The intern looked up. “Yes, but please keep your talk brief. This man is very ill.”
The intern stood aside as Tom approached the
28 THE ASTEROID PIRATES
bed. The Oriental’s eyes flickered open weakly and focused on the young inventor bending over him.
“Y-you are Tom Swift?” He gasped, struggling for breath. The man appeared to be about twenty-five years old. He was slender, with black hair, a gaunt face, and jutting cheekbones.
“Yes,” Tom said. “Did you want to tell me something?”
The victim’s face contorted as if he were summoning his last ounce of strength to force out the words. “B-b-beware-the-Black Cobra!” His voice sank to a mumble and became unintelligible.
Tom bent closer as the Oriental raised himself slightly to try to finish his statement. All Tom could catch were the words: “-is planning to lure Tom Swift to destruction!”
CHAPTER IV
A MESSAGE IN SPACE CODE
THE Oriental’s voice trailed off and he fell back on the pillow.
The intern hastily examined him, then rang for the nurse. “Get the orderlies here at once and have the patient wheeled to the operating room!” he commanded.
Turning to Tom and the others, the intern said, “He’s in a coma. Frankly, I don’t think there’s much chance of recovery, but we’ll do everything possible.”
“Thanks,” Tom said. “Please see that he gets whatever may help-and send the bill to Swift Enterprises.”
The others looked somewhat surprised as they accompanied Tom out of the room.
“What’s the idea, skipper?” Radnor asked. “The guy comes to Enterprises to kill you, and you wind up paying his hospital bill!”
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