“I’m almost certain, Biff, that they’re building a rocket launching site.”
“Like Cape Canaveral?”
His uncle nodded his head. “I was at Canaveral at its beginning. Saw the place grow. That work back up there is much the same type of construction. Still in its earliest stages, somewhat crude. Be a long time before they can try a moon shot, or any other kind.”
“Is knowing about this important?”
“Important. You just bet it is. News of this development is vital. It’s the biggest, most important information Uncle Sam has had out of China in years. You really found something, Biff.”
Shortly after noon of the second day since their escape, the party reached the plateau where Muscles had been landed by Jack Hudson.
“This is it,” Muscles said. “If Jack gets my signal, we’ll be away and winging by dark. Here, Chuba, take the end of this wire and scamper up that tree. Attach it to the highest limb you can reach.”
The antenna was connected to the portable transmitter. The tree’s height increased the distance of transmission possible. Ground transmission would have limited the signal.
“All is okay, Muscles,” Chuba called down. Muscles picked up the hand mike. He snapped on a button. A slight hum could be heard.
Muscles turned to the anxiously waiting group. “Let’s hope I get through. I can’t repeat my signal more than once. It may be picked up by the enemy.” He grinned at them. “Well, here goes.” Muscles held the mike close to his mouth. “There’s gold in these hyar hills....” He waited ten seconds. “Repeating.... There’s gold in these hyar hills.”