“We don’t have much time,” Tom warned. “Let’s get to the plant, quick!”
They half pushed, half dragged the unwilling Raymond through the caverns until they reached the outer ledge. Bud helped Robert climb the dangling ladder to the Sky Queen. Then, to save time, Tom asked Radnor to lower a steel line which he hooked to Raymond’s chains. The scientist was hauled aboard, raging at his captors.
203
204 TOM SWIFT AND HIS GIANT ROBOT
Quickly Tom ascended the ladder. With Radnor at the controls again, the Flying Lab headed for the Citadel at top speed. Tom and Bud joined the Turnbulls in the Sky Queen’s lounge.
“Raymond,” Tom demanded, “how did you sabotage the plant?”
“Oh, it’s ingenious!” he cackled. “Oh my, yes, ingenious. Only I could have figured such a way to destroy your precious Citadel!”
Tom’s patience was at an end. “What way?” he cried. “By damaging the bank of moderating rods?”
“Too crude, too crude,” Raymond gloated. “I have slugged you, Tom Swift.
That’s what I have done. I have really slugged-”
Suddenly Raymond gasped and crumpled unconscious to the floor. Bud and Tom removed the manacles and lifted him onto a bunk.
“He’ll be out for hours,” Robert said. “He’s had these spells on and off ever since his mind snapped.”
“Then he’ll never be able to tell us in time to save the plant!” Bud cried.
“He may have told us something already,” mused Tom.
“What do you mean?” Robert asked.
“I’m not sure yet, and we can’t take any chances. I’m going to radio ahead to Dad and have the plant evacuated.”