“What about the rest of the expedition?” Mr. Swift asked.
“It can follow later, Dad,” Tom said, “if and when Senator Rives gets new permission from the government.”
As the two older men exchanged glances, the young inventor’s jaw set determinedly. “Dad, this is a gamble we’ve got to take! If we don’t, we stand to lose to Bronich!”
“Okay, son, you have my permission,” Mr. Swift said, smiling.
“Second the motion,” Uncle Ned added. “And good luck to you.”
The following day, all hands worked furiously in making final preparations for the take-off. The Sky Queen was checked and double-checked from nose to tail.
The main blaster and other equipment were also carefully inspected. Then the job of loading the great ship began.
Tom decided that one of the new atomic jet cargo planes should accompany him, piloted by Arvid
SOUTHWARD HO! 137
Hanson, Enterprises’ expert modelmaker who was also a trained flier.
On board the Sky Queen, Tom would carry Blake, Faber, Voorhees, Chow, and a crew of five technicians. Two other crewmen would fly with Ar-vid Hanson.
That evening a farewell party was held at the Swift home, attended by Bud and the Newtons. There were gay decorations and rousing songs. But there was an underlying note of sadness.
“Do you think you can be home by Christmas, son?” Mrs. Swift asked, trying hard to keep her voice cheerful.
“I’m afraid not, Mother,” Tom replied. “But you can be sure of one thing-I’ll come back just as fast as I can!”
Tom had arranged to have Sandy buy Christmas presents both for relatives and friends-particularly Phyllis Newton. And he had commissioned Bud to buy a present for Sandy before leaving for the South Pole.