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

The others stared at him. “Flash Ludens?” they chorused.

“That’s my guess,” Tom nodded. “Let’s take this along.”

Outside the shack, Bud’s flashlight beam showed large, deep tire tracks.

Pointing them out to Tom, he said, “These prove your theory about a mobile control unit, all right.”

The four carried the timing device to their sedan and started for Shopton. On the way back, Ames used the car’s first-aid kit to treat his foot. During a A MECHANICAL COMEDIAN 59

lull in the conversation, Tom flipped on the radio to get the news.

“-and here is a flash just in,” said the announcer presently. “There has been a daring robbery at the Farmington National Bank. The police have not given out any details as yet. They merely said that an unusual method was used. The night watchman, who was knocked out, reported the robbery when he revived. As soon as there is more news, this station-”

“I’ll bet it was the Briggin gang!” Bud declared.

“And I have a hunch how the robbery was carried out,” Tom said. “We’ll stop at the Farmington police station and show the captain that gimmick in the back seat. I’m sure it’s a clue.”

The young inventor explained that a small machine to change the time set on the vault could have been smuggled into the bank by an accomplice working as a clerk or messenger. Inserted in the timer, it could change the hour at which the safe would open.

“Then the gang just walked in and cleaned out the money,” said Bud.

“Yes,” Tom replied, “that device would make the job a push-over.”

“Do you think Flash Ludens’ genius friend figured out the gimmick by experimenting on the timer we have with us?” Radnor asked.