Part 20 (2/2)

”Now the powder,” called the young inventor To avoid accidents Koku handled this hiured out that five hundred pounds of his neerful explosive would be about the right aes toeasier, was quickly inserted in the breech of the gun by Koku

”Blessnervously on ”Don't drop any of that”

”Me no drop,” was the answer

To on a bit of paper, and Ned, who looked over his shoulder, saw a coeoher , To to confirures, to see if I can really reach that farthest target”

”What, not the one thirty et a thirty-e if I can”

”It isn't possible, Tom”

”Bless my tape measure! I should say not!” cried Mr Damon

”We'll see,” replied Tom, quietly ”Put in the primer, Ned; and, Koku, close the breech and slot it ho

”Now,” said Toht, and itthat can cause an accident will be a flaw in the steel No one can guard against that So, in order to be on the safe side, ill all go into the boun froreed that this was good advice, and soon the steel athered in a sort of cave that had been hollowed out in the side of the hill, and at an angle froun

”If it does burst--which I hope it won't,” said Toht lines, so ill be safe enough here Ned, are you are ready at the instruistered muzzle velocity Mr Dae After I press the button I'h the telescope”

The gun had been pointed, as I have said, at the farthest target--one thirtythis possible

”All ready!” cried Tom

”All ready,” answered Ned

There was a tense moment; Tom's thumb pressed home the electric button, and then came the explosion

It seemed for a moment as if everyone was lifted from his feet They had all stood on their tiptoes, and opened their mouths to lessen the shock, but even then it was terrific The very ground shook--froravel rattled down on their heads

Their ear-drums were numbed from the shock And the noise that filled the valley seeed into one

To the electric button He caught sight of his gun, resting undisturbed on the iht ”She stood the charge all right And look! look!” he cried, as he pointed the glasses toward the distant hillside ”There goes ht as an arrow There! By Caesar, Ned! It landed within three feet of the target! Oh, you beauty!” he yelled at his giant cannon ”You did all I hoped you would!