The second bird was breaking through the cloud and heading for the Flying Lab.
Tom’s hands gripped the controls. He shot a glance to the left. Three more black specks were swooping around from the rear, veering clear of the jet exhausts. Another appeared in front of them-then still another.
“They’re coming from all sides!” cried Bud. “We’re in the middle of a whole flock!”
Tom groaned. This could mean real trouble!
CHAPTER 5
A RARE CAPTURE
AS TOM AND BUD stared anxiously, the mechanical birds darted in and out of the clouds, cutting in front of the Sky Queen.
“Three of them are making a pass over the rudder,” Bud warned. “What say we run before they ruin the ship?”
“Not yet,” said Tom.
The young flier constantly checked the instrument gauges. If they suddenly fluctuated, he would know the mysterious force behind the crows had penetrated the protective coating of Tomasite. Minutes passed with the crows circling and weaving across their flight path, but Tom retained complete control of the Flying Lab. Turning to Bud, he said:
“I didn’t think their beamer-or whatever that force is-could get through.”
“Good night!” Bud cried. “There’s another flock! How many can we hold off?”
39
40 TOM SWIFT AND HIS GIANT ROBOT
“I’m beginning to think that if one crow can’t hurt us, neither can a hundred,”
Tom said confidently.
As the weird parade moved through the threatening skies, the boys watched the strange scene, almost hypnotized.
“What’s our next move, Tom?” Bud asked finally. “Do we dare send out the drone?”