Appleton, Victor – Tom Swift Jr 12 – In the Race to the Moon

The news was greeted by a noisy babble. But the chatter ceased when the men realized that Tom was now facing a hard choice.

“What have you decided, lad?” Evan Glennon asked softly. “Will we go after the rocket when it comes into orbit?”

“That’s what we’re here for, isn’t it?” Bud spoke up.

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156 THE RACE TO THE MOON

The thick-set Welshman chuckled jovially.

“Don’t worry, Bud bach-I’m not proposing that we turn tail, lad. Speaking for myself, I want a look at those animals!”

“Ditto for me!” Jerry Walden declared.

Tom smiled grimly. “Glad you’re with me. But let’s face it. If we do try to intercept the rocket, we’re in for a fight with the Brungarians. That could mean disaster, even death, for all of us.”

“We stopped ‘em once, didn’t we?” Bud insisted defiantly.

“But they may try other ways of attack,” Tom pointed out. “I suggest that you all talk it over.”

A heated discussion broke out. Most of the men aboard wanted to go ahead with their mission, although two of the crew seemed unwilling.

“Why not call the Brungarians and parley?” Dr. Faber suggested in a quiet voice. “If we offer to share the scientific honors and the chance to work with the infected animals, perhaps they’ll reconsider.”

Tom shrugged. “I tried it once and got no reply, but it certainly won’t do any harm to repeat the offer.”

The young inventor remained in the flight compartment, keeping the telescope trained on the sky, as Dr. Faber, Evan Glennon, and Jerry Walden hurried off to the radio room. Dr. Faber, who spoke the language, transmitted the message in Brungarian. Everyone hoped this might have some psychological effect on their rivals.