He flew over the area a while longer, continuing to check their navigational position. But they caught no further glimpse of the mysterious lights, and the radar revealed no object other than the iceberg and the rocky islet itself as indicated on the map.
THE MYSTERIOUS ICEBERG 39
At last Tom gave up the search and they flew back to Enterprises, thoroughly discouraged.
By the time he arrived home, it was past midnight. Sandy and Mrs. Swift had retired, but Mr. Swift was still up and listened to his son’s story with keen interest.
At its conclusion, the older scientist remarked, “It’s certainly odd, Tom. But, at any rate, we should report that iceberg at once. It’s a potential menace to shipping.”
Mr. Swift immediately called the nearest Coast Guard station. The operator on duty promised to alert the International Iceberg Patrol by radio.
The next morning a further surprise was in store for the Swifts. Soon after Tom and his father reached their office at Enterprises, Miss Trent, their efficient secretary, switched through a call from the Coast Guard.
Mr. Swift answered. As he listened he frowned in puzzlement. “I see,” he murmured with a frown. “Thank you.”
“Anything wrong, Dad?” Tom asked as his father put down the instrument.
“The Iceberg Patrol reports that there are no bergs in that vicinity.”
Tom’s eyes widened in astonishment. “But we saw it! All of us on our plane can’t be goofy!”
Mr. Swift was equally baffled. “I can’t understand it either, son. But the Coast Guard assured me that the patrol checked thoroughly.”
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