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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:16:49 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 05:16:49 -0700 |
| commit | 306a9f6ef7082fae979578b26991869f2cc07d5f (patch) | |
| tree | 590ff84581d9a1018944122f49aacbb6f2b466cb /1282-h | |
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diff --git a/1282-h/1282-h.htm b/1282-h/1282-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5adf7e4 --- /dev/null +++ b/1282-h/1282-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6967 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Tom Swift Among the Diamond Makers, by Victor Appleton + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1282 ***</div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + TOM SWIFT AMONG THE DIAMOND MAKERS + </h1> + <h3> + or The Secret of Phantom Mountain + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Victor Appleton + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </td> + <td> + A SUSPICIOUS JEWELER + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </td> + <td> + A MIDNIGHT VISIT + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </td> + <td> + A STRANGE STORY + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </td> + <td> + ANDY FOGER GETS A FRIGHT + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </td> + <td> + A MYSTERIOUS MAN + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </td> + <td> + MR. DAMON IS ON HAND + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </td> + <td> + MR. PARKER PREDICTS + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </td> + <td> + OFF FOR THE WEST + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </td> + <td> + A WARNING BY WIRELESS + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </td> + <td> + DROPPING THE STOWAWAY + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </td> + <td> + A WEARY SEARCH + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </td> + <td> + THE GREAT STONE HEAD + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </td> + <td> + ON PHANTOM MOUNTAIN + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </td> + <td> + WARNED BACK + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </td> + <td> + THE LANDSLIDE + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </td> + <td> + THE VAST CAVERN + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </td> + <td> + THE PHANTOM CAPTURED + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </td> + <td> + BILL RENSHAW WILL HELP + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </td> + <td> + IN THE SECRET CAVE + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </td> + <td> + MAKING THE DIAMONDS + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> + </td> + <td> + FLASHING GEMS + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> + </td> + <td> + PRISONERS + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> + </td> + <td> + BROKEN BONDS + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> + </td> + <td> + IN GREAT PERIL + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> + </td> + <td> + THE MOUNTAIN SHATTERED. CONCLUSION + </td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I—A SUSPICIOUS JEWELER + </h2> + <p> + “Well, Tom Swift, I don't believe you will make any mistake if you buy + that diamond,” said the jeweler to a young man who was inspecting a tray + of pins, set with the sparkling stones. “It is of the first water, and + without a flaw.” + </p> + <p> + “It certainly seems so, Mr. Track. I don't know much about diamonds, and + I'm depending on you. But this one looks to be all right.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it for yourself, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “Er—no—that is, not exactly,” and Tom Swift, the young + inventor of airships and submarines, blushed slightly. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I see. It's for your housekeeper, Mrs. Baggert. Well, I think she + would like a pin of this sort. True, it's rather expensive, but—” + </p> + <p> + “No, it isn't for Mrs. Baggert, Mr. Track,” and Tom seemed a bit + embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + “No? Well, then, Tom—of course it's none of my affair, except to + sell you a good stone, But if this brooch is for a young lady, I can't + recommend anything nicer. Do you think you will take this; or do you + prefer to look at some others?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I think this will do, Mr. Track. I guess I'll take—” + </p> + <p> + Tom's words were interrupted by a sudden action on the part of the + jeweler. Mr. Track ran from behind the showcase and hastened toward the + front door. + </p> + <p> + “Did you see him, Tom?” he cried. “I wonder which way he went?” + </p> + <p> + “Who?” asked the lad, following the shopkeeper. + </p> + <p> + “That man. He's been walking up and down in front of my place for the last + ten minutes—ever since you've been in here, in fact, and I don't + like his looks.” + </p> + <p> + “What did he do?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing much, except to stare in here as if he was sizing my place up.” + </p> + <p> + “Sizing it up?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Getting the lay of the land, so he or some confederate could commit + a robbery, maybe.” + </p> + <p> + “A robbery? Do you think that man was a thief?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that he was, Tom, and yet a jeweler has to be always on the + watch, and that isn't a joke, either, Tom Swift. Swindlers and thieves are + always on the alert for a chance to rob a jewelry store, and they work + many games.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't notice any particular man looking in here,” said Tom, who still + held the diamond brooch in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Well I did,” went on the jeweler. “I happened to glance out of the window + when you were looking at the pins, and I saw his eyes staring in here in a + suspicious manner. He may have a confederate with him, and, when you're + gone, one may come in, and pretend to want to look at some diamonds. Then, + when I'm showing him some, the other man will enter, engage my attention, + and the first man will slip out with a diamond ring or pin. It's often + done.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to have it all worked out, Mr. Track,” observed the lad, with a + smile. “How do you know but what I'm in with a gang of thieves, and that + I'm only pretending to want to buy a diamond pin?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I guess I haven't known you, Tom Swift, ever since you were big + enough to toddle, not to be sure about what you're up to. But I certainly + didn't like the looks of that man. However, let's forget about him. He + seems to have gone down the street, and, after all, perhaps I was + mistaken. Just wait until I show you a few more styles before you decide. + The young lady may like one of these,” and the jeweler went to another + showcase and took out some more trays of brooches. + </p> + <p> + “What makes you think she's a young lady, Mr. Track?” asked the lad. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it's easy guessing, Tom. We jewelers are good readers of character. I + can size up a young fellow coming in here to buy an engagement or a + wedding ring, as soon as he enters the door. I suppose you'll soon be in + the market for one of those, Tom, if all the reports I hear about you are + true—you and a certain Mary Nestor.” + </p> + <p> + “I—er—I think I don't care for any of these pins,” spoke Tom, + quickly, with a blush. “I like the first lot best. I think I'll take the + one I had in my hand when that man alarmed you. Ha! That's odd! What did I + do with it?” + </p> + <p> + Tom looked about on the showcase, and glanced down on the floor. He had + mislaid the brooch, but the jeweler, with a laugh, lifted it out of a tray + a moment later. + </p> + <p> + “I saw you lay it down,” he said. “We jewelers have to be on the watch. + Here it is. I'll just put it in a box, and—” + </p> + <p> + With an exclamation, Mr. Track gave a hasty glance toward his big show + window. Tom looked up, and saw a man's face peering in. At the sight of + it, he, too, uttered a cry of surprise. + </p> + <p> + The next instant the man outside knocked on the glass, apparently with a + piece of metal, making a sharp sound. As soon as he heard it, the jeweler + once more sprang from behind the showcase, and leaped for the door crying: + </p> + <p> + “There's the thief! He's trying to cut a hole through my show window and + reach in and get something! It's an old trick. I'll get the police! Tom, + you stay here on guard!” and before the lad could utter a protest, the + jeweler had opened the door, and was speeding down the street in the + gathering darkness. + </p> + <p> + Tom stared about him in some bewilderment. He was left alone in charge of + a very valuable stock of jewelry, the owner of which was racing after a + supposed thief, crying: + </p> + <p> + “Police! Help! Thieves! Stop him, somebody!” + </p> + <p> + “This is a queer go,” mused Tom. “I wonder who that man was? He looked + like somebody I know, and yet I can't seem to place his face. I wonder if + he was trying to rob the place? Maybe there's another one—a + confederate—around here.” + </p> + <p> + This thought rather alarmed Tom, so he went to the door, and looked up and + down the street. He could see no suspicious characters, but in the + direction in which the jeweler was running there was a little throng of + people, following Mr. Track after the man who had knocked on the window. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I was there, instead of here,” mused the lad. “Still I can't + leave, or a thief might come in. Perhaps that was the game, and one of the + gang is hanging around, hoping the store will be deserted, so he can enter + and take what he likes.” + </p> + <p> + Tom had read of such cases, and he at once resolved that he would not only + remain in the jewelry shop, but that he would lock the door, which he at + once proceeded to do. Then he breathed easier. + </p> + <p> + The town of Shopton, in the outskirts of which Tom lived with his father, + and where the scene above narrated took place, was none too well lighted + at night, and the lad had his doubts about the jeweler catching the + oddly-acting man, especially as the latter had a good start. + </p> + <p> + “But some one may head him off,” reasoned Tom. “Though if they do catch + him, I don't see what they can prove against him. Hello, here I am + carrying this diamond pin around. I might lose it. Guess I'll put it back + on the tray.” + </p> + <p> + He replaced in the proper receptacle one of the pins he had been examining + when the excitement occurred. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if Mary will like that?” he said, softly. “I hope she does. + Perhaps it would be better if she could come here herself and pick out one—” + </p> + <p> + Tom's musing was suddenly interrupted by a sharp tattoo on the glass door + of the jewelry shop. With a start, he looked up, to see staring in on him + the face of the man who had been there before—the man of whom the + jeweler was even then in chase. + </p> + <p> + “Why—why——” stammered Tom. + </p> + <p> + The man knocked again. + </p> + <p> + “Tom—Tom Swift!” he called. “Don't you know me?” + </p> + <p> + “Know you—you?” repeated the lad. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—don't you remember Earthquake Island—how we were nearly + killed there—don't you remember Mr. Jenks?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Jenks?” + </p> + <p> + Tom was so startled that he could only repeat words after the strange man, + who was talking to him from outside the glass door. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mr. Jenks,” was the reply. “Mr. Barcoe Jenks, who makes diamonds. I + saw you in the store about to buy a diamond—I wanted to tell you not + to—I'll give you a better diamond than you can buy—I just + arrived in this place—I must have a private talk with you—Come + out—I'll share a wonderful secret with you.” + </p> + <p> + A flood of memory came to Tom. He did recall the very strange man who + walked around Earthquake Island—where Tom and some friends had been + marooned recently—walked about with a pocketful of what he said were + diamonds. Now Barcoe Jenks was here. + </p> + <p> + “I must see you privately, Tom Swift,” went on Mr. Jenks, as he once more + tapped on the glass. “Don't waste money buying diamonds, when you and I + can make better ones. Where can I have a talk with you? I—” Mr. + Jenks suddenly looked down the dimly-lighted street. “They're coming + back!” he cried. “I don't want to be seen. I'll call at your house later + to-night—be on the watch for me—until then—good-by!” + </p> + <p> + He waved his hand, and was gone in an instant. Tom stood staring at the + glass door. He hardly knew whether to believe it or not—perhaps it + was all a dream. + </p> + <p> + He pinched himself to make sure that he was awake. Very substantial flesh + met his thumb and finger, and he felt the pain. + </p> + <p> + “I'm awake all right,” he murmured. “But Barcoe Jenks here—and still + talking that nonsense about his manufactured diamonds. I think he must be + crazy. I wonder—” + </p> + <p> + Once more the lad's musing was interrupted. He heard a murmur of excited + voices outside the store, on the street. Then the door of the jewelry shop + was tried. Mr. Track's face was pressed against the glass. + </p> + <p> + “Open the door! Let me in, Tom!” he called. “I've caught the thief,” and + as the lad unlocked the portal he saw that the jeweler held by the arm a + ragged lad. “Ah; you scoundrel! I've caught you!” cried the diamond + merchant, shaking the small chap, while Tom looked on, more mystified than + ever. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II—A MIDNIGHT VISIT + </h2> + <p> + While Mr. Track, the jeweler, and several citizens, attracted by the chase + after the supposed thief, are crowded into the store, anxious to hear + explanations of the strange affair, I will take the opportunity to tell + you something of Tom Swift, the lad who is to figure in this story. + </p> + <p> + Many of you have already made his acquaintance, when he has been speeding + about in his airship or fast electric runabout, and to others we will + state that our hero first made his bow to the public in the book called + “Tom Swift and His Motor-Cycle,” the initial volume of this series. + </p> + <p> + In that story there was related how Tom made the acquaintance of an odd + individual, named Mr. Wakefield Damon, who was continually blessing + himself, some part of his anatomy, or his possessions. Mr. Damon was + riding a motor-cycle, and it started to climb a tree, to his pain and + fright. Afterward Tom purchased the machine, and had many adventures on + it, including a chase after a gang of men who had stolen a valuable patent + model belonging to Mr. Swift. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Swift and his son were both inventors. They lived together in a fine + house in the suburbs of Shopton, New York, and with them dwelt Mrs. + Baggert, the housekeeper (for Tom's mother was dead), and also Garret + Jackson, an expert engineer, who aided the young inventor and his father + in perfecting many machines. + </p> + <p> + There was also another semi-member of the household, to wit, Eradicate + Sampson, an eccentric colored man, who owned a mule called Boomerang. + Eradicate did odd jobs around the place, and the mule assisted his owner—that + is when the mule felt like it. + </p> + <p> + In the second volume of the series, entitled “Tom Swift and His + Motor-Boat,” there was related the incidents following a pursuit after a + gang of unprincipled men, who sought to get possession of some of Mr. + Swift's patents, and it was while in this boat that Tom, his father, and a + friend, Ned Newton, rescued from Lake Carlopa a Mr. John Sharp, who fell + from his burning balloon. Mr. Sharp was a skilled aeronaut, and after his + recovery he joined Tom in building a big airship, called the Red Cloud. + Tom's adventures in this craft are set down in detail in the third volume + of the series, called “Tom Swift and His Airship.” Not only did he and Mr. + Sharp and Mr. Damon make a great trip, but they captured some bank + robbers, and incidentally cleared themselves from the imputation of having + looted the vault of seventy-five thousand dollars, which charge was + fostered by a certain Mr. Foger, and his son Andy, who was Tom's enemy. + </p> + <p> + Not satisfied with having conquered the air, Tom and his father set to + work to gain a victory over the ocean. They built a boat that could + navigate under water, and, in the fourth book of the series, called “Tom + Swift and His Submarine Boat,” you will find an account of how they went + under the ocean to secure a sunken treasure, and the fight they had with + their enemies who sought to get it away from them. They went through many + perils, not the least of which was capture by a foreign warship. + </p> + <p> + In the fifth book, entitled “Tom Swift and His Electric Runabout,” there + was told the story of a wonderfully speedy electric automobile the young + inventor constructed, and how he made a great race in it, and saved from + ruin a bank, in which his father and Mr. Damon were interested. + </p> + <p> + Tom's ability as an inventor had, by this time, become well known. One + day, as related in a volume called “Tom Swift and His Wireless Message,” + he received a letter from a Mr. Hosmer Fenwick, of Philadelphia, asking + his aid in perfecting an airship which the resident of the Quaker City had + built, but which would not work. In his small monoplane, the Butterfly, + Tom and Mr. Damon went to Philadelphia, as Mr. Damon was acquainted with + Mr. Fenwick. + </p> + <p> + Tom carefully inspected the Whizzer which was the name of Mr. Fenwick's + airship, and, after some difficulties, succeeded in getting the electric + craft in shape to make a flight. + </p> + <p> + Tom, Mr. Damon and Mr. Fenwick started to make a trip to Cape May in the + Whizzer, but were caught in a terrific storm, and blown out to sea. The + wind became a hurricane, the airship was disabled, and wrecked in mid-air. + When it fell to earth it landed on one of the small West Indian islands, + but what was the terror of the three castaways to find that the island was + subject to earthquake shocks. + </p> + <p> + But the earth-tremors were not the only surprise in store for Tom and his + two friends, On the island they found five men and two ladies, who, by + strange chance, had been stranded there when the yacht Resolute, owned by + Mr. George Hosbrook, was wrecked in the same storm that disabled the + airship. Mr. Hosbrook, a millionaire, was taking a party of friends to the + West Indies. + </p> + <p> + When the castaways (among whom were Mr. and Mrs. Amos Nestor, parents of + Mary Nestor, a girl of whom Tom was very fond) found that there was danger + of the island being destroyed in an earthquake, they were in despair. + There seemed no way of being rescued, as the island was out of the line of + regular ship travel. + </p> + <p> + Tom, however, was resourceful. With the electrical apparatus from the + wrecked airship, he built a wireless plant, and sent messages for help, + broadcast over the ocean. + </p> + <p> + They were finally heard, and answered, by an operator on board the steamer + Camberanian, which came on under forced draught, and rescued Tom and his + friends. It was only just in time, for, no sooner had they gotten aboard + the steamer in lifeboats, than the whole island was destroyed by an + earthquake shock. + </p> + <p> + But Tom, the parents of Mary Nestor, Mr. Damon, Mr. Fenwick, and all the + others, got safely home. Among the survivors from the yacht Resolute was a + Mr. Barcoe Jenks, who now, most unexpectedly, had confronted Tom through + the glass window of the jewelry store. Mr. Jenks was a peculiar man. Tom + discovered this on Earthquake Island. Mr. Jenks carried with him some + stones which he said were diamonds. He asserted that he had made them, but + Tom did not know whether or not to believe this. + </p> + <p> + When it seemed that the castaways would not be saved Mr. Jenks offered Tom + a large sum in these same diamonds for some plan whereby he might escape + the earthquakes. Mr. Jenks said there was a certain secret in connection + with the manufactured diamonds that he had to solve—that he had been + defrauded of his rights—and that a certain Phantom Mountain figured + in it. But Tom, at that time, paid little attention to Mr. Jenks' talk. + The time was to come, however, when he would attach much importance to it. + </p> + <p> + When this story opens, Tom was more interested in Mr. Barcoe Jenks than in + any one else, and was wondering what he wanted to see him about. The young + inventor could not quite understand how Mr. Track, the jeweler, could come + back with a lad he suspected of being a thief, when the person who had + acted so suspiciously, and who had knocked on the glass, was the queer + man, Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Tom I caught him,” the jeweler went on. “I chased after him, and + nabbed him. It was hard work, too, for I'm not a good runner. Now, you + little rascal, tell me why you tried to rob my store?” and the diamond + merchant shook the lad roughly. + </p> + <p> + “I—I didn't try to rob your store,” was the timid answer. + </p> + <p> + “Well, perhaps you didn't, exactly, but your confederates did. Why did you + rap on the glass, and why were you staring in so intently?” + </p> + <p> + “I wasn't lookin' in.