Part 14 (1/2)

”Well, it ,” insisted Blake ”You hear Alcando and so about a machine, and you at once jump to the conclusion that it's a camera”

”No, I don't!” exclai that line, but he was doing so, when Mr Alcando called at the rooht, he made no mention of his visitor on the balcony Nor did Blake or Joe question hi?” asked the Spaniard

”Yes, and we'll h the Gatun locks,” decided Blake

”Good! I am anxious to try e, valises, trunks, cameras, boxes of undeveloped film, other boxes to hold the exposed reels of sensitive celluloid, andpicture boys and Mr

Alcando went aboard the govern

With the exception of so a trip of inspection, they were the only passengers

”Well, are you all ready, boys?” asked the captain, for he had been instructed by his superiors to show every courtesy and attention to our heroes In a sense they orking for Uncle Sam

”All ready,” answered Blake

”Then we'll start,” was the reply ”I guess--”

”Oh, oneof you!” cried Mr Alcando ”I see a friend co the pier, where the tug was tied Co a Spaniard

”You are late,” complained Mr Alcando, as the runner handed hiood friend, the captain of this tug”

”I could not help it,” was the answer ”I did not receive it o It came by cable So you are off?”

”We are off!” answered Mr Alcando

Then the other spoke in Spanish, and later on Blake, who undertook the study of that language so as to make himself understood in a few simple phrases knehat it was that the two men said For the runner asked:

”You will not fail us?”

”I will not fail--if I have to sacrifice myself,” was the answer of Mr Alcando, and then with a wave of his hand the other went back up the pier

”All right?” again asked Captain Watson

”All right, my dear sir, I am sorry to have delayed you,” answered Mr Alcando with more than his usual politeness

”A little delay doesn't matter I am at your service,” the commander said ”Well, noe'll start”

If either Blake or Joe felt any surprise over the hurried visit, at the lastto each other about it Besides, they had otherpicture as about to begin

In a short ti away from the pier, up the harbor and toward the wonderful locks and da features (aside froet our caested Joe

”I think so,” agreed his chum ”Now, Mr Alcando, if you want to pick up any points, you can watch us A little later we'll let you grind the crank yourself”