He increased speed and climbed for altitude. But the blips on the radarscope showed that the planes were coming steadily closer. It was clear that they were targeting on the Swift cargo jet.
Tom switched on the radio. Presently a voice crackled over their headphones:
“Calling Swift jet!” The voice was heavily accented.
“Brungarians!” Bud muttered.
Tom made no reply to the radio challenge. Again came the voice: “Calling Swift jet! Make emergency landing on the water!”
Tom’s only response was a fresh burst of speed. Gunning the jet motors, he sent the big cargo ship arrowing forward at supersonic velocity.
“There they are!” Bud cried suddenly. He pointed to a cluster of silvery glints in the sky at seven o’clock.
Tom zoomed downward into a billowing cloud bank. It was a feeble hope and Tom knew it. His only real chance now was to outrun or outmaneu-ver the marauders.
The slim hope faded as they emerged from the cloud cover moments later.
The enemy planes were not only still dogging them, but closing in rapidly. Sleek, needle-nosed attack ships, they appeared to have seaplane hulls.
120 THE VISITOR FROM PLANET X
“Wow! Those are new ones!” Bud gasped.
“Our last warning to Swift jet! Hit the water or be shot down!” came the enemy voice.
Tom raced along, his mind searching frantically for a method of escape.
Bud switched off radio power momentarily. “If we’re going to be hijacked, skipper, let’s ditch your invention before it’s too late!”
Tom shook his head stubbornly. “Why should I let those pirates bulldoze us?