Free Tom Swift and His Ultrasonic Cycloplane by Victor Appleton II

through the undergrowth.
    "And what might that be?" Chow demanded, perspiration flooding down his nose. "Sittin’ Bull’s nephew?"
    Hedron chuckled. "Just a tree kangaroo!"
    But the men were in no mood to enjoy the interesting surroundings. Streaming with perspiration and pestered by insects, every step seemed to add to their torture.
    Turning to speak to Doc Simpson, Tom noticed a glazed look in Hank Sterling’s eyes.
    "Hank! Are you all right?" he queried.
    Tottering, Hank wiped the sweat from his brow. "Sure—j-just a bit bushed, I guess," the young engineer replied.
    Suddenly Doc gasped and pointed to Red Jones. Apparently the redheaded crewman had not noticed that the rest of the group had halted. With drooping head and closed eyes, he stumbled forward.
    "Catch him, someone!" Tom shouted.
    But it was too late. Tripping over a tree root, Red sprawled headlong on the ground, then groveled in the green foliage, too weak to rise. Doc Simpson and the others ran to his assistance. "Heat prostration," the medic announced after a quick examination.
    By bathing Red’s forehead and holding smelling salts to the man’s nose, Doc soon revived him and gave him a hydrating electrolyte drink which restored his vigor. But Tom, concerned but impatient, suggested that the group rest for a while.
    While the men lounged, panting, with their backs propped against tree trunks, the young inventor checked his Global Positioning System meter.
    "Wow! What a snail’s pace!" he muttered in disgust. "Since we left the Sky Queen , we’ve covered only about a mile in actual forward motion."
    The depressing news was greeted with loud groans. To cool off from the steaming jungle heat, and to keep away the flies and mosquitoes, the men fanned themselves constantly.
    In half an hour, the group resumed its trek. But again progress was slow. Gradually the jungle shadows deepened as the day drew to a close.
    "Might be wise to stop soon and make camp," Hedron advised. "Night comes fast in this part of the world."
    Tom agreed, but pointed out the importance of first finding a good campsite. Eventually the expedition halted near a shallow jungle stream that seemed to ooze sluggishly through the darkening gloom. While Chow made a fire and started preparing the evening meal, most of the men flopped down, completely drained of energy. Tom, however, decided to use what was left of twilight to scout around for enemies—human or animal.
    "I’ll go with you," Doc volunteered. "I’m always on the hunt for rare medicinal herbs."
    Keeping in close touch with each other, the two began ranging around the camp in widening circles. Suddenly a shout from Doc brought the scientist-inventor on the run.
    "What is it?" yelled Tom, alert for danger.
    In reply, Doc held up a waxy green plant with a small pink flower which he had just plucked from the ground. "A rare herb, used in certain drug preparations!" he explained. "Here’s a whole patch of the stuff!"
    Irritated, Tom almost snapped at Doc for alarming him. But he thought the better of it. I’m as worn out and on-edge as the rest of ’em, he said to himself. With Tom’s help, Doc began picking a supply of the flowers to take back to Shopton for his medical experiments. Engrossed in their task, neither noticed that the ground was getting softer at every step.
    Suddenly Tom realized they were both ankle deep in the wet, spongy earth. Floundering for a foothold, Tom slid sideways, as if down a hidden embankment. When he stopped, he had sunk almost to the knees in oozy muck!
    "Doc!" he cried. "It’s a bog! We’re getting sucked in!"

CHAPTER 9
STONE-AGE ATTACK
    IN A FRENZY of alarm, the two explorers tried to scramble back to firmer ground. But their efforts were futile—the treacherous bog only clutched them more securely in its slimy embrace. With every wallowing step, they plunged deeper and deeper into the morass.
    "Hold it, Doc!" Tom gasped finally. "We’re only making matters worse!"
    Panting for breath,