Part 26 (1/2)
Only the immediate area was affected. The new outlet was about a half mile wide, stretching from sea level and possibly below, to about a quarter mile up the slope. Beyond the crater San Luz seemed normal, although Rick knew there were no human beings in the area.
Not until he pa.s.sed Redondo did signs of life appear, and then the beach became black with people. The wave of humanity extended inward to the slopes of El Viejo and along the beach to Calor. Past Calor, at the airport, troops not needed on the perimeter waited for their planes.
Already there were planes landing.
Rick completed the circuit of the island, then on impulse moved past the volcano and took a good look at where the diamond pipe had been. A momentary wind blew the area clear long enough for him to glimpse white-hot lava.
”Well,” he remarked, ”there go Connel's diamonds. Either buried, or burned.”
”Cheer up,” Scotty said with a grin. ”Maybe El Viejo is making some new ones.”
Governor Montoya added the final word. ”I hope not. But if so, I can only hope they will not be discovered just before the next eruption!”
CHAPTER XX
A Few Souvenirs
San Luz settled back to normal in an astonis.h.i.+ngly short time, a tribute to the calm nerves of the population. Within recorded island history, the discovery of diamonds was the sole event that seemed to have excited most of the islanders.
The troops left on MATS planes. The s.h.i.+ps withdrew, except for two oceanographic s.h.i.+ps sent hurriedly by Columbia University and Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst.i.tute. Aboard were not only oceanographers, but marine biologists experienced in radiation physics. They would keep track of events in the sea for many months.
The scientific population of the Hot Springs Hotel did not decrease appreciably. The combination of advance warning of eruption, a nuclear explosion, and the eruption itself provided data never before obtainable. The scientists intended to make the most of it.
The courts of San Luz went into operation again. Guevara was charged with treason, Connel with attempted murder. The boys gave depositions--sworn testimony--to the government attorneys. But Ruiz would be his own best witness. The doctor promised that he would be able to testify by the time the case came to trial.
At a dinner for the Spindrift scientists, the governor presented certificates of appreciation to each one of the party, including the boys. Then he made a short speech.
”I could thank you, but words are inadequate in the face of the deed. An island and its people have been saved. You did this. What more is there that can be said? We will not forget. Already, with the help of my good friend Esteben Balgos, we are planning to erect a permanent volcanic observatory and laboratory in which scientists can work and learn from El Viejo. I do not ask your permission--I merely inform you that it is to be called Spindrift Memorial Laboratory.”
The scientists murmured in protest, but the governor held up his hand.
”I know you do not approve. I do not ask you to. It is accomplished.