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if it wasn't you, it was some one just like you. But why did you + run when I raced down the street?” + </p> + <p> + “I—I don't know,” and the lad began to snivel. “I—I jest ran—that's + all—'cause I see everybody else runnin', an' I thought there was a + fire.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha! That's a likely story! You ran because you are guilty! I'm going to + hand you over to the police.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he get anything, Mr. Track?” asked one of the men who had joined the + jeweler in the chase. + </p> + <p> + “No, I can't say that he did. He didn't get a chance. Tom Swift was in + here at the time. But this fellow was only waiting for a chance to steal, + or else to aid his confederates.” + </p> + <p> + “But, if he didn't take anything, I don't see how you can have him + arrested,” went on the man. + </p> + <p> + “On suspicion; that's how!” asserted Mr. Track. “Will some one get me a + constable?” + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't call a constable,” said Tom, quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because that isn't the person who looked in your window.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “Because that person came back while you were out. I saw him.” + </p> + <p> + “You saw him? Did he try to steal any of my diamonds, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I guess he doesn't need any.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” There was wonder in the jeweler's tone. + </p> + <p> + “Why, he claims he can make all he wants.” + </p> + <p> + “Make diamonds?” + </p> + <p> + “So he says.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, he must be crazy!” and Mr. Track laughed. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he is,” admitted Tom, “I'm only telling you what he says. He's + the person who acted so suspiciously. He came back here, I'm telling you, + while you were running down the street, and spoke to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, then you know him?” The jeweler's voice was suspicious. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't at first,” admitted Tom. “But when he said he was Mr. Barcoe + Jenks, I remembered that I had met him when I was cast away on Earthquake + Island.” + </p> + <p> + “And he says he can make diamonds?” asked Mr. Track. + </p> + <p> + “What did he want of you?” and the jeweler looked at Tom, quizzically. + </p> + <p> + “He wanted to have a talk with me,” replied the lad, “and when he saw me + in your store, he tried to attract my attention by knocking on the glass.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a queer way to do,” declared Mr. Track. “What did he want?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know exactly,” answered Tom, not caring to go into details just + then. “But I'm sure, Mr. Track, that you've got the wrong person there. + That lad never looked in the window, nor knocked on the glass.” + </p> + <p> + “That's right—I didn't,” asserted the captive. + </p> + <p> + The jeweler looked doubtful. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you run?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I told you, I thought there was a fire.” + </p> + <p> + “That's right, I don't believe he's the fellow you want,” put in another + man. “I was standing on the corner, near White's grocery store, and I + noticed this lad. That was before I heard you yelling, and saw you coming, + and then I joined in the chase. I guess the man you were after got away, + Track.” + </p> + <p> + “He did,” asserted Tom. “He came back here, a little while ago, and he ran + away just now, as he heard you coming.” + </p> + <p> + “Where did he go?” asked the jeweler, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” answered Tom. “Only you've got the wrong lad here.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, perhaps I have,” admitted the diamond merchant. “You can go, + youngster, but next time, don't run if you're not guilty.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought there was a fire,” repeated the lad, as he hurriedly slipped + through the crowd in the store, and disappeared down the dark street. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I guess the excitement's all over, and, anyhow, you weren't robbed, + Track,” said a stout man, as he left the store. The others soon followed, + and Tom and the jeweler were once more alone in the shop. + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell me something about this man, Tom?” asked Mr. Track, eagerly. + “So he really makes diamonds. Who is he?” + </p> + <p> + “I'd rather not tell—just now,” replied the young inventor. “I don't + take much stock in him, myself. I think he's visionary. He may think he + has made diamonds, and he may have made some stones that look like them. + I'm very skeptical.” + </p> + <p> + “If you could bring me some, Tom, I could soon tell whether they were real + or not. Can you?” + </p> + <p> + The lad shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “I don't expect to see Mr. Jenks again,” he said. “He talked rather wildly + about waiting to meet me, but that man is odd—crazy, perhaps—and + I don't imagine I'll see him. He's harmless, but he's eccentric. Well, + there was quite some excitement for a time.” + </p> + <p> + “I should say there was. I thought it was a plan to rob me,” and the + jeweler began putting away the diamond pins. In fact, the excitement so + filled the minds of himself and Tom that neither of them thought any more + of the object of the lad's visit, and the young inventor departed without + purchasing the pin he had come after. + </p> + <p> + It was not until he was out on the street, walking toward his home, that + the matter came back to his mind. + </p> + <p> + “I declare!” he exclaimed. “I didn't get that pin for Mary, after all! + Well, never mind, I have a week until her birthday, and I can get it + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + He walked rapidly toward home, for the weather looked threatening, and Tom + had no umbrella. He was musing on the happenings of the evening when he + reached his house. His father was out, as was Garret Jackson, the + engineer; and Mrs. Baggert, the housekeeper, was entertaining a lady in + the sitting-room, so, as Tom was rather tired, he went directly to his own + room, and, a little later got into bed. + </p> + <p> + It was shortly after midnight when he was awakened by hearing a rattling + on the window of his room. The reason he was able to fix the time so + accurately was because as soon as he awakened he pressed a little electric + button, and it illuminated the face of a small clock on his bureau. The + hands pointed to five minutes past twelve. + </p> + <p> + “Humph! That sounds like hail!” exclaimed Tom, as he arose, and looked out + of the casement. “I wonder if any of the skylights of the airship shed are + open? There might be some damage. Guess I'd better go out and take a + look.” + </p> + <p> + He had mentally reasoned this far before he had looked out, and when he + saw that the moon was brightly shining in a clear sky, he was a bit + surprised. + </p> + <p> + “Why—that wasn't hail,” he murmured. “It isn't even raining. I + wonder what it was?” + </p> + <p> + He was answered a moment later, for a shower of fine gravel from the walk + flew up and clattered against the glass. With a start, Tom looked down, + and saw a dark figure standing under an apple tree. + </p> + <p> + “Hello! Who's there?” called the lad, after he had raised the sash. + </p> + <p> + “It's I—Mr. Jenks,” was the surprising answer. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Jenks?” repeated Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—Barcoe Jenks, of Earthquake Island.” + </p> + <p> + “You here? What do you want?” + </p> + <p> + “Can you come down?” + </p> + <p> + “What for?” + </p> + <p> + “Tom Swift, I've something very important to tell you,” was the answer in + a low voice, yet which carried to Tom's ears perfectly. “Do you want to + make a fortune for yourself—and for me?” + </p> + <p> + “How?” Tom was beginning to think more and more that Mr. Jenks was crazy. + </p> + <p> + “How? By helping me to discover the secret of Phantom Mountain, where the + diamonds are made! Will you?” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a minute—I'll come down,” answered Tom, and he began to grope + for his clothes in the dim light of the little electric lamp. + </p> + <p> + What was the secret of Phantom Mountain? What did Mr. Jenks really want? + Could he make diamonds? Tom asked himself these questions as he hastily + dressed to go down to his midnight visitor. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III—A STRANGE STORY + </h2> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Jenks,” began Tom, when he had descended to the garden, and + greeted the man who had acted so strangely on Earthquake Island, “this is + rather an odd time for a visit.” + </p> + <p> + “I realize that, Tom Swift,” was the answer, and the lad noticed that the + man spoke much more calmly than he had that evening at the jewelry shop. + “I realize that, but I have to be cautious in my movements.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because there are enemies on my track. If they thought I was seeking aid + to discover the secret of Phantom Mountain, my life might pay the + forfeit.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you in earnest, Mr. Jenks?” + </p> + <p> + “I certainly am, and, while I must apologize for awakening you at this + unseemly hour, and for the mysterious nature of my visit, if you will let + me tell my story, you will see the need of secrecy.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I don't mind being awakened,” answered Tom, good-naturedly, “but I + will be frank with you, Mr. Jenks. I hardly can believe what you have + stated to me several times—that you know how diamonds can be made.” + </p> + <p> + “I can prove it to you,” was the quiet answer. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I know. For centuries men have tried to discover the secret of + transmuting base metals into gold, and how to make diamonds by chemical + means. But they have all been failures.” + </p> + <p> + “All except this process—the process used at Phantom Mountain,” + insisted the queer man. “Do you want to hear my story?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no objections.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let me warn you,” went on Mr. Jenks, “that if you do hear it, you + will be so fascinated by it that I am sure you will want to cast your lot + in with mine, and aid me to get my rights, and solve the mystery. And I + also want to warn you that if you do, there is a certain amount of danger + connected with it.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm used to danger,” answered Tom, quietly. “Let me hear your story. But + first explain how you came to come here, and why you acted so strangely at + the jewelry store.” + </p> + <p> + “Willingly. I tried to attract your attention at the store, because I saw + that you were going to buy a diamond, and I didn't want you to.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I want to present you with a beautiful stone, that will answer + your purpose as well or better, than any one you could buy. That will + prove my story better than any amount of words or argument. But I could + not attract your attention without also attracting that of the jeweler. He + became suspicious, gave chase, and I thought it best to vanish. I hope no + one was made to suffer for what may have been my imprudence.” + </p> + <p> + “No, the lad whom Mr. Track caught was let go. But how did you happen to + come to Shopton?” + </p> + <p> + “To see you. I got your address from the owner of the yacht Resolute. I + knew that if there was one person who could aid me to recover my rights, + it would be you, Tom Swift. Will you help me? Will you come with me to + discover the secret of Phantom Mountain? If we go, it will have to be in + an airship, for in no other way, I think, can we come upon the place, as + it is closely guarded. Will you come? I will pay you well.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I had better hear your story,” said the young inventor. “But + first let me suggest that we move farther away from the house. My father, + or Mr. Jackson, or the housekeeper, may hear us talking, and it may + disturb them. Come with me to my private shop,” and Tom led the way to a + small building where he did experimental work. He unlocked the door with a + key he carried, turned on the lights, which were run by a storage battery, + and motioned Mr. Jenks to a seat. + </p> + <p> + “Now I'll hear your story,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I'll make it as short as possible,” went on the queer man. “To begin + with, it is now several years ago since a poorly dressed stranger applied + to me one night for money enough to get a meal and a bed to sleep in. I + was living in New York City at the time, and this was midnight, as I was + returning home from my club. + </p> + <p> + “I was touched by the man's appearance, and gave him some money. He asked + for my card, saying he would repay me some day. I gave it to him, little + thinking I would hear from the man again. But I did. He called at my + apartments about a week later, saying he had secured work as an expert + setter of diamonds, and wanted to repay me. I did not want to take his + money, but the fact that such a sorry looking specimen of manhood as he + had been when I aided him, was an expert handler of gems interested me. I + talked with the man, and he made a curious statement. + </p> + <p> + “This man, who gave his name as Enos Folwell, said he knew a place where + diamonds could be made, partly in a scientific manner, and partly by the + forces of nature. I laughed at him, but he told me so many details that I + began to believe him. He said he and some other friends of his, who were + diamond cutters, had a plant in the midst of the Rocky Mountains, where + they had succeeded in making several small, but very perfect diamonds. + They had come to the end of their rope, though, so to speak, because they + could not afford to buy the materials needed. Folwell said that he and his + companions had temporarily separated, had left the mountain where they + made diamonds, and agreed to meet there later when they had more money + with which to purchase materials. They had all agreed to go out into + civilization, and work for enough funds to enable them to go on with their + diamond making. + </p> + <p> + “I hardly knew whether to believe the man or not, but he offered proof. He + had several small, but very perfect diamonds with him, and he gave them to + me, to have tested in any way I desired. + </p> + <p> + “I promised to look into the matter, and, as I was quite wealthy, as, in + fact I am now, and if I found that the stones he gave me were real, I said + I might invest some money in the plant.” + </p> + <p> + “Were the diamonds good?” asked Tom, who was beginning to be interested. + </p> + <p> + “They were—stones of the first water, though small. An expert gem + merchant, to whom I took them, said he had never seen any diamonds like + them, and he wanted to know where I got them. Of course I did not tell + him. + </p> + <p> + “To make a long story short, I saw Folwell again, told him to communicate + with his companions, and to tell them that I would agree to supply the + cash needed, if I could share in the diamond making. To this they agreed, + and, after some weeks spent in preparation, a party of us set out for + Phantom Mountain.” + </p> + <p> + “Phantom Mountain?” interrupted Tom. “Where is it?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, exactly—it's somewhere in the Rockies, but the exact + location is a mystery. That is why I need your help. You will soon + understand the reason. Well, as I said, myself, Folwell and the others, + who were not exactly prepossessing sort of men, started west. When we got + to a small town, called Indian Ridge, near Leadville, Colorado, the men + insisted that I must now proceed in secret, and consent to be blindfolded, + as they were not yet ready to reveal the secret of the place where they + made the diamonds. + </p> + <p> + “I did not want to agree to this, but they insisted, and I gave in, + foolishly perhaps. At any rate I was blindfolded one night, placed in a + wagon, and we drove off into the mountains. After traveling for some + distance I was led, still blindfolded, up a steep trail. + </p> + <p> + “When the bandage was taken off my eyes I saw that I was in a large cave. + The men were with me, and they apologized for the necessity that caused + them to blindfold me. They said they were ready to proceed with the making + of diamonds, but I must promise not to seek to discover the secret until + they gave me permission, nor was I to attempt to leave the cave. I had to + agree. + </p> + <p> + “Next they demanded that I give them a large sum, which I had promised + when they showed me, conclusively, that they could make diamonds. I + refused to do this until I had seen some of the precious stones, and they + agreed that this was fair, but said I would have to wait a few days. