In their excitement and relief, the three hugged one another and jumped for joy.
"Should we wake up your dad and tell him the good news—or keep it a surprise till morning?" Bud asked Tom.
"I guess we'd better—"
Tom broke off in a gasp as the robotlike container suddenly began to whirl—slowly at first, then faster and faster. Spinning crazily like a huge runaway top, it darted up, down, and about the hillside.
Tom and his two companions stared in helpless amazement.
"Great horned toads! What's it up to?" Chow exclaimed.
"Seems like the energy's trying to get out!" Bud guessed. "Something must be bothering it."
Tom shook his head incredulously. "No reason for that. The container was absolutely empty."
Chow suddenly gave a groan and slapped his forehead in dismay. "Brand my Big Dipper!" the cook said. "Mebbe Ole Think Box has gone loco! An' it could be my fault!"