Part 1 (1/2)

Tom Swift and His Giant Telescope

by Victor Appleton

CHAPTER I

THE NEW PROJECT

Toh in reality he was about as excited over his latest invention as he ever had been about anything in his life

”I'erly to his chum as they neared Tom's private laboratory ”With my new device I hope to learn more about the planets I want to start soon--”

”Listen here!” broke in Ned Newton ”If you're thinking of going to Mars or the e places and have never kicked But this--”

”Hold on, young fellow!” interrupted the youthful inventor with an a like that in mind YET! All I want to do is show you my new 'space eye'”

[Illustration: Ned Newton, Tom's Chum]

”Can't say as I like that word 'yet,'” Ned er if you'll proh space in a rocket or cannon-ball!”

”Word of honor I won't,” pro his heart with mock solemnity ”Well, here we are”

The two boys had reached the laboratory, a s Tom's father's ho Company at Shopton

[Illustration: Tom Crossed His Heart]

”I'll bet these shelves have more scientific apparatus on 'em than any other shelves in the world,” remarked Ned, as his chu hundreds of chee transformer, from which the youthful scientist, Toht desire

[Illustration: They Entered the Laboratory]

”Here goes!” said the young inventor

He rolled back a s in the middle of the floor to expose athe dial of a complicated mechanism Some years before Tonable chauard his secret plans He called it his Chest of Secrets, and guarded it well

[Illustration: To]

Even Ned Newton, Tom's closest friend and business associate, did not know the entire contents of the massive vault Only Tom and his father were aware of all the inventions concealed there

”Some of these inventions must not be known to the world in its present state,” the elder man had said

One of the anything in its path Only if the United States should be invaded by an enemy poould this be revealed

[Illustration: There Was a Death Ray]