Part 13 (1/2)

”You forget, or ht my electric rifle with me That'll polish off any devil-fish I'o too!”

”Isn't but one suit,” said Captain Britten ”Now, Tom Swift, if you're ready, here's the suit”

”All set,” said the young inventor cal upscientist had been helped into thea peculiar-looking gun

Unlike other weapons, this one could discharge a bolt of electricity which would slay the largest ani to the adjusthest power

[Illustration: They Helped Tom into the Suit]

”Good luck!” cried Ned as the heavy helmet was lowered into place

Tohty Later, when he got into the depths, the buoyant effect of the water would enable him to move more freely

[Illustration: Ned Carried a Peculiar Gun]

Clutching his gun in his armored hand, Tom crept slowly on to the platforot a last gli businesshi his chum to undertake so hazardous a venture As his watch told hi the bottom he seated himself by the switchboard, headphones clamped over his ears

[Illustration: Tom Crept Slowly to the Platform]

”Ground floor,” announced Tom at last ”Pretty dark down here I'll switch on e!”

Ned heard a muffled silence

”Tom! Toht?”

For nearly ten et in touch with his friend Just as he was giving up hope he heard a weak voice gasp:

[Illustration: ”Ground Floor,” Announced Tom]

”Not so loud, old 's under control!”

”Hurray!” shouted Ned ”He's found 'em, Captain Britten!”

”Easy!” protested Tom from the depths ”Don't shout like that so near the phone! Yes, thefish had 'e like it But a couple of shots fro Fish Had 'Em!”]

”Tell Captain Britten to send down some heavy chains We've found the meteorite!”

The now jubilant creho had feared their companions lost, scurried about In a few h the blue-green ocean