Using a handkerchief to protect any possible fingerprints, Tom worked the spear loose from the wall. Then he and Mr. Newton dashed outside the A HURTLED WARNING 29
house. Mr. Swift had already switched on floodlights and was unkenneling the Swifts’ two bloodhounds, Caesar and Brutus.
Tom let the dogs sniff the spear to get the scent. But after loping about the grounds, the hounds gave up in whimpering bafflement.
“The spear must have been hurled from a passing car,” Tom decided.
Mr. Swift nodded. “I believe I recall hearing one approach just before the alarm sounded.”
“Whoever threw it must have been someone of giant strength,” said Mr. Newton in an awed voice as he eyed the distance from the street. “It was buried inches deep in the wall!”
“Or it might have been projected by a powerful, specially designed spear gun,” Tom conjectured.
After telephoning Ames and the police, Tom turned to his father. “Dad, you don’t think we should give up this project, do you?”
“No,” said Mr. Swift. “We’ll decide about the project on its own merits, son. I’m opposed on principle to yielding to threats.”
Tom gave his father a warm handclasp. “So am I! “he declared.
Next morning, Tom checked with Harlan Ames and was debating whether or not to call Washington when an Enterprises messenger delivered a telegram. The message was from Kwanu. He said officials in Princetown had advised him by transatlantic telephone that every copy of the
30 REPELATRON SKYWAY
Burlow report had been stolen from the offices of the Ministry of Economic Development in Princetown!