By this time, the three kidnapers were reduced to trembling agitation. “You must help us!” their leader pleaded. “We dare not go back to our own country and face the other members of our group! It might mean death to all of us for bungling this affair and losing our hostage!”
“What is your country, and who are the other members of your group?” Tom demanded.
The three men refused to answer this question. From their evasive replies, Tom suspected that
A RACE TO THE RESCUE 177
the group might be made up of renegade scientists of several nationalities, with headquarters in the country from which these men came.
“There’s one kind of help we can give you,” Tom said. “The United States authorities may extend you some kind of protection.” Tom did not express aloud his following thought, “In exchange perhaps for the plans of your force ray!”
The kidnapers remained silent. Tom, eager to overtake his father, went on, “I’ll look you up on the return trip. Make up your mind. Come on, Bud! Let’s get back to our own ship.”
The crestfallen trio of kidnapers made no effort to interfere as the two young Americans donned their space helmets and went out through the air lock.
Thoroughly elated, Tom and Bud started back to the Challenger.
“I’d hate to be in those guys’ shoes!” Bud chuckled. “The important thing, though, is that your dad’s safe. I’m sure glad.”
“So am I,” Tom replied. “Only one thing I can’t figure.”
“What’s that, pal?”
“Why didn’t we pick up that rescue message from the space people on our own ship?”
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