Part 28 (2/2)

”Yes, I suppose so; but, in a way, dad can stand it And if I un test, ten thousand dollars won't look very big to ave it to Alec fro, anyhow”

”You mean because he saved you from the live wire?”

”That's it, Ned It was a sort of reward, in a way, and I guess dad won't be broken-hearted if Alec doesn't succeed Only, of course, he'll feel badly for Alec himself Poor oldWell, Ned, let's get to work on that ammunition hoist It still jams a little on the ways, and I want it to work s a hitch--even a ss asseht, Tom Well, start off, I' helped, of course, by the workovernment, and some from the steel concern

There were many little details to look after, not the least of which was the patrolling of the stretch of ocean over which the great projectiles would soar in reaching the far-off targets at which Tom had planned to shoot No shi+ps were to be allowed to cross the thirty-ress So, also, the zone where the shots were expected to fall was to be cleared

But at last all seeain on its carriage The projectiles were all in readiness, and the terribly powerful aun in a bomb-proof chaun had been fired so e of powder heavier than was ordinarily called for, and had stood the strain well, To reasonably close to it to press the button of the battery There would be no retreating to the bombproof this time

The Gerun was mounted, but he appeared to take only an ordinary interest in it

Toan to feel more than ever that perhaps his suspicions were unfounded

Soovernment affairs had arrived at Colon in anticipation of the test, which, to Toht, had attracted more attention than he anticipated At the same time he was a bit nervous

”Suppose it fails, Ned?” he said

”Oh, it can't!” cried his chu”

Plans had been made for a shi+p to be stationed near the zone of fire, to report by wireless the character of each shot, the distance it traveled, and how near it caes would be received at a station near the barbette, and at once reported to To

”Well, today tells the tale!” exclai ”How's the weather, Ned?”

”Couldn't be better--clear as a bell, Too out and see howcould happen, with Koku on guard”

”No, hardly I' to keep hi to take no chances”

”That's the ticket!”

The gun was found all right, in its great tarpaulin cover, and Too over every bit of ot ready for the final trials

On an iathered the ordnance board, the specially invited guests, a number of officers and workers in the canal zone, and one or two representatives of foreign governer was there, but his ”familiar,” as Ned had come to call the stolid German servant, was not present

Toh, the working of his gun A number of questions were asked, and then it was announced that the first shot, with only a practice charge of powder, would be fired