Appleton, Victor – Tom Swift Jr 03 – And His Rocket Ship

The fence was strong and had held well, but up to the moment no large fish had entered it to be shocked. Chow, still hopeful, visited his project at every low tide, no matter what time of day or night it occurred.

They saw the chef about fifty yards off shore in water up to his middle. He looked very unhappy as he waded toward the shore.

“What happened?” Bud cried. “Fish bite you?”

“Shucks, no!” Chow called back. “Ain’t no fish here!”

“No fish!”

“Even lost my eels!” Chow added mournfully.

“Where’s your boat?” Tom asked, knowing that the Texan always went out in a rowboat.

“Lost my oars an’ I fell out o’ the dang-busted boat tryin’ to capture my eels.

Then the boat got caught in a current an’ off she went!”

102 TOM SWIFT AND HIS ROCKET SHIP

Chow trudged onto the beach. Quarts of sea water oozed and trickled from his clothing and shoes. The boys howled with laughter.

“Well, brand my sea lights!” Chow said. “I thought you fellows would be sorry not to have a fish dinner.” Reaching the house, he heaved a great sigh. “I’m afraid my menu for today is ruined,” he lamented.

After the disappointed cook had changed into dry clothing, he prepared pork chops and a corn pudding, and topped the meal off with an apple pie he had made earlier.

Though the boys praised his skill, Chow was glum. He asked if Tom was going to South America soon and if he would bring him some more electric eels.

“Afraid not,” Tom replied. “But if you want anything from a hundred thousand feet off the earth, I might oblige you. Bud and I are taking off right away for a little experiment.”