“What’s the location?” Billing asked.
“We have the fisherman here in the plane,” Radnor replied. “We should arrive at the spot within
162 TOM SWIFT AND HIS ROCKET SHIP
an hour and a half. We’ll call you. But get word to Tom that he mustn’t delay.
Rotzog will be a worse menace than ever if he should get away from us. He may even pick up our plane on his radar and zoom off. Our skipper figures we’ll flush him out, because if he doesn’t belong on the island he’ll leave in a rush. So tell Tom to hurry! Over!”
Billing was tempted to reveal Tom’s plans for taking off but kept silent. He switched off the set and buzzed Tom’s telephone. Already awake, Tom answered.
“What is it?” he asked. After being told the news, he exclaimed, “I must take off immediately!”
Bud already was on his feet. “We’d better get everyone up!” he cried, and Tom nodded.
He gave the orders and dressed quickly. Within an hour the entire base was in action. Trucks carrying last-minute emergency items were unloading at the catwalk. Water and rations were being put aboard.
Mr. Swift hurried to Tom’s side on the launching platform. “Mother and Sandy ought to be here any minute,” he said anxiously.
“I certainly wouldn’t want to leave without saying good-by to them,” Tom said.
“The Rocket Commissioners promised to be here at nine, and we can’t take off before then, anyway.”
Looking up suddenly at two incoming planes, he said, smiling, “They’re both arriving ahead of schedule.”
When the planes landed, the groups were amazed SEALED INSTRUMENTS 163