Appleton, Victor – Tom Swift Jr 05 – And His Atomic Earth Blaster

“He’s a dangerous foreign agent,” said Ames. “This photograph was circulated to all law-enforcement agencies by the FBI. They suspect Bronich of stealing United States defense secrets for the Kranjovian government.”

“What kind of defense secrets?” Tom asked, concerned about this new aspect of the mystery.

“Top atomic secrets,” Ames replied.

Bud gave a low whistle. “Tom! No wonder Bronich was so anxious to get the low-down on your earth blaster!”

“I still don’t get it,” Tom admitted ruefully. “It’s true that the blaster is powered by atomic energy. But there’s nothing very secret about that. Every nation on earth must know how to construct an atomic pile by this time.”

“Maybe so,” agreed Ames, “but none of them

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knows how to harness atomic energy in the form of an earth-digging machine like yours.”

“But the earth blaster is for peacetime use,” Tom protested. “It’s not a weapon that could be used for fighting a war.”

When Ames pointed out that the blaster might be adapted to military uses, Bud added:

“Besides, those rats would steal the tin cup from. a blind man if they figured it might help them!”

“I guess you’re right,” Tom agreed in a troubled voice. “Anyhow, they must be up to no good or they wouldn’t have taken it.”

“The question is, what are we going to do about it?” Bud pondered.

Tom thought for a moment. “How about that break in the water main? Is it repaired yet?”

“All fixed,” said Hank. “Old Greenup had nothing more to gripe about, so he went back to town.”

“Thanks, Hank. You and your men return to the plant. The rest of us will try to pick up a lead on Bronich and his two henchmen.”