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I waited, and, all that while, I was virtually a prisoner in the + cave. All I could learn was that it was in the midst of a great range, + near the top, and that one of the peaks was called Phantom Mountain. Why, + I did not learn until later. + </p> + <p> + “At last one night, during a terrific thunder storm, the leader of the + diamond makers—Folwell—announced that I could now see the + stones made. The men had been preparing their chemicals for some days + previous. I was taken into a small chamber of the cave, and there saw + quite a complicated apparatus. Part of it was a great steel box, with a + lever on it. + </p> + <p> + “We will let you make some diamonds for yourself,” Folwell said to me, and + he directed me to pull the lever of the box, at a certain signal. The + signal came, just as a terrific crash of thunder shook the very mountain + inside of which we were. The box of steel got red-hot, and when it cooled + off it was opened, and was given a handful of white stones. + </p> + <p> + “Were they diamonds?” asked Tom, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Jenks held out one hand. In the palm glittered a large stone—ostensibly + a diamond. In the rays of the moon it showed all the colors of the rainbow—a + beautiful gem. “That is one of the stones I made—or rather that I + supposed I had made,” went on Mr. Jenks. “It is one of several I have, but + they have not all been cut and polished as has this one. + </p> + <p> + “Naturally I was much impressed by what I saw, and, after I had made + certain tests which convinced me that the stones in the steel box were + diamonds, I paid over the money as I had promised. That was my undoing.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” + </p> + <p> + “As soon as the men got the cash, they had no further use for me. The next + I remember is eating a rude meal, while we discussed the future of making + diamonds. I knew nothing more until I found myself back in the small hotel + at Indian Ridge, whence I had gone some time previous, with the men, to + the cave in the mountain.” + </p> + <p> + “What happened?” asked Tom, much surprised by the unexpected outcome of + the affair. + </p> + <p> + “I had been tricked, that was all! As soon as the men had my money they + had no further use for me. They did not want me to learn the secret of + their diamond making, and they drugged me, carried me away from the cave, + and left me in the hotel.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn't you try to find the cave again?” + </p> + <p> + “I did, but without avail. I spent some time in the Rockies, but no one + could tell where Phantom Mountain was; in fact, few had heard of it, and I + was nearly lost searching for it. + </p> + <p> + “I came back East, determined to get even. I had given the men a very + large sum of money, and, in exchange, they had given me several diamonds. + Probably the stones are worth nearly as much as the money I invested, but + I was cheated, for I was promised an equal share in the profits. These + were denied me, and I was tricked. I determined to be revenged, or at + least to discover the secret of making diamonds. It is my right.” + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you,” spoke Tom. + </p> + <p> + “But, up to the time I met you on Earthquake Island, I could form no plan + for discovering Phantom Mountain, and learning the secret of the diamond + makers,” went on Mr. Jenks. “I carried the gems about with me, as you + doubtless saw when we were on the island. But I knew I needed an airship + in which to fly over the mountains, and pick out the location of the cave + where the diamonds are made.” + </p> + <p> + “But how can you locate it, if you were blindfolded when you were taken + there, Mr. Jenks?” + </p> + <p> + “I forgot to tell you that, on our journey into the mountains, and just + before I was carried into the cave, I managed to raise one corner of the + bandage. I caught a glimpse of a very peculiarly shaped cliff—it is + like a great head, standing out in bold relief against the moonlight, when + I saw it. That head of rock is near the cave. It may be the landmark by + which we can locate Phantom Mountain.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” admitted the young inventor. + </p> + <p> + “What I want to know is this,” went on Mr. Jenks. “Will you go with me on + this quest—go in your airship to discover the secret of the diamond + makers? If you will, I will share with you whatever diamonds we can + discover, or make; besides paying all expenses. Will you go, Tom Swift?” + </p> + <p> + The young inventor did not know what to answer. How far was Mr. Jenks to + be trusted? Were the stones he had real diamonds? Was his story, + fantastical as it sounded—true? Would it be safe for Tom to go? + </p> + <p> + The lad asked himself these questions. Mr. Jenks saw his hesitation. + </p> + <p> + “Here,” said the strange man, “I will prove what I say. Take this diamond. + I intended it for you, anyhow, for what you did for me on Earthquake + Island. Take it, and—and give it to the person for whom you were + about to purchase a diamond to-night. But, first of all, take it to a gem + expert, and get his opinion. That will prove the truth of what I say, Tom + Swift, and I feel sure that you will cast your lot in with mine, and help + me to discover the secret of Phantom Mountain, and aid me to get my rights + from the diamond makers!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV—ANDY FOGER GETS A FRIGHT + </h2> + <p> + Tom Swift considered a few minutes. On the face of it, the proposition + appealed to him. He had been home some time now after his adventures on + Earthquake Island, and he was beginning to long for more excitement. The + search for the mysterious mountain, and the cave of the diamond makers, + might offer a new field for him. But there came to him a certain distrust + of Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “I don't like to doubt your word,” began Tom, slowly, “but you know, Mr. + Jenks, that some of the greatest chemists have tried in vain to make + diamonds; or, at best, they have made only tiny ones. To think that any + man, or set of men, made real diamonds as large as the ones you have, + doesn't seem—well—” and Tom hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “You mean you can hardly believe me?” asked Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “I guess that's it,” assented Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I don't blame you a bit!” exclaimed the odd man. “In fact, I didn't + believe it when they told me they could make diamonds. But they proved it + to me. I'm ready now to prove it to you.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you what I'll do. Here's this one stone, cut ready for setting. + Here's another, uncut,” and Mr. Jenks drew from his pocket what looked + like a piece of crystal. “Take them to any jeweler,” he resumed—“to + the one in whose place I saw you to-night. I'll abide by the verdict you + get, and I'll come here to-morrow night, and hear what you have to say.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you come at night?” asked Tom, thinking there was something + suspicious in that. + </p> + <p> + “Because my life might be in danger if I was seen talking to you, and + showing you diamonds in the daytime—especially just now. + </p> + <p> + “Why at this particular time?” + </p> + <p> + “For the reason that the diamond makers are on my trail. As long as I + remained quiet, after their shabby treatment of me, and did not try to + discover their secret, they were all right. But, after I realized that I + had been cheated out of my rights, and when I began to make an + investigation, with a view to discovering their secret whereabouts, I + received mysterious and anonymous warnings to stop.” + </p> + <p> + “But I did not. I came East, and tried to get help to discover the cave of + the diamond makers, but I was unsuccessful. I needed an airship, as I said, + and no person who could operate one, would agree to go with me on the + quest. Again I received a warning to drop all search for the diamond + makers, but I persisted, and about a week ago I found I was being + shadowed.” + </p> + <p> + “Shadowed; by whom?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “By a man I never remember seeing, but who, I have no doubt, is one of the + diamond-making gang.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think he means you harm?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure of it. That is the reason I have to act so in secret, and come + to see you at night. I don't want those scoundrels to find out what I am + about to do. On my return from Earthquake Island, I again endeavored to + interest an airship man in my plan, but he evidently thought me insane. + Then I thought of you, as I had done before, but I was afraid you, too, + would laugh at my proposition. However, I decided to come here, and I did. + It seemed almost providential that my first view of you was in a jewelry + shop, looking at diamonds. I took it as a good omen. Now it remains with + you. May I call here to-morrow night, and get your answer?” + </p> + <p> + Tom Swift made up his mind quickly. After all it would be easy enough to + find out if the diamonds were real. If they were, he could then decide + whether or not to go with Mr. Jenks on the mysterious quest. So he + answered: + </p> + <p> + “I'll consider the matter, Mr. Jenks. I'll meet you here to-morrow night. + In the meanwhile, for my own satisfaction, I'll let an expert look at + these stones.” + </p> + <p> + “Get the greatest diamond expert in the world, and he'll pronounce them + perfect!” predicted the odd man. “Now I'll bid you goodnight, and be + going. I'll be here at this time to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + As Mr. Jenks turned aside there was a movement among the trees in the + orchard, and a shadowy figure was seen hurrying away. + </p> + <p> + “Who's that?” asked the diamond man, in a hoarse whisper. “Did you see + that, Tom Swift? Some one was here—listening to what I said! Perhaps + it was the man who has been shadowing me!” + </p> + <p> + “I think not. I guess it was Eradicate Sampson, a colored man who does + work for us,” said Tom. “Is that you, Rad?” he called. + </p> + <p> + “Yais, sah, Massa Tom, heah I is!” answered the voice of the negro, but it + came from an entirely different direction than that in which the shadowy + figure had been seen. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you, Rad?” called the young inventor. + </p> + <p> + “Right heah,” was the reply, and the colored man came from the direction + of the stable. “I were jest out seein' if mah mule Boomerang were all + right. Sometimes he's restless, an' don't sleep laik he oughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Then that wasn't you over in the orchard?” asked Tom, in some uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + “No, sah, I ain't been in de orchard. I were sleepin' in mah shack, till + jest a few minutes ago, when I got up, an' went in t' see Boomerang. I had + a dream dat some coon were tryin t' steal him, an' it sort ob 'sturbed me, + laik.” + </p> + <p> + “If it wasn't your man, it was some one else,” said Mr. Jenks, decidedly. + </p> + <p> + “We'll have a look!” exclaimed Tom. “Here, Rad, come over and scurry among + those trees. We just saw some one sneaking around.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll sure do dat!” cried the colored man. “Mebby it were somebody arter + Boomerang! I'll find 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe it was any one after the mule,” murmured Mr. Jenks, “but + it certainly was some one—more likely some one after me.” + </p> + <p> + The three made a hasty search among the trees, but the intruder had + vanished, leaving no trace. They went out into the road, which the moon + threw into bold relief along its white stretch, but there was no figure + scurrying away. + </p> + <p> + “Whoever it was, is gone,” spoke Tom. “You can go back to bed, Rad,” for + the colored man, of late, had been sleeping in a shack on the Swift + premises. + </p> + <p> + “And I guess it's time for me to go, too,” added Mr. Jenks. “I'll be here + to-morrow night, Tom, and I hope your answer will be favorable.” + </p> + <p> + Tom did not sleep well the remainder of the night, for his fitful slumbers + were disturbed by dreams of enormous caves, filled with diamonds, with + dark, shadowy figures trying to put him into a red-hot steel box. Once he + awakened with a start, and put his hand under his pillow to feel if the + two stones Mr. Jenks had given him, were still there. They had not been + disturbed. + </p> + <p> + Tom made up his mind to find out if the stones were really diamonds, + before saying anything to his father about the chance of going to seek + Phantom Mountain. And the young inventor wished to get the opinion of some + other jeweler than Mr. Track—at least, at first. + </p> + <p> + “Though if this one proves to be a good gem, I'll have Mr. Track set it in + a brooch, and give it to Mary for her birthday,” decided the young + inventor. “Guess I'll take a run over to Chester in the Butterfly, and see + what one of the jewelers there has to say.” + </p> + <p> + In addition to his big airship, Red Cloud, Tom owned a small, swift + monoplane, which he called Butterfly. This had been damaged by Andy Foger + just before Tom left on the trip that ended at Earthquake Island, but the + monoplane had been repaired, and Andy had left town, not having returned + since. + </p> + <p> + Telling his father that he was going off on a little business trip, which + he often did in his aeroplane, Tom, with the aid of Mr. Jackson, the + engineer, wheeled the Butterfly out of its shed. + </p> + <p> + Adjusting the mechanism, and seeing that it was in good shape, Tom took + his place in one of the two seats, for the monoplane would carry two. Mr. + Jackson then spun the propellers, and, with a crackle and roar the motor + started. Over the ground ran the dainty, little aeroplane, until, having + momentum enough, Tom tilted the wing planes and the machine sailed up into + the air. + </p> + <p> + Rising about a thousand feet, and circling about several times to test the + wind currents, Tom headed his craft toward Chester, a city about fifty + miles from Shopton. In his pocket, snugly tucked away, were the two stones + Mr. Jenks had given him. + </p> + <p> + It was not long before Tom saw, looming up in the distance the church + spires and towering factory chimneys of Chester, for his machine was a + speedy one, and could make ninety miles an hour when driven. But now a + slower speed satisfied our hero. + </p> + <p> + “I'll just drop down outside of the city,” he reasoned, “for too much of a + crowd gathers when I land in the street. Besides I might frighten horses, + and then, too, it's hard to get a good start from the street. I'll leave + it in some barn until I want to go back.” + </p> + <p> + Tom sent his craft down, in order to pick out a safe place for a landing. + He was then over the suburbs of the city, and was following the line of a + straight country road. + </p> + <p> + “Looks like a good place there,” he murmured. “I'll shut off the motor, + and vol-plane down.” + </p> + <p> + Suiting the action to the word, Tom shut off his power. The little craft + dipped toward the ground, but the lad threw up the forward planes, and + caught a current of air that sent him skimming along horizontally. + </p> + <p> + As he got nearer to the ground, he saw the figure of a lad riding a + bicycle along the country highway. Something about the figure struck Tom + as being familiar, and he recognized the cyclist a moment later. + </p> + <p> + “It's Andy Foger!” said Tom, in a whisper. “I wondered where he had been + keeping himself since he damaged the Butterfly. Evidently he doesn't dare + venture back to Shopton. Well, here's where I give him a scare.” + </p> + <p> + Tom's monoplane was making no more noise, now, than a soaring bird. He was + gliding swiftly toward the earth, and, with the plan in his mind of + administering some sort of punishment to the bully, he aimed the machine + directly at him. + </p> + <p> + Nearer and nearer shot the monoplane, as quietly as a sheet of paper might + fall. Andy pedaled on, never looking up nor behind him, A moment later, as + Tom threw up his headplanes, to make his landing more easy, and just as he + swooped down at one side of the cyclist, our hero let out a most alarming + yell, right into Andy's ear. + </p> + <p> + “Now I've got you!” he shouted. “I'll teach you to slash my aeroplane! + Come with me!” + </p> + <p> + Andy gave one look at the white bird-like apparatus that had flown up + beside him so noiselessly, and, being too frightened to recognize Tom's + voice, must have thought that he had been overtaken by some supernatural + visitor. + </p> + <p> + Andy gave a yell like an Indian, about to do a stage scalping act, and + fairly dived over the handlebars of his bicycle, sprawling in a heap on + the dusty road. + </p> + <p> + “I guess that will hold you for a while,” observed Tom, grimly, as he put + on the ground-brake and brought his monoplane to a stop not far from the + fallen rider. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V—A MYSTERIOUS MAN + </h2> + <p> + For several minutes Andy Foger did not arise. He remained prostrate in the + dust, and Tom, observing him, thought perhaps the bully might have been + seriously injured. But, a little later, Andy cautiously raised his head, + and inquired in a frightened voice: + </p> + <p> + “Is it—is it gone?” + </p> + <p> + “Is what gone?” asked Tom, grimly. + </p> + <p> + At the sound of his voice, Andy looked up. “Was that you, Tom Swift?” he + demanded. “Did you knock me off my wheel?” + </p> + <p> + “My monoplane and I together did,” was the reply; “or, rather, we didn't. + It was the nervous reaction caused by your fright, and the knowledge that + you had done wrong, that made you jump over the handlebars. That's the + scientific explanation.” + </p> + <p> + “You—you did it!” stammered Andy, getting to his feet. He wasn't + hurt much, Tom thought. + </p> + <p> + “Have it your own way,” resumed our hero. “Did you think it was a + hob-goblin in a chariot of fire after you, Andy?” + </p> + <p> + “Huh! Never mind what I thought! I'll have you arrested for this!” + </p> + <p> + “Will you? Delighted, as the boys say. Hop in my airship and I'll take you + right into town. And when I get you there I'll make a charge of malicious + mischief against you, for breaking the propeller of the Butterfly and + slashing her wings. I've mended her up, however, so she goes better than + ever, and I can take you to the police station in jig time. Want to come, + Andy?” + </p> + <p> + This was too much for the bully. He knew that Tom would have a clear case + against him, and he did not dare answer. Instead he shuffled over to where + his wheel lay, picked it up, and rode slowly off. + </p> + <p> + “Good riddance,” murmured Tom. He looked about, and saw that he was near a + house, in the rear of which was a good-sized barn. “Guess I'll ask if I + can leave the Butterfly there,” he murmured, and, ringing the doorbell, he + was greeted by a man. + </p> + <p> + “I'll pay you if you'll let me store my machine in the barn a little + while, until I go into the city, and return,” spoke the lad. