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

A MECHANICAL COMEDIAN 61

Ned Newton, who now managed the old Swift Construction Company. She was always Tom’s date on parties, and Sandy and Bud often went along.

Sometimes the four young people would go off together on scientific treks. Sandy was an excellent pilot, and Phyl had a flare for sketching which many times had come in handy.

“It has to do with the entertainment tomorrow night,” Phyl explained. “You remember, the big one to raise money for the hospital?” Tom nodded. He recalled that the girls were on the fund committee. “Well, our best act has been washed up. We’ve got to substitute something in a hurry. It’s against the rules to engage a professional-only amateurs can be in it.”

Tom gave the girl a long look. “You’re not hinting that I become a song-and-dance man, I hope!”

Phyl laughed. “Not you, but one of your robots.” she replied.

The young inventor stared in disbelief. “What! Why, Phyl, that would mean a major operation on the robot’s interior. He’d have to be remote con trolled and it would take hours and hours of-”

“Tom,” Mrs. Swift spoke up, “is what Phyl’s asking an impossibility?”

“No, but-”

“If you worked at it today and tomorrow, with Bud and others helping, you could do it?”

“Yes, Mother. But-”

“Then I want you to do it,” Mrs. Swift said. “So 62 TOM SWIFT AND HIS GIANT ROBOT

far as I know, you’ve never used your scientific talents for charitable purposes.” She smiled. “Unless your turning criminals over to the authorities without reward could be called working for humanity. Tom, I’d like you to do your share for the show tomorrow night.”