Bronich sneered, “Never fear, my young friend. We Kranjovians have many ways to bend a man to our will. If and when the time comes that we should need your scientific help in operating this so-called PRISONER OF WAR 185
earth blaster, I assure you that you will render assistance gladly.”
Tom glared at him. “Then you admit it’s a copy o� my machine?”
“Of course! Why not? I see no further need for evasion.” Bronich chuckled. “I will also admit something more. We were planning to destroy your American base tomorrow. But, in view of the present turn of events, why should we delay? I will give orders for the bombing planes and rockets to be launched at once!”
Although sick with horror at the impending peril, Tom was thinking fast. As Bronich began barking out commands to his men, the young inventor suddenly spoke up.
“Wait a minute! Let’s see your blaster in operation. How do I know this whole setup isn’t just a big bluff?”
Bronich considered for a moment, eying Tom narrowly. Finally he said, “Very well. We shall start the machine and you may watch. Meanwhile, my men will be attacking and destroying your friends!”
All the time, Tom had been studying the setup. Somehow he must warn his friends! As he walked toward the launching platform with Bronich and the crew, he was thinking:
“The controls-if I can just get at the controls, maybe I can foul up the blaster and upset the camp long enough to make a getaway!”
CHAPTER 23
SHOWDOWN BATTLE
AS BUD LANDED the Sky Queen at the American camp, the scientists and crewmen swarmed out of their ice caves to hear what had happened. When the copilot climbed out of the plane alone, they realized that something was wrong.