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, you're welcome to leave it there without pay,” was the answer. + “I'm interested in airships, and, I'll consider it a favor if you'll let + me look yours over while it's here.” + </p> + <p> + Tom readily agreed, and a few minutes later he had caught a trolley going + into the city. He was soon in one of the largest jewelry stores of + Chester. + </p> + <p> + “I'd like to get an expert opinion as to whether or not those stones are + diamonds,” spoke Tom, to the polite clerk who came up to wait on him, and + our hero handed over the two gems which Mr. Jenks had given him. “I'm + willing to pay for the appraisement, of course,” the young inventor added, + as he saw the clerk looking rather doubtfully at him, for Tom had on a + rough suit, which he always donned when he flew in his monoplane. + </p> + <p> + “I'll turn them over to our Mr. Porter, a gem expert,” said the clerk. + “Please be seated.” + </p> + <p> + The young man disappeared into a private office with the stones, and Tom + waited. He wondered if he was going to have his trouble for his pains. + Presently two elderly gentlemen came from the little room, on the glass + door of which appeared the word “Diamonds.” + </p> + <p> + “Who brought these stones in?” asked one of the men, evidently the + proprietor, from the deference paid him by the clerk. The latter motioned + to Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Will you kindly step inside here?” requested the elderly man. When the + door was closed, Tom found himself in a room which was mostly taken up + with a bench for the display of precious stones, a few chairs, and some + lights arranged peculiarly; while various scales and instruments stood on + a table. + </p> + <p> + “You wished an opinion on—on these?” queried the proprietor of the + place. Tom noticed at once that the word “diamonds” was not used. + </p> + <p> + “I wanted to find out if they were of any value,” he said. “Are they + diamonds?” + </p> + <p> + “Would you mind stating where you got them?” asked the other of the two + men. + </p> + <p> + “Is that necessary?” inquired the lad. “I came by them in a legitimate + manner, if that's what you mean, and I can satisfy you on that point. I am + willing to pay for any information you may give me as to their value.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it isn't that,” the proprietor hastened to assure him. “But these are + diamonds of such a peculiar kind, so perfect and without a flaw, that I + wondered from what part of the world they came.” + </p> + <p> + “Then they are diamonds?” asked Tom, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “The finest I have ever tested!” declared the other man, evidently Mr. + Porter, the gem expert. “They are a joy to look at, Mr. Roberts,” he went + on, turning to the proprietor. “If it is possible to get a supply of them + you would be justified in asking half as much again as we charge for + African or Indian diamonds. The Kimberly products are not to be compared + to these,” and he looked at the two stones in his hand—the one cut, + and sparkling brilliantly, the other in a rough state. + </p> + <p> + “Do you care to state where these diamonds came from?” asked Mr. Roberts, + looking critically at Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I had rather not,” answered the lad. “It is enough for me to know that + they are diamonds. How much is your charge?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” was the unexpected answer. “We are very glad to have had the + opportunity of seeing such stones. Is there any chance of getting any + more?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” answered Tom, as he accepted the gems which the expert held out + to him. + </p> + <p> + “Then might we speak for a supply?” went on Mr. Roberts, eagerly. “We will + pay you the full market price.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the value of these stones?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Roberts looked at his gem expert. + </p> + <p> + “It is difficult to say,” was the answer of the man who had handed Tom the + gems. “They are so far superior to the usual run of diamonds, that I feel + justified in saying that the cut one would bring fifteen hundred dollars, + anywhere. In fact, I would offer that for it. The other is larger, though + what it would lose in cutting would be hard to say. I should say it was + worth two thousand dollars as it is now.” + </p> + <p> + “Thirty-five hundred dollars for these two stones!” exclaimed Tom. + </p> + <p> + “They are worth every cent of it,” declared Mr. Roberts. “Do you want to + sell?” + </p> + <p> + Tom shook his head. He could scarcely believe the good news. Mr. Jenks had + told the truth. Now the young inventor could go with him to seek the + diamond makers. + </p> + <p> + “Can you get any more of these?” went on Mr. Roberts. + </p> + <p> + “I think so—that is I don't know—I am going to try,” answered + the lad. + </p> + <p> + “Then if you succeed I wish you would sell us some,” fairly begged the + proprietor of the store. + </p> + <p> + “I will,” promised Tom, but he little knew what lay before him, or perhaps + he would not have made that promise. He thanked the diamond merchant for + his kindness, and arranged to have the cut stone set in a pin for Miss + Nestor. The uncut gem Tom took away with him. + </p> + <p> + Thinking of many things, and wondering how best to start in his airship + Red Cloud for the mysterious Phantom Mountain, Tom hurried back to where + he had left the monoplane, wheeled it out, and was soon soaring through + the air toward Shopton. + </p> + <p> + “I think I'll go with Mr. Jenks,” he decided, as he prepared for a landing + in the open space near his aeroplane shed. “It will be a risky trip, + perhaps, but I've taken risks before. When Mr. Jenks comes to-night I'll + tell him I'll help him to get his rights, and discover the secret of the + diamond makers.” + </p> + <p> + As Tom was wheeling the Butterfly into the shed, Eradicate came out to + help him. + </p> + <p> + “Dere's a gen'man here to see yo', Massa Tom,” said the colored man. + </p> + <p> + “Who is it?” + </p> + <p> + “I dunno. He keep askin' ef yo' de lad what done bust up Earthquake + Island, an' send lightnin' flashes up to de sky, an' all sech questions + laik dat.” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't Mr. Damon; is it, Rad? He hasn't been around in some time.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Massa Tom, it ain't him. I knows dat blessin' man good an' proper. I + jest wish he'd bless mah mule Boomerang some day, an' take some oh de + temper out ob him. No, sah, it ain't Massa Damon. De gen'man's in de + airship shed waitin' fo' you.” + </p> + <p> + “In the airship shed! No strangers are allowed in there, Rad.” + </p> + <p> + “I knows it, Massa Tom, but he done persisted his se'f inter it, an' he + wouldn't come out when I told him; an' your pa an' Mr. Jackson ain't + home.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll see about this,” exclaimed Tom, striding to the large shed, where + the Red Cloud was kept. As he entered it he saw a man looking over the + wonderful craft. + </p> + <p> + “Did you want to see me?” asked Tom, sharply, for he did not like + strangers prowling around. + </p> + <p> + “I did, and I apologize for entering here, but I am interested in + airships, and I thought you might want to hire a pilot. I am in need of + employment, and I have had considerable to do with balloons and + aeroplanes, but never with an airship like this, which combines the two + features. Do you wish to hire any one.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don't!” replied Tom, sharply, for he did not like the looks of the + man. + </p> + <p> + “I was told that you did,” was the rather surprising answer. + </p> + <p> + “Who told you?” + </p> + <p> + The man looked all around the shed, before replying, as if fearful of + being overheard. Then, stepping close to Tom, he whispered: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Jenks told me!” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Jenks?” Tom could not conceal his astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Mr. Barcoe Jenks. But I did not come here to merely ask you for + employment. I would like to hire out to you, but the real object of my + visit was to say this to you.” + </p> + <p> + The man approached still closer to Tom, and, in a lower voice, and one + that could scarcely be heard, he fairly hissed: + </p> + <p> + “Don't go with Barcoe Jenks to seek the diamond makers!” + </p> + <p> + Then, before Tom could put out a hand to detain him, had the lad so + wished, the man turned suddenly, and fairly ran from the shed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI—MR. DAMON IS ON HAND + </h2> + <p> + The young inventor stood almost spellbound for a few moments. Then + recovering himself he made a dash for the door through which the + mysterious man had disappeared. Tom saw him sprinting down the road, and + was half-minded to take after him, but a cooler thought warned him that he + had better not. + </p> + <p> + “He may be one of those men who are on Mr. Jenks' trail,” reasoned Tom, in + which case it might not be altogether safe to attempt to stop him, and + make him explain. Or he may be a lunatic, and in that case it wouldn't be + altogether healthy to interfere with him. + </p> + <p> + “I'll just let him go, and tell Mr. Jenks about him when he comes + to-night. But I must warn Rad never to let him in here again. He might + damage the airship.” + </p> + <p> + Calling to the colored man, Tom pointed to the stranger, who was almost + out of sight down the road, and said earnestly: + </p> + <p> + “Rad, do you see that fellow?” + </p> + <p> + “I sho do, Massa Tom, but I sorter has t' strain my eyes t' do it. He's + goin' laik my mule Boomerang does when he's comm' home t' dinnah.” + </p> + <p> + “That's right, Rad. Well, never let that man set foot inside our fence + again! If he comes, and I'm home, call me. If I'm away, call dad or Mr. + Jackson, and if you're here alone, drive him away, somehow.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, Massa Tom!” exclaimed the colored man, earnestly, “an' if I can't + do it alone, I'll get Boomerang t' help. Once let dat ar' mule git his + heels on a pusson, an' dat pusson ain't goin' t' come bodderin' around any + mo'—that is, not right away.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you, Rad. Well, keep a lookout for him, and don't let him in,” + and with that Tom entered the house to think over matters. They were + beginning to assume an aspect he did not altogether like. Not that Tom was + afraid of danger, but he preferred to meet it in the open, and the + warning, or threat, of the mysterious man disquieted him. + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Swift came home, a little later, his son told him of the midnight + interview with Mr. Jenks, for, up to this time, the aged inventor was + unaware of it, and Tom also gave an account of the diamonds, speaking of + their value. + </p> + <p> + “And do you propose to go to Phantom Mountain, in search of the makers of + these gems, Tom?” asked Mr. Swift. + </p> + <p> + “I had about decided to do so, dad.” + </p> + <p> + “And you're going in the Red Cloud?' + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are going with you?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Jenks will go, of course, and I've no doubt but that if I + mention the prospective trip to Mr. Damon, that he'll bless his skating + cap, or something like that, and come along.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose so, Tom, and I'd like to have you take him. But I think you'll + need some one else.” + </p> + <p> + “Because, from what you have told me, you are going out to a dangerous + part of the country, and you may have to deal with unscrupulous men. Three + of you are hardly enough to cope with them. You ought to have at least + another member of your party. If I was not busy on my invention of a new + wireless motor I would go along, but I can't leave. You might take Mr. + Jackson.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you need him here to help you, dad.” + </p> + <p> + “How about Eradicate?” + </p> + <p> + Tom smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Rad would get homesick for his mule Boomerang, and I'd have to bring him + back just when we'd found the diamonds,” replied the young inventor. “No, + we'll have to think of some one else. I'll ask Mr. Damon, and then I'll + consider matters further. I expect to see Mr. Jenks to-night, and he may + have some one in mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps that will be a good plan. Well, Tom, I trust you will take good + care of yourself, and not run into unnecessary danger. Is the Red Cloud in + good shape for the voyage?” + </p> + <p> + “It needs looking over. I'm going to get right at it.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a pretty indefinite sort of a quest you're going on, Tom, my son. + How do you expect to find Phantom Mountain?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's going to be quite a task. In the first place we'll head for + Leadville, Colorado, and then we'll go to Indian Ridge and make some + inquiries. We may get on the track of the place that way. If we don't, why + I'll take the airship up as high as is necessary and sort of prospect + until we see that big cliff that's shaped like a head. That will give us + something to go by.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, do the best you can. If you can discover the secret of making + diamonds it will be a valuable one.” + </p> + <p> + “I guess it will, dad; and Mr. Jenks is entitled to know it, for he paid + his good money to that end. He has promised to go halves with me, as + payment for the use of the airship, and I must say the two diamonds he + gave me last night have proved very valuable.” + </p> + <p> + “Two diamonds, Tom? You only showed me one, an uncut gem;” and Mr. Swift + looked at his son. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the other—er—the other is—I left it with a + jeweler,” and Tom blushed a trifle, as he thought of the present he + contemplated making to Mary Nestor. + </p> + <p> + That afternoon, as Tom was out in the shed of the Red Cloud looking over + the airship, to see what would be necessary to do to it in order to get it + in shape for a long trip, he heard voices outside. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—yes, I know the way in perfectly well,” he caught. “You needn't + bother to come, my good fellow. Just step this way, and I'll show you + something worth seeing.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if it's that mysterious man coming back?” thought Tom. He + dropped the tool he was using, and hurried to the door. As he approached + it he heard the voice continue. + </p> + <p> + “Why bless my shoe laces, Mr. Parker! You'll see a wonderful airship, I + promise you. Wonderful! Bless my hatband, but I hope Tom is here!” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Damon!” exclaimed our hero, as he recognized the tones of his + eccentric friend. “But who is with him?” + </p> + <p> + A moment later he caught sight of the gentleman who was always blessing + himself, or something. Behind him stood another man, whose features Tom + could not see plainly. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, Tom Swift!” called Mr. Damon. “Looking over the Red Cloud, eh? + Does that mean you're off on another trip?” + </p> + <p> + “I guess it does,” answered the lad. + </p> + <p> + “Where to this time? if I may ask.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm thinking of going off to the mountains to find a band of men engaged + in making diamonds,” replied Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Making diamonds! Bless my finger ring! Making diamonds! A trip to the + mountains! Bless my disposition! but do you know I'd like to go with you!” + </p> + <p> + “I was thinking of asking you, Mr. Damon.” + </p> + <p> + “Were you? Bless my heart, I'm glad you thought of me. You don't by any + possible chance want another person; do you?” + </p> + <p> + “We were thinking of having four in the party, Mr. Damon,” and Tom + wondered who was with his eccentric friend. + </p> + <p> + “Then bless my election ticket! This is the very chance for you, Mr. + Parker!” cried Mr. Damon. “Will you go with us? It will be just what you + need,” and Mr. Damon stepped aside, revealing to Tom the features of Mr. + Ralph Parker, the scientist who had correctly predicted the destruction of + Earthquake Island. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII—MR. PARKER PREDICTS + </h2> + <p> + Tom Swift was a most generous lad, but when he saw that Mr. Damon had with + him Mr. Parker, the gloomy scientist, who seemed to take delight in + predicting disasters, our hero's spirits were not exactly of the best. He + would have much preferred not to take Mr. Parker on the quest for the + diamond makers, but, since Mr. Damon had mentioned it, he did not see how + he could very well refuse. + </p> + <p> + “But perhaps he won't care to go,” thought Tom. + </p> + <p> + He was undeceived a moment later, however, for the scientist remarked: + </p> + <p> + I am very glad to meet you once more, Mr. Swift. I have scarcely thanked + you enough for what you did for us in erecting your wireless station on + Earthquake Island, which, as you recall, I predicted would sink into the + sea. It did, I am glad to say, not because I like to see islands + destroyed, but because science has been vindicated. Now I have just heard + you remark that you are about to set off to the mountains in search of + some men who are making diamonds. I need hardly state that this is utterly + useless, for no diamonds, commercially valuable, can be made by men. But + the trip may be valuable in that it will permit me to demonstrate some + scientific facts. + </p> + <p> + “Therefore, if you will permit me, I will be very glad to accompany you + and Mr. Damon. I shall be delighted, in short, and I can start as soon as + you are ready.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no hope for it!” thought Tom, dismally. “I suppose he'll wake up + every morning, and predict that before night the world will come to an + end, or he'll prophesy that the airship will blow up, and vanish, when + about seven miles above the clouds. Well, there's no way out of it, so + here goes.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Tom welcomed the scientist as cordially as he could, and invited + him to form one of the party that would set off in the airship to search + for Phantom Mountain. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my jewelry box!” exclaimed Mr. Damon, when this formality was over. + “Tell me more about it, Tom.” + </p> + <p> + Which our hero did, stating the need of maintaining secrecy on account of + the danger to Mr. Jenks. Mr. Damon and Mr. Parker both agreed to say + nothing about the matter, and then the scientist became much interested in + the Red Cloud, which he closely examined. He even complimented Tom on the + skill shown in making it, and, contrary to our hero's expectation, did not + predict that it would blow up the next time it was used. + </p> + <p> + “How did you happen to arrive just at this time, Mr. Damon?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “It was partly due to Mr. Parker,” was the answer. “I had not seen him + since we were rescued from the island, until a few days ago he called on + me at my home. I happened to mention that you lived near here, and + suggested that he might like to see some of your inventions. He agreed, + and we came over in my auto. And now, bless my liver-pin! I find you about + to start off on another trip.” + </p> + <p> + “And have you fully decided to go with me?” asked Tom. “There may be + danger, and I don't like the way that mysterious man behaved.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, bless my revolver!” cried Mr. Damon. “I'm used to danger by this + time. Of course I'm going, and so is Mr. Parker. Do you know,” and the + man, who was always blessing something, came closer to the lad, and + whispered: “Do you know, Tom, Mr. Parker is a very peculiar individual.