Appleton, Victor – Tom Swift Jr 16 – And the Cosmic Astronauts

The outpost biologists tried desperately to revive it by administering oxygen, force-feeding with a nutrient solution, and injecting a massive shot of adrenalin.

Knowing nothing about the creature’s make-up or natural background, however, their efforts were useless. The reptile was plainly dying.

“The journey through space, plus being away from its own environment, may have proved too much of a shock,” Mr. Swift mused.

“Or the impact of the missile hitting our space station,” Tom conjectured.

Working fast, with Bud’s help, the Swifts took a number of photographs and motion pictures of the creature. The station biologists also noted down many observations and measurements.

Within two hours, the strange reptile was dead. Mr. Swift ordered it placed in deep freeze until plans could be made with various scientific groups THE ROCKET’S SECRET 135

on earth for the most thorough possible examination of its remains.

“Where in the universe do you suppose the space reptile came from, Dad?”

Tom asked.

“There may be clues in its biochemical make-up that will help us deduce that,” Mr. Swift said hopefully. “Or, if we don’t find out, perhaps our space friends will be able to communicate a defi-T36 COSMIC ASTRONAUTS

nite answer to us. I’m sure they thought of the creature as a great gift and did not expect it to die.”

The rocket, meanwhile, had been moved to Tom’s laboratory. The Swifts went over it eagerly. At first glance the missile seemed to be nothing but a hollow shell. The inner surface, smooth and polished, was apparently made of the same bluish-green metal as the outer hull. Like the animal ark, the present craft seemed completely bare of any machinery or power plant.