Part 17 (1/2)

”That is hard to answer,” went on the tug coh, to prevent the da no chances

Well, have you pictures enough?”

”I think so,” answered Blake ”When we coet so the spillway”

”Yes, that ought to be interesting,” the captain agreed

The tug now steamed on her way out into Gatun Lake, and there a series of excellent vieere obtained for thepicture cameras Mr Alcando was allowed to do his part He was rapidly learning what the boys could teach him

”Of course it could never happen,” the Spaniard said, when the cameras had been put away, for the views to be obtained then were of too much sameness to attract Joe or Blake, ”it would never happen, and I hope it never does; but if it did it would make a wonderful picture; would it not?” he asked

”What are you talking about?” asked Blake

”The Gatun Dam,” was the answer ”If ever it was blown up by dynamite it would riainst civilization to destroy this great canal”

”Yes, it would be a great crireed the Spaniard in a low voice A little later he went to his stateroo, and Blake and Joe remained on deck

”Queer sort of a chap; isn't he?” said Joe

”He sure is--rather deep,” agreed his chu captain that afternoon

”Yes, ant to get a fes showing life in the woods,”

answered Blake ”Why?”

”Well, the reason I asked is that I can take you to the res River and fro into the interior So if you're going--”

”I think we had better go; don't you?” asked Blake of his chuet soo ith the Canal, anyhow; really a sort of part of the series we're taking”

”All right, then, I'll leave you in the jungle,” the captain said

A day or so later, stops having been made to per reached Gamboa, where they stopped, to plan a trip into the interior

Then, one , with their cameras loaded with fille

CHAPTER XIV

IN DIRE PERIL

A small launch had been provided for the use of Blake and Joe in going into the jungle, the first part of their trip being along the Chagres River The tug on which they had coly they had transferred what baggage they needed to the launch, and with theirpicture cameras, with shelter tents, food, supplies and soroes as helpers, they were prepared to enjoy life as le of the Isthet pictures,”