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure of it,” answered the young inventor, looking at the gentleman in + question, who was then inside the airship cabin. + </p> + <p> + “But he's all right, even if he is predicting unpleasant things,” went on + Mr. Damon. “I think we'll get better acquainted with him after a bit.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so,” agreed Tom, but he did not realize then how close his + companionship with Mr. Parker was to be, nor what dangers they were to + share later. + </p> + <p> + The friends talked at considerable length of the prospective trip, and + Tom, by this time, had ascertained what needed to be done to the airship + to get it in shape to travel. It would take about a week, and, in the + meanwhile, Mr. Damon would go home and get his affairs in order for the + voyage. Tom's father was introduced to Mr. Parker, and, the former, + finding that the scientist held some views in common with him, invited the + gloomy predictor to remain at the Swift home until the Red Cloud was ready + to sail. Tom could not repress a groan at this, but he decided he would + have to make the best of it. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Damon left for home that afternoon, promising to be on hand at the + time set to start for Phantom Mountain. + </p> + <p> + Tom was up waiting for Mr. Jenks at twelve o'clock that night. Shortly + after the hour he saw a dark figure steal into the orchard. At first he + feared lest it might be one of the spies who were, he was now convinced, + on the trail of the man who was seeking to discover the secret of the + diamond makers. But a whistle, which came to the lad's ear a moment later + (that being a signal Mr. Jenks had agreed to sound), told Tom that it was + none other than the visitor he expected. + </p> + <p> + “All right, Mr. Jenks, I'm here,” called Tom, cautiously. “Come over this + way,” and he went out from the shadow of the house, where he had been + waiting, and met the men. “We'll go into my private work-shop,” the youth + added, leading the way. + </p> + <p> + “Have you decided to go with me?” asked Mr. Jenks, in an anxious whisper. + “Did you find the diamonds to be real ones?” + </p> + <p> + “I did; and I'm going,” spoke Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Good! That relieves my mind. But we are still in danger. I was followed + by my shadower to-day, and only succeeded in shaking him off just before + coming here. I don't believe he knows what I am about to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes he does,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “He does? How?” + </p> + <p> + “Because he was here, and warned me against you!” + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean it! Well, they are getting desperate! We must be on our + guard. What sort of a man was he?” + </p> + <p> + Tom described the fellow, and Mr. Jenks stated that this tallied with the + appearance of the person who had been shadowing him. + </p> + <p> + “But we'll fool them yet!” cried Tom, who had now fully entered into the + spirit of the affair. “If they can follow us in the Red Cloud they're + welcome to. I think we'll get ahead of them.” + </p> + <p> + He then told of Mr. Damon and Mr. Parker, and Mr. Jenks agreed that it + would add to the strength of the party to take these two gentlemen along. + </p> + <p> + “Though I can't say I care so much for Mr. Parker,” he added. “But now as + to ways and means. When can we start?” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he and Tom talked over details in the seclusion of the little + office, and arranged to leave Shopton in about a week. In the meanwhile + the airship would be overhauled, stocked with supplies and provisions, and + be made ready for a swift dash to the mountains. + </p> + <p> + “And now I must be going,” said Mr. Jenks. “I have a great deal to do + before I can start on this trip, and I hope I am not prevented by any of + those men who seem to be trailing me.” + </p> + <p> + “How could they prevent you?” Tom wanted to know. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there are any number of ways,” was the answer. “But I'm glad you + found that my diamonds were real. We'll soon have plenty, if all goes + well.” + </p> + <p> + As Mr. Jenks left the shop, he started back, in some alarm. + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Over there—I thought I saw a figure sneaking along under the trees—that + man—perhaps—” + </p> + <p> + “That's Eradicate, our colored helper,” replied Tom, with a laugh. “I + posted him there to see that no strangers came into the orchard. + Everything all right, Rad?” he asked, raising his voice. + </p> + <p> + “Yais, sah, Massa Tom. Nobody been around yeah this night.” + </p> + <p> + “That's good. You can go to bed now,” and Eradicate, yawning loudly, went + to his shack. A little later Tom sought his own room, Mr. Jenks having + hurried off to town, where he was boarding. + </p> + <p> + The next few days saw Tom busily engaged on the airship, making some + changes and a few repairs that were needed. His father, Eradicate and Mr. + Jackson helped him. As for Mr. Parker, the scientist, he went about the + place, being much interested in the various machines which Tom or Mr. + Swift had patented. + </p> + <p> + At other times the scientist would stroll about the extensive grounds, + making what he said were “observations.” One afternoon Tom saw him, + apparently much excited, kneeling down back of a shed, with his ear to the + ground. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” asked the lad, thinking perhaps Mr. Parker might be + ill. + </p> + <p> + “Have you ever had any earthquakes here, Tom Swift?” asked the scientist, + quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Earthquakes? No. We had enough of them on the island.” + </p> + <p> + “And you are going to have one here, in about two minutes!” cried Mr. + Parker. “I predict that this place will be shaken by a tremendous shock + very soon. We had all better get away from the vicinity of buildings.” + </p> + <p> + “What makes you think there will be an earthquake?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Because I can hear the rumbling beneath the ground at this very minute. + It is increasing in volume, showing that the tremors are working this way. + There will soon be a great subterranean upheaval! Listen for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Tom cast himself down on the grass. Placing his ear close to the ground he + did hear a series of dull thuds. He arose, not a little alarmed. There had + never been any earthquakes in Shopton, yet he had great respect for Mr. + Parker's scientific attainments. + </p> + <p> + Just then Eradicate Sampson came along. He saw Tom and Mr. Parker lying + flat on the ground, and surprise showed on his honest, black face. + </p> + <p> + “Fo' de land sakes!” cried Eradicate. “What am de mattah now, Massa Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “Earthquake coming,” answered Tom, briefly. “Better get away from the + buildings, Rad. They might fall!” Tom's face showed the alarm he felt. + What would happen to all of his valuable machines—to the Red Cloud? + </p> + <p> + “Earthquake?” murmured Eradicate, and he, too, cast himself down to + listen. A moment later he arose with a laugh. + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter?” cried Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Why, dat ain't no earthquake!” declared the colored man. + </p> + <p> + “No. Then perhaps you know what it is,” said Mr. Parker, somewhat sharply. + </p> + <p> + “Course I knows what it am,” answered Eradicate, with dignity. “Dat noise + am my mule Boomerang, kickin' in his stable, on account oh me not feedin' + him yet. Dat's what it am. I'se gwine right now t' gib him his oats, and + den yo' see dat de noise stop. Boomerang allers kick dat way when he's + hungry. I show yo'!” + </p> + <p> + And, sure enough, when Eradicate had gone to the mule's stable, which was + near where Mr. Parker had heard the mysterious sounds, they immediately + ceased. + </p> + <p> + “Dat mule was all de earthquake dere was around here,” said the colored + man as he came out. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Parker walked away, saying nothing, and Tom did not make any comments—just + then. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII—OFF FOR THE WEST + </h2> + <p> + It was a great relief to Tom, to find that there was no danger from an + earth tremor. Now that he had made up his mind to go in search of the + diamond makers, he wanted nothing to interfere with it. Lest the feelings + of Mr. Parker might be hurt by the mistake he had made, the young inventor + cautioned Eradicate not to say anything more about the matter. + </p> + <p> + “'Deed an' I won't,” the colored man promised. “I'se only too glad dere + wa'n't no earthquake, dat's what I is.” + </p> + <p> + As for Mr. Parker, he did not appear much put out by his error in + predicting. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure that what I heard was a tremor, due to some distant earthquake + shock,” he said. “The mule's kicking was only a coincidence.” + </p> + <p> + And Tom let him have his way about it. The week was drawing to a close, + and the Red Cloud was nearly in shape for the voyage. At almost the last + minute Tom found that he needed some electrical apparatus for the airship, + and as he had to go to Chester for it, he decided he would make the trip + in his monoplane, and, while in the city, would also get the diamond pin + he was having made for Mary Nestor. + </p> + <p> + He started off early one morning, in the swift little craft Butterfly, and + soon had reached Chester. The diamond brooch was ready for him. + </p> + <p> + “It is one of the most beautiful stones we have ever set,” the diamond + merchant told him. “Don't forget, if you find any more, Mr. Swift, to let + us have a chance to bid on them.” + </p> + <p> + “I may,” Tom promised, rather indefinitely. Then, having purchased his + electrical supplies, he made a quick trip to Shopton, stopping on the way + to call on Miss Nestor. + </p> + <p> + “Why Tom, I'm delighted to see you!” cried the girl, blushing prettily. + “Did you come for some apple turnovers?” and she laughed, as she referred + to a call Tom had once paid, when a new cook had been engaged, and when + the pastry formed a feature of the meal. + </p> + <p> + “No turnovers this time,” said the young inventor. “I came to wish you + many happy returns of the day.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you remembered my birthday! How nice of you!” + </p> + <p> + “And here is something else,” added our hero, rather awkwardly, as he + handed her the diamond pin. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Tom! This for me! Oh, it's too lovely—it's far too much!” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't half enough!” he declared, warmly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, what a large diamond!” Mary cried as she saw the sparkling stone. “I + never saw one so large and beautiful!” + </p> + <p> + “It's just as easy to make them large as small,” explained Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Make them?” she looked the surprise she felt. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I'm about to start for the place where diamonds are made.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Tom! But isn't it dangerous? I mean won't you have to go to some far + country—like Africa—to get to where diamonds are made?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we are going on quite a trip, but not as far as that. And as for + the danger—well, we'll have to take what comes,” and he told her + something of the proposed quest. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it sounds—sounds scary!” Mary exclaimed, when she had heard of + Mr. Jenks' experience. “Do be careful, Tom!” + </p> + <p> + “I will,” he promised, and, somehow he was glad that she had cautioned him + thus—and in such tones as she had used. For Mary Nestor was a girl + that any young chap would have been glad to have manifest an interest in + him. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I guess I'll have to say good-by,” spoke Tom, at length. “We expect + to start in a couple of days, and I may not get another chance to see + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I—I hope you come back safely,” faltered Mary, and then she + held out her hand, and Tom—well, it's none of our affair what Tom + did after that, except to say that he hurried out, fairly jumped into his + monoplane, and completed the trip home. + </p> + <p> + As the Red Cloud has been fully described in the volume entitled “Tom + Swift and His Airship,” we will not go into details about it now. + Sufficient to say that it was a combination of a biplane and dirigible + balloon. It could be used either as one or the other, and the gas-bag + feature was of value when the wind was too great to allow the use of the + planes, or when the motive power, for some reason stopped. In that event + the airship could remain suspended far above the clouds if necessary. + There was provision for manufacturing the gas on board. + </p> + <p> + The Red Cloud was fitted up to accommodate about ten persons, though it + was seldom that this number was carried. Two persons could successfully + operate the machinery. There were sleeping berths, and in the main cabin a + sitting-room, a dining-room, and a kitchen. There was also the motor + compartment, and a steering tower, from which the engines could be + controlled. + </p> + <p> + It was in this craft that the seekers after the diamond makers proposed + undertaking the trip. Mr. Damon came on from his home in Waterfield about + two days before the date set to leave, and Mr. Jenks, had, three days + before this, taken up his abode at the Swift home. Mr. Parker, as has been + stated, was already there, and he had put in his time making a number of + scientific observations, though he had made no more predictions. + </p> + <p> + Nothing more had been seen of the mysterious man who had warned Tom, and + the young inventor and Mr. Jenks began to hope that they had thrown their + enemies off the track. + </p> + <p> + “Though I don't imagine they'll give up altogether,” said Mr. Jenks. + “They're too desperate for that. We'll have trouble with them yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it can't be helped,” decided Tom. “We'll try and be ready for it, + when it comes,” and then, dismissing the matter from his mind, he busied + himself about the airship. + </p> + <p> + The food and supplies had all been put aboard, and they expected to start + the next morning. In order to make sure that any stones which they might + succeed in getting from the diamond makers were real gems, a set of + testing apparatus was taken along. Mr. Parker had had some experience in + this line, and, in spite of the fact that he might make direful + predictions, Tom was rather glad, after all, that the scientist was going + to accompany them. + </p> + <p> + “But what is worrying me,” said Mr. Damon, “is what we are going to do + after we get to Phantom Mountain. What are your plans, Mr. Jenks? Will you + go in, and demand your share of the diamond-making business?” + </p> + <p> + “I have a right to it, as I invested a large sum in it, and I am entitled + to more than a half-share. But, of course, I can't say what I'll do until + I get there. We may have to act very secretly.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm inclined to think we will,” said Tom. “My plan would be to gain + access to the cave, if possible, and watch them at work. We might be able + to discover the secret of making diamonds, and, after all, that's what you + want, isn't it, Mr. Jenks?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I paid my money for the secret, and I ought to have it. If I can get + it quietly, so much the better. If not, I'll fight for my rights!” and he + looked very determined. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my powder horn!” cried Mr. Damon. “That's the way to talk! And so + we're to go cruising about in the air, looking for a mountain shaped like + a man's head.” + </p> + <p> + “That's it,” agreed Mr. Jenks, “and when we find it we will be near + Phantom Mountain, and the diamond makers.” + </p> + <p> + The final details were completed that night. The last of the supplies had + been put aboard, the larder was well stocked, the diamond testing + apparatus was stored safely away, and all that remained was for the + adventurers to board the Red Cloud in the morning, and soar away. + </p> + <p> + That night Tom was uneasy. Several times he got up, and looked toward the + shed where the airship was stored. He could not rid himself of the idea + that the men to whose interest it was that the diamond-making secret + remain undiscovered, might attempt to wreck the airship before the start. + Consequently both Eradicate Sampson and Engineer Jackson were on guard. + Tom looked from his window, to the shed where the Red Cloud was housed. He + saw nothing to cause him any uneasiness. + </p> + <p> + “I guess I'm just nervous,” he mused. “But, all the same, I'll be glad + when we've started.” + </p> + <p> + They were all up early the next morning, Mr. Damon beginning the day by + blessing the sunrise, and many other things that struck his fancy. The + airship was wheeled out of the shed, and Tom gave her a final inspection. + </p> + <p> + “It's all right,” he declared. “All aboard!” + </p> + <p> + “Now, do be careful,” begged Mr. Swift. “Don't take too many chances, + Tom.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll not.” + </p> + <p> + The adventurers were in the forward part of the ship, and Tom had taken + his place at the wheels and levers in the pilot house. As he was about to + start the motor he looked toward the road, and saw a horse and carriage. + In the vehicle was a girlish figure, at the sight of which Tom blushed and + smiled. He waved his hand. + </p> + <p> + “I came to wish you good luck!” cried Mary Nestor, for it was she in the + carriage. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks!” cried Tom, leaning from the window of the pilot house. “It was + good of you to get up so early.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh. I'm always up early,” she informed him. + </p> + <p> + “Look out that the motor doesn't scare your horse,” Tom warned her. + </p> + <p> + “Old Dobbin doesn't mind anything,” was her answer. “I'll see that he + doesn't run away with me, as long as you're not on earth to rescue me. + Good-by, Tom!” + </p> + <p> + “Good-by!” he called, and then he pulled the lever that set in motion the + motor, and whirled the great propellers about. They whizzed around with a + roar, and the Red Cloud, shivering and trembling with the vibration, rose + in the air like some great bird. + </p> + <p> + “We're off for the West and Phantom Mountain!” called Tom to his + companions. + </p> + <p> + As the airship soared upward, Eradicate Sampson ran forward from where he + had been standing near his mule Boomerang. He waved his hands, and shouted + something. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my hatband! What does he want?” asked Mr. Damon, watching him + curiously. + </p> + <p> + “It sounds as if he were calling to us to come back,” spoke Mr. Parker. + </p> + <p> + “It's too late now,” decided Tom. “Maybe he forgot to tell us good-by,” + but, he felt a vague wonder at Eradicate's odd motions; for the colored + man was pointing toward the stern of the airship, as if there was + something wrong there. But the Red Cloud soared on. