Art Wiltessa, a crack underwater specialist as
well as engineer, was placed in charge.
By noon the group had taken off for the South Atlantic in a Swift cargo
jet. A small portable model of Tom's atomic earth blaster was included
in their equipment. A jetmarine and a diving seacopter were also
dispatched from Fearing to assist in the operations.
"It's apt to be a long-drawn-out job--and dangerous," commented Mr.
Swift as he lunched with Tom in their office.
"Yes. Digging in that silt could be almost as bad as working in
quicksand."
Mr. Swift's deep-set blue eyes took on a thoughtful gleam. "Speaking of
silt, son, I've found the ideal spot for my secret deep-sea farm."
"You mean for growing those plants you use in making Tomasite?" Tom
asked.
The elder scientist nodded. Tomasite, a revolutionary plastic which Mr.
Swift had developed, possessed amazing insulating properties against
both heat and radiation. One of its secret ingredients came from certain
plants found only in Far Eastern waters. Mr. Swift hoped to transplant
them locally.
"The site is near Fearing Island--about fifty feet in depth," he added.
"You may have a tough time finding gardeners, Dad," Tom pointed out.
"Men can't work that far down for very long at one time."
"It'll be a problem," Mr. Swift conceded.
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