man in rapid tones, while both Tom, and his servant, Koku, looked in surprise at the quick flow of language that came from him."Don't apologize for the world.It's my fault for bothering you.And I'll lose several thousand dollars, willingly, if you'll undertake this job.I'll make money from it as it is.It's worth ten thousand dollars to you, I should say, and I'm willing to pay that."He looked about, as though for a seat, and Tom, apologizing for his neglect in offering one, shoved a box forward.
"We don't have chairs in here," said the young inventor with a smile."Now if you will tell me what you--""I'm coming right to it.I'll get down to business in a moment," interrupted the man as he sat down on the box, not without a grunt or two, I for he was very stout."I'm going to introduce myself in just a second,and then I'm going to tell you who I am.And I hope you'll take up my offer, though it may seem a strange one."The man took out a pocketbook, and began searching through it, evidently for some card or paper.
"He's as odd as Mr.Damon is, when he's blessing everything," mused Tom, as he watched the man.
"I thought I had a card with me, but I haven't," the visitor went on."No matter.I'm James Period--promoter of all kinds of amusement enterprises, from a merry-go-'round to a theatrical performance.I want you to--""No more going after giants," interrupted.Tom."It's too dangerous, and I haven't time--""No, it has nothing to do with giants," spoke Mr.Period, as he glanced up at Koku, who towered over him as he sat on the box near Tom.
"Well?" returned Tom.
"This is something entirely new.It has never been done before, though if you should happen to be able to get a picture of giants don't miss the opportunity.""Get a picture?" exclaimed Tom, wondering if, after all, his visitor might not be a little insane.
"Pictures, yes.Listen.I'm James Period.Jim, if you like it better, or just plain 'Spotty.' That's what most of my friends call me.Get the idea? A period is a spot.I'm a Period, therefor I'm a spot.But that isn't the real reason.It's because I'm always Johnny on the Spot when anything is happening.If it's a big boxing exhibition, I'm there.If it's a coronation, I'm there, or some of my men are.If it's a Durbar in India, you'll find Spotty on the spot.That's me.If there's going to be a building blown up with dynamite--I'm on hand; or some of my men.If there's a fire I get there as soon as the engines do--if it's a big one.Always on the spot--that's me-- James Period--Spotty for short.Do you get me?" and he drew a long breath and looked at Tom, his head on one side.
"I understand that you are--"
"In the moving picture business," interrupted Mr.Period, who never seemed to let Tom finish a sentence."I'm the biggest moving picture man in the world--not in size, but in business.I make all the best films.You'veseen some of 'em I guess.Every one of 'em has my picture on the end of the film.Shows up great.Advertising scheme--get me?""Yes," replied Tom, as he recalled that he had seen some of the films in question, and good ones they were too."I see your point, but--""You want to know why I come to you; don't you?" again interrupted "Spotty," with a laugh."Well, I'll tell you.I need you in my business.I want you to invent a new kind of moving picture camera.A small light one--worked by electricity--a regular wizard camera.I want you to take it up in an airship with you, and then go to all sorts of wild and strange countries, Africa, India--the jungles--get pictures of wild animals at peace and fighting--herds of elephants--get scenes of native wars-- earthquakes-- eruptions of volcanoes--all the newest and most wonderful pictures you can.You'll have to make a new kind of camera to do it.The kind we use won't do the trick.
"Now do you get me? I'm going to give you ten thousand dollars, above all your expenses, for some films such as I've been speaking of.I want novelty.Got to have it in my business! You can do it.Now will you?""I hardly think--" began Tom.
"Don't answer me now," broke in Mr.Period."Take four minutes to think it over.Or even five.I guess I can wait that long.Take five minutes.I'll wait while you make up your mind, but I know you'll do it.Five minutes--no more,' and hastily getting up off the box Mr.Period began impatiently pacing up and down the shop.