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX—A WARNING BY WIRELESS + </h2> + <p> + Rapidly the airship ascended, and, when it was high over the town of + Shopton, Tom headed the craft due west. Looking down he tried to descry + Mary Nestor, in her carriage, but the trees were in the way, their + interlocking branches hiding the girl. Tom did see crowds of other + persons, though, thronging the streets of Shopton, for, though the young + inventor had made many flights, there was always a novelty about them, + that brought out the curious. + </p> + <p> + “A good start, Tom Swift,” complimented Mr. Parker. “Is it always as easy + as this?” + </p> + <p> + “Starting always is,” was the answer, “though, as the Irishman said, + coming down isn't sometimes quite so comfortable.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless my gizzard! That's so,” cried the eccentric Mr. Damon. “Can we + vol-plane to earth in the Red Cloud, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but not as easily as in the Butterfly. However I hope we will not + have to. Now, Mr. Damon, if you will just take charge of the steering + apparatus for a minute, I want to go aft.” + </p> + <p> + “What for?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish to see if everything is all right. I can't imagine why Eradicate + was making those queer motions.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Damon, who knew how to operate the Red Cloud, was soon guiding her on + the course, while Tom made his way to the rear compartments, through the + motor room, where the stores of supplies and food were kept. He made a + careful examination, looking from an after window, and even going out on a + small, open platform, but could discover nothing wrong. + </p> + <p> + “I guess Rad was just capering about without any special object,” mused + Tom, but it was not long after this that they learned to their dismay, + that the colored man had had a method in his madness. + </p> + <p> + On his way back through the motor room Tom looked to the machinery, and + adjusted some of the auxiliary oil feeders. The various pieces of + apparatus were working well, though the engine had not yet been speeded up + to its limit. Tom wanted it to “warm-up” first. + </p> + <p> + “Everything all right?” asked Mr. Damon, as Tom rejoined them in the pilot + house, which was just forward of the living room in the main cabin. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I can't imagine what made Rad act that way. But I'll set the + automatic steering gear now, Mr. Damon, and then you will be relieved.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Jenks was gazing off toward the west—to where he hoped to + discover the secret of Phantom Mountain. + </p> + <p> + “How do you like it?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “It's great,” replied the diamond man. “I've never been in an airship + before, and it's different than what I expected; but it's great! It's the + only craft that will serve our purpose among the towering mountain peaks, + where the diamond makers are hidden. I hope we can find them.” + </p> + <p> + In a little while the Red Cloud was skimming along at faster speed, guided + by the automatic rudders, so that no one was needed in the pilot house, + since there was no danger of collisions. Airships are not quite numerous + enough for that, yet, though they may soon become so. + </p> + <p> + Tom and the others devoted several hours to arranging their staterooms and + bunks, and getting their clothing stowed away, and when this was done Mr. + Parker and Mr. Jenks sat gazing off into space. + </p> + <p> + “It's hard to realize that we are really in an airship,” observed the + diamond man. “At first I thought I would be frightened, but I'm not a bit. + It doesn't seem as if anything could happen.” + </p> + <p> + “Something is likely to happen soon,” said Mr. Parker, suddenly, as he + gazed at some weather instruments on the cabin wall. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my soul! Don't say that!” cried Mr. Damon. “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “I think, from my observations, that we will soon have a hurricane,” said + the scientific man. “There is every indication of it;” and he seemed quite + delighted at the prospect of his prediction coming true. + </p> + <p> + “A hurricane!” cried Mr. Damon. “I hope it isn't like the one that blew us + to Earthquake Island.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I think there will be no danger,” spoke Tom. “If it comes on to blow + we will ascend or descend out of the path of the storm. This craft is not + like the ill-fated Whizzer. I can more easily handle the Red Cloud; even + in a bad storm.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad to hear that,” remarked Mr. Jenks. “It would be too bad to be + wrecked before we got to Phantom Mountain.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I predict that we will have a bad storm,” insisted Mr. Parker, and + Tom could not help wishing that the scientist would keep his gloomy + forebodings to himself. + </p> + <p> + However the storm had not developed up to noon, when Tom, with Mr. Damon's + help, served a fine meal in the dining-room. In the afternoon the speed of + the ship was increased, and by night they had covered several hundred + miles. Through the darkness the Red Cloud kept on, making good time. Tom + got up, occasionally, to look to the machinery, but it was all + automatically controlled, and an alarm bell would sound in his stateroom + when anything went wrong. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my napkin!” exclaimed Mr. Damon the next morning, as they sat down + to a breakfast of fruit, ham and eggs and fragrant coffee, “this is living + as well as in a hotel, and yet we are—how far are we above the + earth, Tom?” he asked, turning to the young inventor. + </p> + <p> + “About two miles now. I just sent her up, as I thought I detected that + storm Mr. Parker spoke of.” + </p> + <p> + “I told you it would come,” declared the scientist, and there was a small + hurricane below them that morning, but only the lower edge of it caught + the Red Cloud, and when Tom sent her up still higher she found a + comparatively quiet zone, where she slid along at good speed. + </p> + <p> + That afternoon Tom busied himself about some wires and a number of + complicated pieces of apparatus which were in one corner of the main + cabin. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing now?” asked Mr. Jenks, who had been talking with Mr. + Parker, and showing that scientist some of the manufactured diamonds. + </p> + <p> + “Getting our wireless apparatus in shape,” answered the lad. “I should + have done it before, but I had so much to do that I couldn't get at it. + I'm going to send off some messages. Dad will want to know how we are + doing.” + </p> + <p> + As he worked away, he also made up his mind to send another message, in + care of his father, for there was a receiving station in the Swift home. + And to whom this message was addressed Tom did not say, but we fancy some + of our readers can guess. + </p> + <p> + Finally, after several hours of work, the wireless was in shape to send + and receive messages. Tom pulled over the lever, and a crackling sound was + heard, as the electricity leaped from the transmitters into space. Then he + clamped the receiver on his ear. + </p> + <p> + “All ready,” he announced. “Has anybody any messages they wish sent?” For, + with the courtesy of a true host he was ready to serve his guests before + he forwarded his own wireless notes. + </p> + <p> + “Just tell my wife that I'm enjoying myself,” requested Mr. Damon. “Bless + my footstool! But this is great! We're off the earth yet, connected with + it.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Jenks had no one to whom he wanted to send any word, but Mr. Parker + wish to wire to a fellow scientist the result of some observations made in + the upper air. + </p> + <p> + Tom noted all the messages down, and then, when all was in readiness he + began to call his home station. He knew that either his father or Mr. + Jackson, the engineer, could receive the wireless. + </p> + <p> + But, no sooner had the young inventor sent off the first few dots and + dashes representing “S. I.”—his home station call—than he + started and a look of surprise came over his face. + </p> + <p> + “They're calling us!” he exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Who is?” asked Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “My house—my father. He—he's been trying to get us ever since + we started, but I didn't have the wireless in shape to receive messages. + Oh, I hope it's not too late!” + </p> + <p> + “Too late! Bless my soul, too late for what?” gasped Mr. Damon, somewhat + alarmed by Tom's manner. + </p> + <p> + The lad did not answer at once. He was intently listening to a series of + dots and dashes that clicked in the telephone receiver clamped to his left + ear. On his face there was a look of worriment. + </p> + <p> + “Father has just sent me a message,” he said. “It's a warning flashed + through space! He's been trying to get it to me since yesterday!” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” asked Mr. Jenks, rising from his seat. + </p> + <p> + “The mysterious man is aboard the airship—hidden away!” cried Tom. + “That's what Eradicate was trying to call to our attention as we started + off. Eradicate saw his face at a rear window, and tried to warn us! The + mysterious man is a stowaway on board!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X—DROPPING THE STOWAWAY + </h2> + <p> + Tom's excited announcement startled Mr. Damon and the others as much as if + the young inventor had informed them that the airship had exploded and was + about to dash with them to the earth. The men leaped to their feet, and + stared at the lad. + </p> + <p> + “A stowaway on board!” cried Mr. Damon. “Bless my soul! How did he—” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure that message is straight?” asked Mr. Jenks. “Did Eradicate + see the man?” + </p> + <p> + “He says he did,” answered Tom. “The man is hidden away on board now—probably + among the stores and supplies.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless my tomato sauce!” exploded Mr. Damon. “I hope he doesn't eat them + all up!” + </p> + <p> + “We must get him out at once!” declared Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “I knew something would happen on this voyage,” came from Mr. Parker. “I + predicted it from the first!” + </p> + <p> + Tom thought considerable, but he did not answer the scientist just then. + Another communication was coming to him by wireless. He listened intently. + </p> + <p> + “Father says,” the lad told his companions “that Eradicate only had a + glimpse of the man at the last moment. He was looking from the rear + storeroom window—he's the same man who called on me that time—Rad + remembers him very well.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless my shoes! What's to be done?” inquired Mr. Damon, looking around + helplessly. + </p> + <p> + “We must get him out, that's all,” decided Mr. Jenks; with vigor. “Get him + out and drop him overboard!” + </p> + <p> + “Drop him overboard!” cried Mr. Parker, in horror. + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly, but get rid of him,” proceeded the diamond seeker. “That man + is one of my enemies. He has been sent by the band of diamond makers + hidden among the mountains, to spy on me, and, if possible, prevent me + from seeking to discover their secret. He tried to work on Tom's Swift's + fears, and frighten him from using his airship on this quest. Then, when + he failed, the man must have sneaked into the shed, and hidden himself in + the ship. We must get rid of him, or he may wreck the Red Cloud!” + </p> + <p> + “That's so!” cried Tom. “We must try to capture him. I think we had better—” + the lad paused, and again listened to the wireless message. “Father says + Eradicate saw the man have a gun, so we must be careful,” the young + inventor translated the dots and dashes. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my powder horn!” exploded Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + “We shall have to proceed cautiously then,” spoke Mr. Jenks. “If he is + like any others in the gang he is a desperate man.” + </p> + <p> + “Better sneak up on him then, if we can,” proposed Mr. Parker. “There are + enough of us to cope with one man, even if he is armed. You have weapons + aboard, haven't you?” he inquired of Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” was the hesitating answer, “but I don't want to use them if I can + help it. Not only because of the danger, and a dislike of shedding blood, + but because a stray bullet might pierce the gas bag and damage the ship.” + </p> + <p> + “That's so,” agreed Mr. Jenks. “Well, I guess if we go at it the right way + we can capture him without any shooting. But we must talk more quietly—we + ought to have whispered—he may have heard us.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think so,” replied Tom. “The storeroom is far enough off so that + he couldn't hear us. Besides, the motor makes such a racket that he + couldn't distinguish what we were talking about, even if he heard our + voices. So, unless he heard the wireless working, and suspects something + from that, he probably doesn't know that we are aware of his presence + aboard.” + </p> + <p> + “But why do you think he has remained quiet all this while, Tom?” asked + Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + “Probably he wants to wait until the ship is farther out west,” suggested + Mr. Jenks. “Then he will be nearer his friends, and can get help, if he + needs it.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you really believe he would destroy the Red Cloud?” asked Mr. + Parker. + </p> + <p> + “I think that all he is waiting for is a favorable chance,” declared the + diamond seeker. “He would destroy the craft, and us too, if he could + prevent us from discovering the secret of Phantom Mountain, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we must get ahead of him,” decided Tom, quietly. “I have just + flashed to dad a message, telling him that we will heed his warning. Now + to capture the stowaway!” + </p> + <p> + “And while we're about it, give him a good scare when we do get him,” + suggested Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “How?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Threaten to drop him overboard. Perhaps that will make him tell how he + happened to get in our ship, and what are the plans of the gang of diamond + makers. We may get valuable information that way.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe you can scare such fellows much,” was Tom's opinion, but + it was agreed to try. + </p> + <p> + “How are you going to capture him?” asked Mr. Parker. “If he has a gun it + won't be any too easy to go in the storeroom, and drag him out.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll have to use a little strategy,” decided Tom, and then they + discussed several plans. The one finally adopted was that Tom and Mr. + Damon should enter the storeroom, casually, as if in search of food to + cook for supper. They would discuss various dishes, and Mr. Damon was to + express a preference for something in the food line, the box containing + which, was well back in the room. This would give the two a chance to + penetrate to the far end of the apartment, without arousing the suspicions + of the hidden man, who, doubtless, would be listening to the conversation. + </p> + <p> + “And as soon as we get sight of him, you and I will jump right at him, Mr. + Damon,” said Tom. “Jump before he has a chance to use his gun. Mr. Jenks + and Mr. Parker will be waiting outside the room, to catch him if he gets + away from us. I'll have some ropes ready, and we'll tie him up, and—well, + we'll decide later what to do with him.” + </p> + <p> + “All right. I'm ready as soon as you are, Tom,” said the eccentric man. + “Come ahead.” + </p> + <p> + They went softly to the storeroom, and listened at the door. There was no + sound heard save that made by the machinery. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if he's really here?” whispered Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + “We'll soon find out,” answered Tom. “Let's go in.” + </p> + <p> + They entered, and, in pursuance of their plan, Tom and his friend talked + of various foods. + </p> + <p> + “I think I'd like some of that canned lobster, with French dressing on,” + spoke the eccentric man. + </p> + <p> + “That's away in the back end of the room,” said Tom, in a loud voice. + “It's under a lot of boxes.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I'll help you get it out! Bless my frying pan! but I am very fond of + lobster!” exclaimed Mr. Damon, in as natural tones as was possible under + the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + He and Tom moved cautiously back among the boxes and barrels. They were + glancing about with eager eyes. Tom switched on an electric light, and, + the instant he did so, he was aware of a movement in a little space formed + by one box which was placed on top, of two others. The lad saw a dark + figure moving, as if to get farther out of sight. + </p> + <p> + “I've got him!” cried Tom, making a dive for the shadow. + </p> + <p> + A moment later the young inventor was bowled over, as a dark figure leaped + over his head. + </p> + <p> + “Catch him, Mr. Damon!” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my hatband! I—I—” Mr. Damon's voice ended in a grunt. + He, too, had been knocked down by the fleeing man. + </p> + <p> + “Look out, Mr. Jenks!” cried Tom, to warn those on guard at the door of + the storeroom. + </p> + <p> + There was the report of a gun, some excited shouts, and when Tom could + scramble to his feet, and rush out, he beheld Mr. Parker calmly sitting on + a struggling man, while Mr. Jenks held a gun, that was still smoking. + </p> + <p> + “We caught him!” cried the scientist. + </p> + <p> + “Anybody hurt?” asked Tom, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “No, I knocked up his gun as he fired,” explained Mr. Jenks. “Where are + the ropes, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + The cords were produced and the man, who had now ceased to struggle, was + tightly bound. He uttered not a word, but he smiled grimly when Mr. Damon + remarked: + </p> + <p> + “I guess I'll go back in the storeroom, Tom, and see how much food he + ate.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I guess he didn't take much,” declared the lad. “He wasn't there long + enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Farley Munson, so it's you, is it?” asked Mr. Jenks, as he surveyed + the prisoner. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know him?” asked Tom, in some surprise. + </p> + <p> + “He was in with the diamond makers,” said Mr. Jenks. “He was one of those + who took me to the secret cave. But it will be the last time he ever goes + there. How high up are we, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “About two miles. Why?” + </p> + <p> + “I guess that will be far enough to let him fall,” went on the diamond + seeker. “Come on, Mr. Damon, help me throw him overboard!” + </p> + <p> + “You—you're not going to throw me over—with the airship two + miles high; are you?” gasped the man. + </p> + <p> + “Will you tell us what we want to know, if we don't?” asked Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want to know?” + </p> + <p> + “How you got aboard, and what your object was in coming.” + </p> + <p> + “That's easy enough. I had been hanging around the shed for several days, + watching a chance to get in. Finally I saw it, when that colored man went + to feed his mule, and I slipped in, and hid in the airship. The stores + were all in then, and I stowed myself away among the boxes. I had food and + water, so I didn't touch any of yours,” and he looked at Mr. Damon, who + seemed much relieved. + </p> + <p> + “And what was your object?” demanded Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “I wanted to prevent you from going to Phantom Mountain.