The Firebird Rocket Read Online Free

thoroughfare, and university buildings occupied the opposite side.
    â€œNow I know why it’s called Ivy League,” Chet quipped. “Look at the ivy on the dorms!”
    â€œI wonder where the Aerospace Lab is,” Frank said. He stopped for a red light near a couple of high stone gates flanked by iron railings. Beyond the lawn they could see Nassau Hall, the main building of the campus. Its slender tower rose toward the sky and was topped by a weathervane.
    A student carrying a couple of books under his arm started to cross the street with the light. Joe leaned out the window and asked him the way to the Aerospace Lab.
    â€œGo down Nassau Street and turn right onto Washington Road,” was the reply. “The lab is near the football stadium.”
    Frank followed the directions. They passed the psychology and biology departments, and arrived at a science complex, where Chet spotted a sign reading: PRINCETON AEROSPACE LABORATORY. Frank parked and the young detectives went in.
    They found themselves in a rotunda, where a model of a Saturn rocket stood upright in the middle of the floor. Around the walls behind glass were exhibits of dramatic moments in the history of space exploration.
    Chet pointed to one of them. “The astronauts on the moon!” he said.
    â€œAnd there’s Skylab in orbit!” Joe exclaimed.
    â€œAnd Telstar!” Frank marveled. “They bounce signals off it out in space, and the signals are picked up by TV systems around the world!”
    A guard approached and inquired what they wanted. When Frank explained their mission, he escorted them down the hall to a door bearing the nameplate: PROFESSOR ARTHUR YOUNG. The guard knocked and went in. A moment later he returned and announced that Professor Young would see them.
    They entered a study lined with books, graphs, mathematical equations, and blowups of major rocket launchings. The professor rose from his swivel chair and shook hands with the visitors. After introductions were made, he made a motion indicating that they take three chairs near his desk, and sat down again. He was tall, thin, and slightly bald. He looked intently at the boys as he tamped tobacco into his pipe and lit it.
    â€œYour father phoned me and told me you were on your way,” he said with a smile. “I’m very glad to see you and your friend. We need fast action.”
    â€œProfessor, what is the problem?” Frank asked in a puzzled tone.
    â€œHow much do you know about the case that has developed here at the lab?” Young countered.
    â€œNothing,” Joe admitted.
    â€œWell, I’ll give you all the information I have. First let me show you around the place, so you get an idea of what we’re doing. Then you’ll see what we’re up against and why we need your assistance.”
    He led them out of his office and through the building. “Everyone here is devoted to the exploration of space,” Young commented. “This lab is one of the best in the world when it comes to interplanetary probes and the study of the solar system.”
    The group passed a lecture hall, a library, two seminar rooms, and several offices belonging to famous scientists. Then they arrived at the lab itself, a maze of rooms in which experts were carrying out experiments on everything from liquid fuels to the problems of weightlessness in outer space.
    â€œBoy, this sure beats Bayport High!” Chet exclaimed. “I could make myself a real rocket here. Maybe I’ll apply for a job after I win the state science competition.”
    Young laughed. “Glad to have you aboard, Chet. Just be sure you get clearance from the Space Flight Center when the time comes. You’ll have to be okayed down there because we work for NASA. What we discover goes on the drawing boards at the Center.”
    â€œNo wonder Dad said the case was hush-hush,” Frank put in. “This lab must be filled with top-secret