Leaving the village, the two set off down the jungle path again. When they reached the paraplane, Bud made another quick check of the craft, both inside and out.
“Everything hunky-dory?” Chow asked.
“Seems to be. Let’s call Tom and make a report.” After warming up the set, Bud spoke into the microphone. “Barclay calling Swift jet! Come in, please!”
To his surprise, it was the Flying Lab which answered. “Hey! When did you fellows arrive?” Bud asked the radioman.
“Yesterday, but the skipper stuck around to tinker with his new camera.
Wouldn’t work right when he tried it out,” the radioman explained. “Wait a sec. I’ll get him on the intercom.”
A moment later Tom’s voice came over the air. “Hi, pal! What cooks?”
“You won’t believe me when I tell you,” Bud replied. Quickly Bud related how he and Chow had sighted a giant lurking near the plane the night before.
“A giant!” Tom gasped, then broke into a wry chuckle. “Are you sure you two weren’t seeing things?”
“I said you wouldn’t believe me,” Bud retorted. “But it’s no joke. Quetzal knows all about him-or it-or whatever you want to call the thing.
60 ELECTRONIC RETROSCOPE
Claims he’s some kind of cave man who kills jaguars with his bare hands!”
Bud went on to describe the chief’s fearful reaction and his evasive manner when questioned further about the huge creature.
“The whole thing sounds crazy,” Tom said in a mystified voice. “But you’re right-this may explain how our helium supply was sabotaged.” The young inventor was silent for a moment, then added, “Better stay there at the plane till I arrive. I’ll start right away.”