Sensing trouble, the spectators crowded closer.
“I understand all that, sir,” Tom said. “I realize that an accident of this kind could lead to a mighty serious situation. But our men will soon have the THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGERS 7
main repaired, and I can promise you that Swift Enterprises will pay for any damage.”
“Never mind all that!” Greenup retorted irritably. “How did it happen in the first place?”
“It was my new earth-digging machine,” explained Tom. “We accidentally plowed into the water main.”
“So that’s itl More of your crazy contraptions!” stormed Greenup. “In my opinion, you’re a public menace and your father should be haled into court for not keeping you under better control!”
Bud Barclay shouldered his way forward. Tom saw that his friend was about to blaze back angrily, and put a firm hand on Bud’s muscular arm.
“Please keep my father out of this, Mr. Greenup,” Tom replied evenly. “If you think my inventions haven’t benefited anyone, that’s your privilege.”
“Well, don’t think it’s your privilege to go around smashing up public property!” snapped Greenup.
Hearing Greenup’s angry voice, Hank Sterling left the repair crew and stepped over.
“We’ll have your pipe fixed in half an hour,” he said.
Greenup snorted. “It’s bad enough even when we don’t have to cope with trouble like this! The water supply was dangerously low before this happened.
We need at least fifty percent more capacity, especially during these dry summer months.”
8 TOM SWIFT AND HIS ATOMIC BLASTER
Tom recalled that a town order recently had been issued banning the sprinkling of lawns during the peak hours of the day.