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” + </p> + <p> + “By destroying the airship if need be. But I hoped to accomplish it by + other means. I would have stopped at nothing, though, to prevent you. You + must keep away from there!” + </p> + <p> + “And if we refuse?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Then you'll have to take what comes!” + </p> + <p> + “But not from you!” exclaimed Mr. Jenks. “We're going to get rid of you.” + </p> + <p> + The man's face showed the alarm he felt. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don't worry,” said Mr. Jenks, quickly, “we're not going to toss you + overboard. We're not as desperate as your crowd. But we're going to get + rid of you, and then go on before you can send any word to your + confederates. We'll put you off in the most lonesome spot we can find, and + I guess you'll be some time getting back to civilization. By that time + we'll have the secret of the diamonds.” + </p> + <p> + “You never will!” declared the man, firmly. And he would say nothing more, + though by threats and promises Mr. Jenks tried to get from him something + about the men in with him, and where the cave of the diamonds was located. + </p> + <p> + Heavily bound with ropes the man was locked in a small closet, to be kept + there until a favorable spot was reached for letting him go. Mr. Jenks' + plan, of dropping him down in some place where he would have difficulty in + sending on word to his confederates was considered a good one. + </p> + <p> + Three days later, in crossing over a lonely region, near the Nebraska + National Forest, Farley Munson, which was one of the names the spy went + by, was dropped off the airship, when it was sent down to within a few + feet of the earth. + </p> + <p> + “It will take you some time to get to a telegraph office,” said Mr. Jenks, + as a package of food, and a flask of water was tossed down to the + stowaway. He shook his fist at those in the airship, and shouted after + them: + </p> + <p> + “You'll never discover the secret of Phantom Mountain!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we will,” declared Tom, as he sent the Red Cloud high into the air + again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI—A WEARY SEARCH + </h2> + <p> + During the three days when the stowaway had been kept a prisoner, the Red + Cloud had made good time on her western trip. She was now about two + hundred and fifty miles from Leadville, Colorado, and Tom knew he could + accomplish that distance in a short time. It was necessary, therefore, + since they were so close to the place where the real search would begin, + to make some more definite plans. + </p> + <p> + “We will need to replenish our supply of gasoline,” said Tom, shortly + after the stowaway had been dropped, and when the young inventor had made + a general inspection of the airship. + </p> + <p> + “Is it all gone?” inquired Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + “Not all, but we will soon be in the wildest part of the Rocky Mountains, + and gasoline is difficult to procure there. So I want to fill all our + reserve tanks. But I would rather do that before we get far into + Colorado.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” inquired Mr. Parker. + </p> + <p> + “Because airships are not so common but what the appearance of one + attracts attention. Ours is sure to be talked about, and commented on. In + that case, in spite of our precaution in putting Munson off in this lonely + place, word of the Red Cloud being in the vicinity of Leadville may reach + the diamond makers, and put them on their guard. We want to take them + unawares if we can.” + </p> + <p> + “That's so,” agreed Mr. Jenks. “We had better get our gasoline at the + first stopping place, then, and proceed with our search. Our first object + ought to be to look for the landmark—the head of stone. Then we can + begin to prospect about a bit.” + </p> + <p> + “My idea, exactly,” declared Tom. “Well, then, I'll go down at the first + place we cross, where we can get gasoline, and then we'll be in a position + to hover in the air for a long time, without descending.” + </p> + <p> + The airship kept on her way, traveling slowly the remainder of that day, + and at dusk, when there was less chance of big crowds seeing them, the Red + Cloud was sent down on the outskirts of a large village. Tom and Mr. Damon + went to a supply store, and arranged to have a sufficient quantity of the + gasoline taken out to the airship. It was delivered after dark, and little + talk was occasioned by the few who were aware of the presence of the + craft. Then, once more, they went aloft, and Tom sent several wireless + messages to Shopton, including one to Miss Nestor. + </p> + <p> + “Please tell my wife that I am well, and that I have a good appetite,” + said Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Parker also sent a message to a scientific friend of his, stating that + he made some observations among the mountains, of the region in which the + airship then was, and that the indications were that a great landslide + would soon take place. + </p> + <p> + “That won't worry us,” spoke Tom, “for we'll be far above it.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope we will be near enough to enable me to observe it, and make some + scientific notes,” came from Mr. Parker. “I am positive that one of these + mountain peaks that we saw to-day will disappear in a landslide within a + few days. I have an instrument somewhat like the one that records + earthquakes, and it has been acting strangely of late.” + </p> + <p> + Tom wondered what enjoyment Mr. Parker got out of life, when he was always + looking for some calamity to happen, but the scientist seemed to take as + much pleasure in his gloomy forebodings now, as he had on Earthquake + Island. + </p> + <p> + They reached the vicinity of Leadville the next day, but took care to keep + high above the city, so that the airship could not be observed. With + powerful glasses they examined the mountainous country, looking for the + little settlement of Indian Ridge. + </p> + <p> + “There it is!” exclaimed Mr. Jenks, just as dusk was settling down. “I can + make out the hotel I stopped at. Now we can really begin our search. The + next thing is to find the stone head, and then, I think, I will have my + bearings.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll begin the hunt for that landmark in the morning,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + High in the air hovered the Red Cloud. At that distance above the earth + she must have looked like some great bird, and the adventurers thought it + unlikely that any one in the vicinity of Leadville would observe them. + </p> + <p> + The quest for the great mountain peak, that looked like a stone head, was + under way. Back and forth sailed the airship. Sometimes she was enveloped + in fog, and no sight could be had of the earth below. At other times there + were rain storms, which likewise prevented a view. Mr. Parker was on the + lookout for his predicted mountain landslide, but it did not occur, and he + was much disappointed. + </p> + <p> + “It's queer I can't pick out that landmark,” said Mr. Jenks after two days + of weary searching, when their eyes were strained from long peering + through telescopes. “I'm sure it was around Indian Ridge, yet we've + covered almost all the ground in this neighborhood, and I haven't had a + glimpse of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it was destroyed in a landslide, or some cataclysm of nature,” + suggested Mr. Parker. “That is very possible.” + </p> + <p> + “If that's the case we're going to have a hard time to locate the cave of + the diamond makers,” answered Mr. Jenks, “but I hope it isn't so.” + </p> + <p> + They continued the search for another day, and then Tom, as they sat in + the comfortable cabin of the airship that night, hovering almost + motionless (for the motor had been shut down) made a proposition. + </p> + <p> + “Why not descend in some secluded place,” he suggested, “and wander around + on foot, making inquiries of the miners. They may know where the stone + head is, or they may even know about Phantom Mountain.” + </p> + <p> + “Good idea,” spoke Mr. Jenks. “We'll do it.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, the next morning, the Red Cloud was lowered in a good but + lonely landing place, and securely moored. It was in a valley, well + screened from observation, and the craft was not likely to be seen, but, + to guard against any damage being done to it by passing hunters or miners, + Mr. Parker and Mr. Damon agreed to remain on guard in it, while Tom and + Mr. Jenks spent a day or two traveling around, making inquiries. + </p> + <p> + The young inventor and his companion proceeded on foot to a small + settlement, where they hired horses on which to make their way about. They + were to be gone two days, and in that time they hoped to get on the right + trail. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII—THE GREAT STONE HEAD + </h2> + <p> + It was a wild and desolate country in which Tom Swift and Mr. Jenks were + traveling. Villages were far apart, and they were at best but small + settlements. In their journeys from place to place they met few travelers. + </p> + <p> + But of these few they made cautious inquiries as to the location of + Phantom Mountain, or the landmark known as the great stone head. + Prospectors, miners and hunters, whom they asked, shook their heads. + </p> + <p> + “I've heard of Phantom Mountain,” said one grizzled miner, “but I couldn't + say where it is. Maybe it's only a fish story—the place may not even + exist.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it does, for I've been there!” exclaimed Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “Then why don't you go back to it?” asked the miner. + </p> + <p> + “Because I can't locate it again,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Humph! Mighty queer if you've seen a place once, and can't get to it + again,” and the man looked as if he thought there was something strange + about Tom and his companion. Mr. Jenks did not want to say that he had + been taken to the mountain blindfolded, for that would have caused too + much talk. + </p> + <p> + “I think if we spent to-night in a place where the miners congregate, + listened to their talk, and put a few casual questions to them, more as if + we were only asking out of idle curiosity, we might learn something,” + suggested Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, we'll try that scheme.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, after they had left the suspicious miner the two proceeded to + a small milling town, not far from Indian Ridge. There they engaged rooms + for the night at the only hotel, and, after supper they sat around the + combined dance hall and gambling place. + </p> + <p> + There were wild, rough scenes, which were distasteful to Tom, and to Mr. + Jenks, but they felt that this was their only chance to get on the right + trail, and so they stayed. As strangers in a western mining settlement + they were made roughly welcome, and in response to their inquiries about + the country, they were told many tales, some of which were evidently + gotten up for the benefit of the “tenderfeet.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there a place around here called Phantom Mountain?” asked Tom, at + length, as quietly as he could. + </p> + <p> + “Never heard of it, stranger,” replied a miner who had done most of the + talking. “I never heard of it, and what Bill Slatterly don't know ain't + worth knowin'. I'm Bill Slatterly,” he added, lest there be some doubt on + that score. + </p> + <p> + “Isn't there some sort of a landmark around here shaped like a great stone + head?” went on Tom, after some unimportant questions. “Seems to me I've + heard of that.” + </p> + <p> + “Nary a one,” answered Mr. Slatterly. “No stone heads, and no Phantom + Mountains—nary a one. + </p> + <p> + “Who says there ain't no Phantom Mountains?” demanded an elderly miner, + who had been dozing in one corner of the room, but who was awakened by + Slatterly's loud voice. “Who says so?” + </p> + <p> + “I do,” answered the one who claimed to know everything. + </p> + <p> + “Then you're wrong!” Tom's heart commenced beating faster than usual. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say you've seen Phantom Mountain, Jed Nugg?” demanded + Slatterly. + </p> + <p> + “No, I ain't exactly seen it, an' I don't want to, but there is such a + place, about sixty mile from here. Folks says it's haunted, and them sort + of places I steer clear from.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell me about it?” asked Mr. Jenks, eagerly. “I am interested in + such things.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't tell you much about it,” was the reply, “and I wouldn't git too + interested, if I was you. It might not be healthy. All I know is that one + time my partner and I were in hard luck. We got grub-staked, and went out + prospectin'. We strayed into a wild part of the country about sixty mile + from here, and one night we camped on a mountain—a wild, desolate + place it was too.” + </p> + <p> + The miner stopped, and began leisurely filling his pipe. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” asked Tom, trying not to let his voice sound too eager. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that was Phantom Mountain.” + </p> + <p> + The miner seemed to have finished his story. + </p> + <p> + “Is that all?” asked Mr. Jenks. “How did you know it was Phantom + Mountain?” + </p> + <p> + “'Cause we seen the ghost—my partner and I—that's why!” + exclaimed the man, puffing on his pipe. “As I said, we was campin' there, + and 'long about midnight we seen somethin' tall and white, and all + shimmerin', with a sort of yellow fire, slidin' down the side of the + mountain. It made straight for our camp.” + </p> + <p> + “Huh! Guess you run, didn't you, Jed?” asked Bill Slatterly. + </p> + <p> + “Course we did. You'd a run too, if you seen a ghost comm' at you, an' + firin' a gun.” + </p> + <p> + “Ghosts can't fire guns!” declared Bill. “I guess you dreamed it, Jed.” + </p> + <p> + “Ghosts can't fire guns, eh? That's all you know about it. This one did, + and to prove I didn't dream it, there was a bullet hole in my hat next + mornin'. I could prove it, too, only I ain't got that hat any more. But + that was Phantom Mountain, strangers, an' my advice to you is to keep away + from it. I was on it but I didn't exactly see it, 'cause it was dark at + the time.” + </p> + <p> + “Was it near a peak that looked like a stone head?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “It were, stranger, but I didn't take much notice of it. Me and my partner + got out of them diggin's next day, and I never went back. I ain't never + said much about this place, but it's called Phantom Mountain all right, + and I ain't the only one that's seen a ghost there. Other grub-stakers has + had the same experience.” + </p> + <p> + “Why ain't I never heard about it?” demanded Bill, suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + “'Cause as why you're allers so busy talkin' that you don't never listen + to nothin' I reckon,” was Jed's answer, amid laughter. + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell us what trail to take to get there?” asked Tom, of the + miner. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it's called the old silver trail, and you strike it by goin' to a + place called Black Gulch, about forty mile from here. Then it's twenty + mile farther on. But take my advice and don't go.” + </p> + <p> + “Can it be reached by way of Indian Ridge?” asked Mr. Jenks, wondering how + he had been taken to the cave of the diamond makers. He did not remember + Black Gulch. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you can git there by Indian Ridge way, but it's more dangerous. + You're likely to lose your way, for that's a trail that's seldom + traveled.” Mr. Jenks thought that, perhaps, was the reason the gang had + taken him that way. “It's easier to get to the stone head and Phantom + Mountain by Black Gulch, but it ain't healthy to go there, strangers, take + my advice on that,” concluded the miner, as he prepared to go to sleep + again. + </p> + <p> + Tom could scarcely contain the exultation he felt. At last, it seemed, + they were on the trail. He motioned to Mr. Jenks, and they slipped quietly + from the place, just as another dance was beginning. + </p> + <p> + “Now for Black Gulch!” cried Tom. “We must hurry back to the airship, and + tell the good news. + </p> + <p> + “It's too late to-night,” decided Mr. Jenks, and so they waited until + morning, when they made an early start. + </p> + <p> + They found Mr. Damon and Mr. Parker anxiously awaiting their return. Mr. + Damon blessed so many things that he was nearly out of breath, and Mr. + Parker related something of the observations he had made. + </p> + <p> + “I think I have discovered traces of a dormant volcano,” he said. “I am in + hopes that it will have an eruption while we are here.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not,” spoke Tom, decidedly. “We'll start for Black Gulch as soon as + possible.” + </p> + <p> + The airship once more rose in the air, and, following the directions the + miner had given him, Tom pointed his craft for the depression in the + mountains which had been given the name Black Gulch. It was reached in a + short time, and then, making a turn up a long valley the airship proceeded + at reduced speed. + </p> + <p> + “We ought to see that stone head soon now,” spoke Tom, as he peered from + the windows of the pilot house. + </p> + <p> + “It's queer we didn't notice it when we were up in the air,” remarked Mr. + Jenks. “We've been over this place before, I'm sure of it.” + </p> + <p> + The next moment Mr. Damon uttered a cry. “Bless my watch-chain!” he + exclaimed. “Look at that!” + </p> + <p> + He pointed off to the left. There, jutting out from the side of a steep + mountain peak was a mass of stone—black stone—which, as the + airship slowly approached, took the form and shape of a giant's head. + </p> + <p> + “That's it! That's it!” cried Tom. “The great stone head!” + </p> + <p> + “And now for Phantom Mountain and the diamonds!” shouted Mr. Jenks, as Tom + let the airship slowly settle to the bottom of the valley. