Tom Swift and His Big Tunnel; Or, The Hidden City of the Andes

"Tom Swift and His Big Tunnel; Or, The Hidden City of the Andes" by Victor Appleton is a novel likely written during the early 20th century. The story follows the young inventor Tom Swift, who finds himself embroiled in an exciting adventure when he is approached by a contractor named Job Titus seeking help with a difficult tunneling project in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The narrative is characterized by themes of discovery, rivalry, and the utilization of innovative technology. The opening of the book introduces readers to Tom Swift in his laboratory, where he faces a series of humorous interactions with his assistant Koku, a giant of a man with a friendly demeanor, and Eradicate, an older worker who feels overshadowed by Koku's strength. Tom learns that Job Titus needs assistance overcoming a challenging rock formation in the Andes that is proving too tough to tunnel through with conventional explosives. As the story progresses, readers are set up for a journey filled with challenges, including the potential sabotage from rival contractors, the need for innovative explosive solutions, and the promise of unknown adventures in South America.