“We got a description of the person who rented that particular truck, but I doubt if it’ll do us much good. Sounds as though he wore a disguise, including a wig.”
Tom’s jaw clenched at the news. It was clear that some deadly enemy was at work against the Swifts. Before he could ask any questions, the telephone rang.
Harlan Ames picked it up.
“Security. Ames speaking.” A moment later his face became tense. After listening a while, he snapped, “Hold it!” and turned to Tom.
“Get this, skipper. Fearing Island just received a radio call from the SS
Dragon Queen, out of
32 COSMIC ASTRONAUTS
Hong Kong for Liverpool. The ship’s operator was answering our broadcasts asking for information about the Sea Charger. Says he picked up a strange signal several days ago-a Chinese voice speaking in Cantonese dialect. The voice said: ‘Meet at midnight for fast capture!’ “
Tom’s eyes flashed with excitement. “Harlan, that word ‘fast’ may mean ‘Swift.’ And ‘fast capture’ could have referred to the Sea Charger.”
“Yes.” Ames leaned forward. “And also, Tom, it could mean you personally are in danger!”
CHAPTER IV
THE MYSTERIOUS ICEBERG
TOM’S deep-set eyes stared ahead. His jaw set resolutely as he said, “I’m prepared for danger, whatever it is. Harlan, that message in Cantonese is our best lead yet!”
“You mean it could tie in with Li Ching?” Ames asked.
Tom nodded. He took the phone and asked George Billing, the communications chief at Fearing, to connect him directly to the radio receiving-and-transmitting apparatus.