Later, at Government House, Prime Minister Luongo pinned Ngombia’s foremost decoration on Tom. “Your amazing repelatron skyway has joined our two provinces into one nation,” he said. “Thanks to you, Tom Swift, we can now develop our resources and build a better life for our people.”
Then the prime minister turned to Professor Eldreth, who was standing by in a new white suit with his proud and grinning assistant, Mbonga.
“As part of Tom Swift’s reward-and at his suggestion,” Prime Minister Luongo told the professor, “we are setting aside a section of our national forest as a permanent park and game reserve for your dinosaurs. We plan to build a laboratory in which you can carry on your experiments.”
Professor Eldreth thanked the prime minister and gripped Tom’s hand warmly. “As a scientist yourself,” he murmured, “you know how much this means to me. Due to your efforts, I have already received messages from all over the world, acclaiming my work.”
The young inventor grinned. “I hope you’ll feel the same way when the world starts flocking to your door, Professor. The Eldreth Dinosaur Park probably will become Ngombia’s greatest tourist attraction.”
That evening, after a state banquet, Tom and Bud boarded the Sky Queen and took off for home.
“Brand my baked beans, it’ll sure feel good to hit the ole U.S.A. again!” Chow said.
“Right,” Bud agreed. “Oh, to sleep on a real mattress, away from that steamy jungle!
What are you looking forward to, Tom?”
“Well, let’s see-it’s about time for another undersea cruise, isn’t it?” Tom smiled as if he were already planning his Aquatomic Tracker. “After seeing all those dinosaurs, I might even go hunting for a real live sea serpent!”