CHAPTER VI -Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive

In Chapter VI of “Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive,” titled “The Contract Signed,” Tom Swift experiences an eventful morning following an attempt by a mysterious adversary to confront him. He sleeps securely under the protection of his devoted giant servant, Koku, who hails from a lineage of warriors. Despite a breach attempt, the offender fails to make an appearance, and the chapter unfolds with a humorous altercation between Koku and Rad, Tom’s other servant, reflecting their competitive zeal to serve Tom.

The early morning chaos involves Koku accidentally causing Rad to crash through a window in an attempt to report on his nocturnal vigil. This incident highlights the contrasting personalities and deep-seated rivalry between Tom’s two eccentric helpers, Koku’s primal approach to protection, and Rad’s dramatic reactions, both driven by loyalty to Tom.

As the day progresses, Tom and his father head to the Swift Construction Company to meet with Mr. Richard Bartholomew concerning a significant contract to electrify his railroad through the Pas Alos Range. The contract has been meticulously prepared to protect both parties’ interests and indicates the dire circumstances under which Mr. Bartholomew seeks Tom’s innovative expertise. Their meeting underscores the gravity and potential dangers of the project, hinted by the mention of spies and rivals, specifically targeting Mr. Bartholomew and potentially endangering the Swifts.

This chapter paints a vibrant picture of early 20th-century technological ambition intertwined with intrigue, showcasing Tom’s genius and the trust placed in his inventions to revolutionize industries. It concludes with the formalization of a partnership that promises to navigate through threats and leverage electrification as a groundbreaking solution for Mr. Bartholomew’s railroad dilemma, setting a tone of adventure and technological pursuit against a backdrop of industrial espionage.