Part 21 (1/2)
Tom looked pleased at this order, and soon he and all theout the electrical apparatus, andto do with it, Tom?” asked Mr Da inventor to carry a shts
”I hardly know myself I have a half-formed plan in my mind I may be able to carry it out, and Iuntil I look over the machinery, and see if all the parts which I need are here Please say nothing about it”
”Bless my toothpick! Of course, I'll not,” promised Mr Damon
When the removal of most of the machinery of the wrecked airshi+p had been completed, Mrs Nestor exclai that out of hare our ca that part of the island ht, and create a wave that may wash us all out to sea Can't we move the camp, Mr Swift?”
”No reason e can't,” answered the lad, sood plan to take it farther back We are likely to be here soht build more complete shelters, and have a few reed with this idea, so the little shacks that had been erected were taken down, and round, where a better outlook could be had of the surrounding ocean At the sa the frequent earthquakes, was picked out--a place where there were no overhanging rocks or cliffs
Three huts were built, one for the two ladies, one for thecould be done This last also held the food supplies and stores, and Tom noted, with satisfaction, that there was still sufficient to eat to last over a week Mr Fenwick had not stinted his kitchen stores
This work done, Captain Mentor and Mate Fordahest part of the island, where they erected a signal, made from pieces of canvas that had been in the life boat The boat itself was brought around to the new camp, and at first it was hoped that it could be repaired, and used But too large a hole had been stove in the botto the shacks
This work occupied the better part of two days, and during this tian to hope that the island would not be quiet for a while Mrs Anderson and Mrs Nestor assue, which relieved Tom from those duties The two ladies even instituted ”wash-day,” and when a nu on lines to dry, the camp looked like some summer colony of pleasure-seekers, out for a holiday
In thethe machinery which had been taken from the airshi+p He inspected it carefully, tested some of the apparatus, and reatly pleased over souy and stay wires from the collapsed frame of the WHIZZER, he was approached by Mr Barcoe Jenks
”Planning so new?” asked Mr Jenks, with an attempt at jollity, which, however, failed Theso exactly new,” answered To to try an experiht I ask if it has anything to do with rescuing us froravely
”Good!” exclaimed Mr Jenks ”Well, now I have a proposition to make to you I suppose you are not very wealthy, Mr Swift?” He gazed at To inventor's proud answer, ”but I would be glad to ht so Most every one would Look here!”
He approached closer to To his hand from his pocket, held it extended, in the palularly-shaped objects--stones or crystals the lad took them to be, yet they did not look like ordinary stones or crystals
”Do you knohat those are?” asked Mr Jenks
”I uess,” replied Tom
”I'll save you the trouble They are diamonds! Diamonds of the very first water, but uncut Now to the point I have half a et ree to make you a quarter of a million dollars worth of diamonds!”
”Make me a quarter of a million dollars worth of diamonds?” asked Tom, struck by the use of the work ”make”
”Yes, 'make,'” answered Mr Jenks ”That is if I can discover the secret--the secret of Phantom Mountain Get e with you--I need help--help to learn the secret and help to make the diamonds--see, there are sohts--I need the aid of a young fellow like you Will you help? See, I'll give you soh they are not like ordinary diamonds I made them Will you--”
Before To rureat fissure opened, almost at the feet of Mr Jenks, ith a cry of fear, leaped toward the young inventor