THE MYSTERIOUS ICEBERG 35
speck on the map which he had previously overlooked.
After consulting the navigation charts for that area, Tom exclaimed, “Harlan, I have a hunch! Before they reach the Grand Bank, they’ll be passing near a small formation of rocks hardly big enough to be called an island.” Tom pointed out the formation on the map. “According to the navigation charts, it’s usually shrouded in fog-and would make an ideal hide-out for pirates.”
“Good guess, Toml” Ames agreed enthusiastically. “I think we should follow it up!”
“I’ll handle this myself,” Tom decided.
He picked up the telephone and called Bud Barclay. After explaining the mission he had in mind, Tom asked his copilot to ready a small amphibian plane.
Tom had designed the plane especially for secret flights. It had a coating of Tomasite plastic, which acted as a radiation shield, and an electromagnetic neutralizer. The plane’s engines were also equipped with a special silencer device to avoid being detected.
“Roger!” Bud responded. “How soon do you want to take off?”
“This afternoon, and pronto.”
Next, Tom called Felix Wong, a young Chinese-American engineer employed by Swift Enterprises. “Felix, how’d you like to take a quick jaunt 36 COSMIC ASTRONAUTS
up toward Newfoundland?” Tom asked. “I’m going on a secret mission. If it pays off, I may need a Chinese interpreter.”
“Sounds most exciting,” Felix replied with a chuckle. “I shall consider myself lucky to be included!”
“Good!” Tom briefed the good-looking, slender young Chinese on the purpose of the flight.
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