Maybe the plotter or plotters with their warped minds were seeking revenge!
“It’s only a hunch,” Tom thought, “but it might be worth checking.” He went to the phone, called Harlan Ames, and explained his theory.
“It’s possible, I guess,” the security chief agreed. “At least we have no other theories. Have you any procedure in mind, Tom?”
“How about asking the police to investigate every French person in Shopton?”
Ames promised to do so. “But it’ll take time, skipper,” he warned.
As Tom hung up, the door to the laboratory opened and in walked Bud Barclay! Tom was amazed and delighted.
“What happened?” he asked, and added kiddingly, “Don’t tell me you were fired!”
Bud gave a half-hearted smile. “No, but a problem has developed on the Venus project, Tom. I’m thinking of resigning as pilot!”
CHAPTER VII
DANGER!
“RESIGNING?” Tom stared at Bud. “Are you serious?”
“I’m dead serious,” Bud declared as he parked himself on a high stool.
“But why?” Tom persisted. “Don’t you realize this is an honor? You’ll be the first space pilot from earth to make it to another planet!”
Bud’s answer was a stubborn shrug. He seemed to be groping for words to express whatever was troubling him.
“It’s not only an honor, it’s a government request,” Tom went on. “This isn’t just a private job you’re doing for Astro-Dynamics. It’s a project undertaken in our nation’s interest!”
“Sure, sure, I know.” Bud squirmed uncomfortably.
“Then what’s your problem?”
“My copilot, that’s what!” Bud blurted out
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DANGERI 55
in exasperation. “The guy’s an absolute pain!”
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