Tom’s face was bleak as he watched the Brungarians make their getaway.
They were heading toward the darkened umbra from which the Challenger had just emerged.
Suddenly, to everyone’s amazement, Tom’s lips curved into a grin. “Get ready for a rescue!” he said mysteriously.
CHAPTER XIX
SECRET SYMBOLS
TOM steered the Challenger in a sweeping turn and roared off in pursuit of the Brungarians and their prize.
“What’s going on in that twenty-four-carat brain of yours, pal?” Bud asked tensely.
The young inventor parried the question, not wanting to raise his crew’s hopes prematurely. “Just a hunch, Bud, but it’s worth a try.”
Suddenly the radioman’s voice crackled over the intercom. “Another message from space, skipper!”
Tom released the controls. “Take over, Bud!” Unbuckling his seat belt, he hurried to the electronic translator.
The last of the message was just appearing on the scope. It said: ANIMALS CANNOT LIVE LONG. FOOD SITUATION ON OUR PLANET
DESPERATE. REQUEST YOU CARRY OUT OPERATIONS WITH GREATEST
POSSIBLE SPEED. 161
162 THE RACE TO THE MOON
The radioman’s eyes met Tom’s. Both sensed the desperate urgency of the plea.
“Any chance?” the crewman asked.
“I hope so,” Tom replied. “But keep your fingers crossed!”
Dashing back to the flight compartment, Tom reported the message to the others.
“We can’t let the space people down, Tom!” Bud said earnestly. “We must save their animals!”
“I intend to, if it’s humanly possible,” Tom vowed.
As he spoke, the Brungarian ship suddenly soared out of orbit, taking the space ark with it.