Turning on the power caused a dull roar from the generator. It was followed by a flash, and smoke filled the room.
“That takes care of the generator,” Tom told himself, knowing that the short circuit must have burned out the windings. “I hope no one heard that roar.”
He stood stock-still, wiping away perspiration that had burst out on his forehead. When there
180 COSMIC ASTRONAUTS
was no sign of detection, Tom cautiously emerged from the compartment and headed for the main deck. Now lie heard angry shouts and the sound of trampling feet. Evidently the sudden power failure had thrown the ship into utter confusion.
“1 his may help me!” Tom thought excitedly.
Topside all was in darkness. Tom could dimly make out several figures on the bridge, shouting and gesticulating, while two or three others were groping about on the fo’c’sle.
“Now for a break!” Tom decided.
He darted to the stern and scrambled over the rail. Hand over hand, he swung himself along the cable to the launching pad. The Cosmic Sailer was unguarded!
“What luck!” Tom thought as he climbed aboard.
Gunning the take-off rockets, he shot skyward in the craft. Below Tom glimpsed the sudden flash of a lantern and running figures on the Sea Charger’s deck.
“So long, my enemies. I’ll see you later!”
To reach Fearing, it would be necessary to rocket above the atmosphere, then make the usual glide descent back to the base. Tom chafed as he thought of the precious time it wrould take. Could he risk a radio call to Fearing Island or Enterprises?