Read Online Tom Swift in the Caves of Nuclear Fire by Victor Appleton II - Free Book Online

can disclaim all knowledge, and denounce any findings that contradict their propaganda machines."
    "It’s crazy!" cried Bud.
    Tom continued to stare at the cablegram. Presently he said, "I’m beginning to wonder if perhaps there isn’t something fishy about this deal. It seems to me that such a message would have been sent to our government first and relayed to me."
    "That makes sense," said Craig. "On the other hand, the nation in question has been known to do things in odd, erratic ways."
    Frowning, Bud pointedly ignored Craig’s comment. "Then you mean," Bud put in, speaking to Tom, "that maybe Hoplin or Cameron or the mystery third person are in cahoots with some official over there and sold him the idea of sending this cable?"
    "Could be," Tom replied. "In any case, I want to talk to Dad about this before I make another move."
    The upshot of the conference between father and son was that Mr. Swift agreed the cable should be investigated and set the wheels in motion to do this. Hours later he summoned his son to their private office.
    "Tom," he said, "you can proceed with your trip as planned. That cablegram was a fraud. The officials know of no order, such as you received, being issued by their government."
    "What a relief!" said Tom, grinning with anticipation of carrying out his plans for the African expedition.
    "In fact," Mr. Swift continued, "that government, at least, says they’re eager to have you come. However, they sent a warning about General Boondah and his followers causing trouble in the area where the Maba tribe is." After a moment he added: "I have the impression that they don’t mind allowing you to put yourself in harm’s way, as you may be able to give them information they can use— if you manage to make it back."
    Tom smiled. "With luck and a little diplomacy, our group ought to be able to make friends with the natives."
    "You’re right in that regard," said Tom’s father, "but don’t underestimate the ‘luck’ element. Sometimes it’s difficult to win the friendship of people in the world’s traditional cultures. They instinctively distrust strangers, and often connect them to colonialists and exploiters. Be certain to use every precaution. Supply yourself and your crew with adequate protection against possible attacks."
    "I will," Tom promised.
    He immediately sent word to the other members of the expedition. There was a sigh of relief from all of them and a whoop of excitement from Bud. "I’ve got jungle jitters already," he joked.
    With this unexpected obstacle cleared away, last-minute preparations went forward at a feverish pace and finally the day arrived when the explorers were ready to depart. "We leave at five tomorrow morning," Tom announced to his friends.
    That evening, at The Glass Cat coffee house where Bashalli Prandit worked, Sandy and Bashalli gave a surprise farewell party for Tom, Bud, and the other expeditioners—though in truth it was hardly a surprise.
    "This is a most arresting custom," Bashalli commented to Tom with a teasing smile. "You seem to have one of these going-away parties every few weeks. You have had so many going-away parties I’m surprised you haven’t gone away for good!"
    "It’s a living, Bash," Tom joked. "Join Swift Enterprises and see the world."
    "Or outer space, or the bottom of the sea. Do you not ever feel the desire to settle down, Tom Swift?"
    "Not at the moment," replied the young inventor carefully. "I’m only eighteen, you know."
    Bashalli rolled her eyes. "Yes, and as time is counted by the Swifts, no doubt you will be eighteen for many more years to come. I trust that some day, Tom, the hands of the clock will turn even for you."
    Tom gave a wink and said, "When that happens, Bash, I’ll make sure to let you know."
    Twenty young people were there and the main room of the coffee house was alive with excited chatter.
    "That’s quite a place you’re going to," said a youth named Will Brown. "I hear one of the tribal kings