Appleton, Victor – Tom Swift Jr 04 – And His Giant Robot

Radnor took over the controls and held the plane motionless at the edge of the shelf. Tom and Bud dropped a rope ladder and lowered themselves carefully to the rocky table. Tom cautiously entered the cave, Bud at his heels. The limestone interior was illuminated by incandescent lamps recessed in the cave walls. The boys continued on, following the lights, and soon found themselves in a passageway. After a short distance it turned abruptly and Tom and Bud stood before a rack of electronic controls.

“Seems to be a transmitter,” Bud whispered. “But part of it looks something like your relotrol.”

Tom nodded grimly and signaled to go on. They passed the control board and entered a large irregular cavern. About one third of the stone room was filled with a Diesel engine, a generator, and a large fuel-storage tank. On workbenches were various parts used in assembling the mechanical crows.

” ‘Crows’ nest’ is right!” Bud whispered. “What a layout! But how did they get all this equipment in here?”

“I’d guess they dismantled it and ferried the sections in by helicopter,” Tom said. “But where’s the crows’ owner? Somebody sent out those mechanical birds to attack us!”

“Do you think it’s a trap?”

“We’ll soon know, Bud. Come on, and be ready for trouble.”

THE GIANTS CLASH 201

Leaving the machine-equipped area, they entered a dead-end room and found themselves face to face with the Turnbull twins!

One stood there, triumphant, with arms crossed and a wild, gloating look in his eyes. The other, haggard and drawn, was chained to the wall of the cave. On a table in front of them was an odd-looking mechanical gadget which Tom eyed with distrust.