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

He, Arv, and Hank spent the night in one of the dormitories and were up early the next morning to start work. After breakfast, the elder inventor said: “I guess, son, you’re eager to see the tunnel through which the robot will descend and enter the plant. You’ll find it built to your specifications.”

“Good,” said Tom, grinning. He had been worried about clearance, since his giant robot’s antenna would need every last fraction of an inch to get through.

Mr. Swift reminded his son that the tunnel had just been completed. “So watch your step, Tom. There may be some loose debris and chunks of concrete that haven’t been cleared out.”

“I will, Dad.”

The others walked with him to the opening and

A blinding flash enveloped the opening above him 118 TOM SWIFT AND HIS GIANT ROBOT

peered down into the tunnel. There was a metal rung ladder to the bottom which would later be replaced by a ramp for the giant robot’s convenience.

Holding his flashlight, Tom started lowering himself, clinging to the ladder. As he grasped the third rung, a blinding flash suddenly enveloped the opening above him.

The ladder snapped apart and the young inventor toppled to the tunnel floor!

CHAPTER 14

STRANGE INDIAN STORY

LOOSE EARTH and cement showered down upon Tom. Sputtering and choking, he fought his way through the mound of debris and gasped for breath in the dust-filled cavern.

Above him there was a deathlike silence and he was worried about the safety of his father and friends. Tom knew that the only way to get aboveground was through the tunnel and into the plant.