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

If we destroy his camp, that country might consider it an act of war.”

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PRISONER OF WAR 181

“But where does that leave us?” Bud grumbled.

Tom thought for a moment. “I’ll try to get through to Shopton and see if Dad has any information for us yet. Then we can decide what to do.”

As Bud took over the controls, Tom stepped aft to the radio compartment and switched on the shortwave transmitter. As soon as the set was warmed up, he began beaming a code signal to Shopton. The only result was loud, sputtering static.

Bud flashed Tom a questioning look as the young inventor resumed his seat in the pilot’s compartment.

“Any luck?”

“No. Sounds as if they’re still jamming the air waves.”

“Okay. So what happens now, jet boy?”

“The only thing left is to try to arrange a truce and talk with Bronich in person.” Tom strode to the radio cabin and returned about fifteen minutes later.

“What’s the deal?” the copilot asked.

“Bronich agrees,” Tom said tersely. “Let’s take her down.”

Like a great silver bird, the Sky Queen swooped for a landing in the snow. As Tom unbuckled his seat belt and prepared to leave the plane, Bud moved to accompany him. But Tom motioned him back.

182 TOM SWIFT AND HIS ATOMIC BLASTER

“You’d better stay here, pal. There may be trouble. I want you to keep the plane ready for an instant take-off, in case Bronich decides not to respect the truce.”

Bud watched uneasily through the window of the pilot’s compartment as his friend emerged from the plane and advanced toward the Kranjovians. Clad in heavy furs, they were drawn together in a group to meet him. The men were rough-looking and unshaven. At the head of the group was a tall, gaunt figure in a black bearskin parka. Tom recognized him instantly as Ivor Bronich.