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

Tom and Bud drove back to Swift Enterprises. It BRONICH VANISHES 53

was almost closing time when they entered the gates of the sprawling experimental station.

In the main building, Miss Trent, the Swifts’ capable and efficient secretary, told Tom, “Your father just got back from Washington. He’d like to see you at once!”

Tom hurried to their private office.

“That was a quick flight, Dad!” he exclaimed, in response to his father’s greeting.

“Tom, I have great news!” announced Mr. Swift. “That’s why I flew back to Shopton immediately. The government officials I talked to are very much interested in your proposed expedition to the South Pole.”

“Have they given us the go-ahead?”

“They have, indeed; even granted permission for us to explore any part of the Antarctic claimed by the United States. And Uncle Sam will also lend us funds to help finance the expedition, provided we take along several government scientists!”

Tom gave a whoop of delight and pumped his father’s arm up and down in a handshake of joyful enthusiasm.

“Dad, that’s wonderful! Let’s start planning for the trip right now!”

Mr. Swift smiled at his son’s excitement. He fully shared Tom’s reaction to the promise of high adventure. But he added a note of caution.

54 TOM SWIFT AND HIS ATOMIC BLASTER

“Don’t forget this will be a tremendous undertaking. And it all depends on your perfecting the new model of your atomic earth blaster!”

Then he pressed the switch of his intercom. “Miss Trent, please phone Mr.

Newton at the Swift Construction Company. Ask him to come to my office for a very important meeting as soon as possible!”