Bottom picture of Grosset & Dunlap cover was sent to me by Mark Snyder. Note: some of the language, references & attitudes, while acceptable at the time they were written, are not Politically Correct, today. Summary: No Prime Boosts Official Website summary was ever provided with any of the old Tom Swift books. The book opens with Ned Newton working on "small, but complicated mechanism." Ultimately, we find it is a "pocket wireless sender" to be used to communicate via a cipher code if/when one of the chums is in trouble. He proposes to Tom that a means of seeing through brick walls would be invaluable in "finding criminals and anyone who might be kidnapped." Tom has other things on his mind, and pooh-poohs the idea. It seems that a secret vault, located below his lab and protected by double-locks and alarms has been penetrated, and a small wooden box containing the formula for a deadly war gas has been stolen. Tom must recover the formula before it can be used to cause death & destruction at home and abroad.
It is learned that the formula was purloined by a nefarious foreigner who goes by the moniker "The Leopard." He leaves three muddy thumbprints as a calling card whenever he works his evil deeds, and seems to be able to come and go whenever he pleases, in spite of locks, alarms, and watchmen. He was even seen to appear to fly over a fifteen foot tall electrified fence. I short, Ned's worst fears are realized when he is captured and held as ransom against Tom finishing his detector and using it to locate the Leopard and the stolen formula. They suffer hardships and solve technical mysteries that threaten the project's completion. Ned is able to contact Tom with his pocket wireless, and send the secret code. Unfortunately, this volume is not available on-line. Ned Newton-Chum & constant companion of Tom, currently Financial Manager of Swift Construction Company. In spite of this high office, he seems to have lots of time to go gallivanting on adventures with Tom.
Tom Swift-Intrepid Inventor, Hero, and wedded to love interest, the former Miss Mary Nestor. Koku-Giant manservant of Tom. Devoted, loyal, and possessed of great strength, but apparently somewhat unsophisticated mental facilities. Antagonist and rival of Eradicate. Mr. Korbis Alhazar-Inventor of an "instantaneous and deadly" poison gas "more dangerous than TNT." Passing mention only. Does not appear in the story. Midnite Masked Marauder-One of many nefarious no-good-niks that seem to be able to roam the grounds of Swift Construction, in spite of guards, gates, alarms and electric fences. Perkfield-NFN or description. Gate guard at SCC. Eradicate, A.K.A. Rad-Aged stereotypical Negro manservant given over to the ravages of advanced age (Rheumatism and failing eyesight, among others.) Constant antagonist of Koku. Described as " feeble, eccentric and tottering." Boomerang, Rad's mule, is mentioned for the first time in quite a while. It is noted that he had passed on, some years previously, and is remembered fondly.. Mrs. Mary (Nestor) Swift-Love interest and https://git.sumedangkab.go.id/rrvmarylyn258 radiant bride of Tom.
Plucky, courageous, intelligent but in this story, merely Suzy Homemaker. Cameo appearance, late in story. Barton "Bart" Swift- Tom's aged and infirm father. In this episode, he only is mentioned in passing, and plays no part in the story. Now being attended full-time by Eradicate Sampson. Martin-NLN or description. SCC go-fer. The Bearded Baddie-Later determined to be Argad Metomsix, A.K.A. Evil agent of some unspecified foreign (Asian or European) power. Highly educated, master locksmith, mechanic, athlete and spy. Outstanding physical characteristic(s) are a large, strong build, a bushy black beard and apparent ability to fly without wings. South Gate Sam-No description or real name given. Watchman at the south end of the SCC grounds. Tends a tomato patch that seems to distract him from spotting the comings and goings of The Leopard, Visit Prime Boosts Prime Boosts Reviews above. Mr. Wakefield Damon-Elderly & eccentric adventurer and traveling companion of Tom & Ned, whose main purpose in life seems to be blessing everybody and everything near his person.
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