“With those folks from another planet?” Chow asked eagerly. “You mean you got that lil ole gadget figured out so’s you kin talk to ‘em?”
Tom told him that the “gadget” was to be radio impulses in the form of mathematical symbols. They would convey a message to the space beings.
“A message about what?” Chow asked.
“It’s clear,” Tom replied, “that the only reason these people haven’t visited us is because they don’t know how to penetrate our atmosphere without being crushed to death.”
“What’s the matter with “em?” Chow asked.
A CODED THREAT 103
“I think they may have very light bodies,” Tom said, “and be highly paramagnetic.”
“What’s that?” the cook demanded. “See here, Tom, you ought to talk English to me.”
Both boys laughed, then Tom explained, “The space beings may be affected by magnetic lines of force. In that case they would be paralyzed if caught in the earth’s magnetic field.”
“Then they sure better stay off o’ this lil ole magnetic planet,” Chow declared.
“We kin git along without ‘em anyhow.” But suddenly the Texan grinned.
“However, if you see any o’ these queer folks, give ‘em my regards.”
Chow turned and went into the kitchen. As the boys left the cottage, Tom said:
“I hope it won’t be long before I can deliver Chow’s message. You know, Bud, it burns me up that Dad and I can’t figure out an answer to those space people. To think that they can communicate with us and we can’t formulate a reply!”
“If you and your dad could concentrate on the problem long enough-” Bud got no further, for Tom suddenly snapped his fingers.
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