As Tom stared in amazement, a triceratops waddled a few paces toward him.
Its horned head made it look something like a rhinoceros, with a frilled bony plate around the neck. Several other species were equally weird.
“It’s strange,” Tom thought, “that the animals of the planet are so primitive in form, while their masters are so highly advanced in science.”
172 THE RACE TO THE MOON
Turning his attention to the living conditions inside the ship, Tom checked the atmosphere meter built into his space suit. It registered almost the same pressure as earth’s atmosphere, with a high percentage of oxygen. Another mystery! Had his space friends been investigating the phantom satellite, Nestria, and learned how to create this atmosphere just for Tom and his companions to work in?
Whatever the answer, his space suit was no longer needed. Tom took it off, glad to be free of the bulky gear.
Just then he heard a series of taps on the outer wall of the space saucer. It was a signal in international code! Tom listened and read off the message: “Are you all right? Can’t open door.”
Tom explained, adding a brief description of what he had found. Bud managed to pick up the signal by holding his helmet against the ship’s hull. He translated the signals for the three scientists, who were amazed and more eager than ever to inspect the animals, after hearing Tom’s brief and tantalizing report.
“Any orders?” Bud signaled back.
Tom replied, “Stand by. Will try to find a way to let you in.”
After signing off, Tom continued along the passageway. It seemed to extend around the entire rim of the ship, completely enclosing the space zoo.