Part 12 (1/2)

”Perhaps Blakeson & Grinder have given up the fight against you”

”I wish they had, though I don't look for any such good luck But I'ht them, now that we have an even chance, thanks to your explosive”

The storm blew itself out The Bellaconda ”crossed the line,” and there was the usual horseplay a the sailors when Father Neptune came aboard to hold court Those who had never before been below the equator werelathered and shaved, and then pushed backward into a canvas tank of water on deck

While Toe, with the possible exception of the storm, he was anxious, and so was Mr titus, for the tiet to the tunnel and try the effect of the new explosive Mr

Da chess as was the eccentric man himself, and his days were fully occupied with castles, pawns, knights, kings, queens and so on As for Koku he was taken in charge by the sailors and found life forward very agreeable

Senor Pinto had recovered from his seasickness, the steward told Tom and Mr titus, but still he kept to his stateroom

It hen the Bellaconda ithin a day or two of Callao that a wireless e was received for Mr titus It was froe read:

”Have information from New York office that rivals are after you Look out for explosive”

”What does that mean?” asked Tom

”Well, I presume it means our rival contractors knoe have a supply of your neder on board, and they et it away fro it to coet the secret of it to use for theoes to the to protect the powder, Tom?”

”Well, I don't know that we'll need to while it's stoay in the cargo They can't get at it any uess it's safe enough We'll just have to keep our eyes open when it's taken out of the hold, though”

Tom and Mr titus, both of ere fond of fresh air and exercise, had et up an hour before breakfast and take a constitutional about the stea after the wireless warning was received, and they were standing near the port rail, talking about this, when they heard a thud on the deck behind the toward them From the object projected what see and s

For a moment neither Tom nor Mr titus spoke Then, as a slowtoward Tom, he cried:

”It a bomb!”

He darted toward it, but Mr titus pulled him back

”Run!” yelled the contractor

Before either of theentleman stepped partly fro object

”Look out!” yelled Mr titus, crouching low ”That's an explosive bomb!

Toss it overboard!”

Chapter X