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII—ON PHANTOM MOUNTAIN + </h2> + <p> + Out from the Red Cloud piled Tom and the others. They made a rush for the + irregular mass of rock which bore so strong a resemblance to the head of + some gigantic man. + </p> + <p> + “That's the one! That's the thing I saw when they were taking me along + here blindfolded!” exclaimed Mr. Jenks. “I'm sure we're on the right + trail, now!” + </p> + <p> + “But what gets me, though,” remarked Mr. Damon, “is why we couldn't see + that landmark when we were up in the air. We had a fine view, and ought to + have been able to pick it out with the telescopes.” + </p> + <p> + The adventurers saw the reason a few seconds later. The image was visible + only from one place, and that was directly looking up the valley. If one + went too far to the right or left the head disappeared from view behind + jutting crags, and it was impossible to see it from overhead, because the + head was almost under a great spur of a mighty mountain. + </p> + <p> + “We might have hunted for it a week in the airship, and been directly over + it,” said Tom, “and yet we would never have seen it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but we never would have gotten here in such good shape if it hadn't + been for your wonderful craft,” declared Mr. Jenks. “It brought us here + safely and quickly, and enabled us to elude the men who tried to keep us + back. We're here in spite of them. If we had traveled by train they might + have interfered with us in a dozen ways.” + </p> + <p> + “That's so,” agreed Mr. Damon. “Well, now we're here, what's to be done? + Which way do we start to reach the cave where the diamonds are + manufactured, Mr. Jenks?” + </p> + <p> + “That I can't say. As you know, I only had a momentary glimpse of this + stone head as they were taking me along the trail. Then one of the men + noticed that the bandage had slipped and he pulled it into place. So I + really can't say which direction to take now, in order to discover the + secret.” + </p> + <p> + “How long after you saw the head before you reached the cave?” asked Tom. + “In that way we may be able to tell how far away it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I should say it was about two or three hours after I saw the head, + before we got to the halting place, and I was carried into the cave. That + would make it several miles from here, for we went in a wagon.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and they might have driven in a round-about way, in order to deceive + you,” suggested Mr. Damon. “At best we have but a faint idea where the + diamond cave is, but we must search for it; eh, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. We'll start right in. And as the airship will be of but little + service to us now, I suggest that we leave it in this valley. It is very + much secluded, and no one will harm it, I think. We can then start off + prospecting, for I have a large portable tent, and we can carry enough + food with us, with what game we can shoot, to enable us to live. I have a + regular camping outfit on board.” + </p> + <p> + “Fine!” cried Mr. Parker, “and that will give me a chance to make some + observations among the mountains, and perhaps I can predict when a + landslide, or an eruption of some dormant volcano, may occur.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless my stars!” cried Mr. Damon. “I don't wish you any bad luck, Mr. + Parker, but I sincerely hope nothing of the sort happens! We had enough of + that on Earthquake Island!” + </p> + <p> + “One can not halt the forces of nature,” said the scientist, solemnly. + “There are many towering peaks around here which may contain old + volcanoes. And I notice the presence of iron ore all about. This must be a + wonderful place in a thunder and lightning storm.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” asked Tom, curiously. + </p> + <p> + “Because lightning would be powerfully attracted here by the presence of + the metal. In fact there is evidence that many of the peaks have been + struck by lightning,” and the scientist showed curious, livid scars on the + stone faces of the peaks within sight. + </p> + <p> + “Then this is a good place to stay away from in a storm,” observed Mr. + Damon. “However, we won't worry about that now. If this is the landmark + Mr. Jenks was searching for, then we must be in the vicinity of Phantom + Mountain.” + </p> + <p> + “I think we are,” declared the diamond seeker. “Probably it is within + sight now, but there are so many peaks, and this is such a wild and + desolate part of the country that we may have trouble in locating it.” + </p> + <p> + “We've got to make a beginning, anyhow,” decided Tom, “and the sooner the + better. Come, we'll make up our camping kits, and start out.” + </p> + <p> + It was something to know that they were on the right trail, and it was a + relief to be able to busy oneself, and not be aimlessly searching for a + mysterious landmark. They all felt this, and soon the airship was taken to + a secluded part of the valley, where it was well hidden from sight in a + grove of trees. + </p> + <p> + Tom and Mr. Damon then served a good meal, and preparations were made to + start on their search among the mountains—a search which they hoped + would lead them to Phantom Mountain, and the cave of the diamond makers. + </p> + <p> + The tent which would afford them shelter was in sections, and could be + laced together. They carried food, compressed into small packages, coffee, + a few cooking utensils; and each one had a gun, Tom carrying a combination + rifle and shotgun, for game. + </p> + <p> + “We can't live very high while we're on the trail,” said the young + inventor, “but it won't be much worse than it was on Earthquake Island. + Are we all ready?” + </p> + <p> + “I guess so,” answered Mr. Damon. “How long are we going to be away?” + </p> + <p> + “Until we find the diamond makers!” declared Tom, firmly. + </p> + <p> + Shouldering their packs, the adventurers started off. Tom turned for a + last look at his airship, dimly seen amid the trees. Would he ever come + back to the Red Cloud? Would she be there when he did return? Would their + quest be successful? These questions the lad asked himself, as he followed + his companions along the rocky trail. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps we can find the road by which these men go in and out of the + cave,” suggested Mr. Damon, when they had gone on for several miles. + </p> + <p> + “I fancy not,” replied Mr. Jenks. “They probably take great pains to hide + it. I think though, that our best plan will be to go here and there, + looking for the entrance to the cave. I believe I would remember the + place.” + </p> + <p> + “But why can't you follow the directions given by the miner who told you + about Phantom Mountain?” asked Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + “Because his talk was too indefinite,” answered Mr. Jenks. “He was so + frightened by seeing what he believed to be a ghost, that he didn't take + much notice of the location of the place. All he knows is that Phantom + Mountain is somewhere around here.” + </p> + <p> + “And we've got to hunt until we find it; is that the idea?” asked Mr. + Parker. + </p> + <p> + “Or until we see the phantom,” added Tom, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my topknot!” exclaimed Mr. Damon. “You don't mean to say you expect + to see that ghost; do you Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” answered the young inventor, and he did not add something else + of which he was thinking. For Tom had a curious theory regarding the + phantom. + </p> + <p> + They tramped about the remainder of that day. Toward evening Tom shot some + birds, which made a welcome addition to their supper. Then the tent was + put together, some spruce and hemlock boughs were cut to make a soft bed, + and on these, while the light of a campfire gleamed in on them, the + adventurers slept. + </p> + <p> + Their experience the following day was similar to the first. They saw no + evidence of a large cave such as Mr. Jenks had described, nor were there + any traces of men having gone back and forth among the mountains, as might + have been expected of the diamond makers, for, as Mr. Jenks had said, they + made frequent journeys to the settlement for food, and other supplies. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I haven't begun to give up yet,” announced Tom, on the third day, + when their quest was still unsuccessful. “But I think we are making one + mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” inquired Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “I think we should go up higher. In my opinion the cave is near the top of + some peak; isn't it, Mr. Jenks?” + </p> + <p> + “I have that impression, though, as you know, I never saw the outside of + it. Still, it might not be a bad idea to ascend some of these peaks.” + </p> + <p> + Following this suggestion, they laid their trail more toward the sky, and + that night found them encamped several thousand feet above the sea-level. + It was quite cool, and the campfire was a big one about which they sat + after supper, talking of many things. + </p> + <p> + Tom did not sleep well that night. He tossed from side to side on the bed + of boughs, and once or twice got up to replenish the fire, which had + burned low. His companions were in deep slumber. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder what time it is?” mused Tom, when he had been up the third time + to throw wood on the blaze. “Must be near morning.” He looked at his + watch, and was somewhat startled to see that it was only a little after + twelve. Somehow it seemed much later. + </p> + <p> + As he was putting the timepiece back into his pocket the lad looked around + at the dark and gloomy mountains, amid which they were encamped. As his + gaze wandered toward the peak of the one on the side of which the tent was + pitched, he gave a start of surprise. + </p> + <p> + For, coming down a place where, that afternoon, Tom had noticed a sort of + indefinite trail was a figure in white. A tall, waving figure, which + swayed this way and that—a figure which halted and then came on + again. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder—I wonder if that can be a wisp of fog?” mused the young + inventor. He rubbed his eyes, thinking it might be a swirling of the night + mist or a defect of vision. Then, as he saw more plainly, he noticed the + thing in white rushing toward him. + </p> + <p> + “It's the phantom—the phantom!” cried Tom, aloud. “It's the thing + the miner saw! We're on Phantom Mountain now!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV—WARNED BACK + </h2> + <p> + Tom's cries awakened the sleepers in the tent. Mr. Damon was the first to + rush out. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my nightcap, Tom!” he cried. “What is it? What has happened? Are we + attacked by a mountain lion?” + </p> + <p> + For answer the young inventor pointed up the mountain, to where, in the + dim light from a crescent moon, there stood boldly revealed, the figure in + white. + </p> + <p> + “Bless—bless my very existence!” cried the odd man. “What is it, + Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “The phantom,” was the quiet answer. “Watch it, and see what it does.” + </p> + <p> + By this time Mr. Jenks and Mr. Parker had joined Tom and Mr. Damon. The + four diamond seekers stood gazing at the apparition. And, as they looked, + the thing in white, seemingly too tall for any human being, slid slowly + forward, with a gliding motion. Then it raised its long, white arms, and + waved them threateningly at the adventurers. + </p> + <p> + “It's motioning us to go back,” said Mr. Parker in an awed whisper. “It + doesn't want us to go any farther.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely,” agreed Tom, coolly. “But we're not going to be frightened + by anything like that; are we?” + </p> + <p> + “Not much!” exclaimed Mr. Jenks. “I expected this. A ghost can't drive me + back from getting my rights from those scoundrels!” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose it uses a revolver to back up its demand?” asked the scientist. + </p> + <p> + “Wait until it does,” answered Mr. Jenks. But the figure in white + evidently had no such intentions. It came on a little distance farther, + still waving the long arms threateningly, and then it suddenly + disappeared, seeming to dissolve in the misty shadows of the night. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my suspenders!” cried Mr. Damon. “That's a very strange proceeding! + Very strange! What do you make of it, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “It is evidently some man dressed up in a sheet,” declared Mr. Jenks. “I + expected as much.” + </p> + <p> + “The work of those diamond makers; do you think?” continued Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + “I believe so,” answered Tom, slowly, for he was trying to think it out. + “I believe they are the cause of the phantom, though I don't know that + it's a man dressed in a sheet.” + </p> + <p> + “Why isn't it?” demanded Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “Because it was too tall for a man, unless he's a giant.” + </p> + <p> + “He may have been on stilts,” suggested Mr. Parker. + </p> + <p> + “No man on stilts could walk along that way,” declared Tom, confidently. + “He glided along too easily. I am inclined to think it may be some sort of + a light.” + </p> + <p> + “A light?” queried Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the diamond makers may be hidden in some small cave near here, and + they may have some sort of a magic lantern or a similar arrangement, for + throwing a shadow picture. They could arrange it to move as they liked, + and could cause it to disappear at will. That, I think, is the ghost we + have just seen.” + </p> + <p> + “But the diamond makers have only been in this mountain recently,” + objected Mr. Jenks, “and the phantom was here before them. In fact, that + was what gave the place its name.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be,” admitted the lad. “There are many places that have the name + of being haunted, but no one ever sees the ghost. It is always some one + else, who has heard of some one who has seen it. That may have been the + case here. I grant that this place may have been called 'Phantom Mountain' + for a number of years, due to the superstitious tales of miners. The + diamond makers came along, found the conditions just right for their work, + and adopted the ghost, so to speak. As there wasn't any real spirit they + made one, and they use it to scare people away. I think that's what we've + just seen, though I may be wrong in my theory as to what the phantom is.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's gone now, at any rate,” said Mr. Jenks, “and I think we'd + better get back inside the tent. It's cold out here.” + </p> + <p> + “Aren't some of us going to stand guard?” demanded Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + “What for?” asked Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “Why—er—bless my key-ring! Suppose that ghost takes a notion + to come down here, and use his gun, as he did on the miners?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe that will happen,” remarked Tom. “The diamond makers, if + the white thing had anything to do with them, have given us a warning, and + I think they'll at least wait until morning to see how we heed it.” + </p> + <p> + “We aren't going to heed it!” burst out Mr. Jenks. “I'm going to go right + ahead and find that cave where they make diamonds!” + </p> + <p> + “And we're with you!” exclaimed Tom. “We'll have a good fire going the + rest of the night, and that may keep intruders away. In the morning we'll + begin our search, and we'll go up the trail where we saw the white + figure.” + </p> + <p> + A big pile of wood had been collected for the fire, and Tom now piled some + logs and branches on the blaze. It would last for some time now, and the + adventurers, still talking of the “ghost” went back into the tent. It was + over an hour before they all got to sleep again, and Mr. Jenks and Mr. + Damon took turns in getting up once or twice during the remainder of the + night to replenish the fire. + </p> + <p> + Morning dawned without anything further having occurred to disturb them, + and, after a hearty breakfast, to which Tom added some fish he caught in a + nearby mountain stream, they set off up the trail on Phantom Mountain. + </p> + <p> + They had left their tent standing, as they proposed making that spot their + headquarters until they located the cave they were seeking. What their + course would be after that would depend on the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + If they had expected to have an easy task locating the cavern in which Mr. + Jenks had seen diamonds made, the adventurers were disappointed. All that + day they tramped up and down the mountain, looking for some secret + entrance, but none was disclosed. The higher they went up the great peak, + the fainter became the trail, until, at length it vanished completely. + </p> + <p> + But this was not to be wondered at, since it was on solid rock, in which + no footsteps would leave an impression. + </p> + <p> + “They never brought you up here in a wagon, Mr. Jenks,” decided Tom, when + he saw how steep the place was. + </p> + <p> + “I'm inclined to think so myself,” admitted the diamond man. “They must + have reached the cave from some other way. As a matter of fact, I walked + some distance after getting out of the vehicle, before we got to the + cavern. But, even at that, I don't believe we came this way.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet the phantom was here,” persisted Tom, “and I'm convinced that the + cave is in this neighborhood. It's up to us to find it!” + </p> + <p> + But they searched the remainder of that day in vain, and as night was + coming on, they made their way back to the camp. As Tom, who was in the + lead, approached the tent, he saw something black fastened to the + entrance. + </p> + <p> + “Hello!” he cried. “Some one's been here. That wasn't on the tent when we + left this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” asked Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + “A black piece of paper, written on with white ink,” replied the lad. He + was reading it, and, as he perused it a look of surprise came over his + face. + </p> + <p> + “Listen to this!” called Tom. “It's evidently from the diamond makers.” + </p> + <p> + Holding up the black paper, on which the white writing stood out in bold + relief Tom read aloud: + </p> + <p> + “Be warned in time! Go back before it is too late! You are near to death! + Go back!” + </p> + <p> + “Bless my shoelaces!” cried Mr. Damon. “This is getting serious.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV—THE LANDSLIDE + </h2> + <p> + Gathered about the young inventor, the three men looked at the warning. + The writing was poor, and it was evident that an attempt had been made to + disguise it. But there was no misspelling of words, and there were no + rudely drawn daggers, or bloody hands or anything of that sort. In fact, + it was a very business-like sort of warning. + </p> + <p> + “Rather odd,” commented Mr. Jenks. “Black paper and white ink.” + </p> + <p> + “White ink is easy enough to make,” stated Mr. Parker. “I fancy they + wanted it as conspicuous as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” agreed Tom, “and this warning, together with the antics of the + thing in white last night, shows that they are aware of our presence here, + and perhaps know who we are. We will have to be on our guard.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think that fellow Munson, whom we left in the forest, could have + gotten here and warned them?” asked Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + “It's possible,” admitted Tom, “but now let's see if the person who pinned + this warning on our tent took any of our things.” + </p> + <p> + A hasty examination, however, showed that nothing had been disturbed, and + Tom and Mr. Damon were soon getting supper ready, everyone talking, during + the progress of the meal, about the events of the day, and the rather + weird culmination of it. + </p> + <p> + “Well, we haven't had a great deal of success—so far,” admitted Tom, + as they sat about the fire, in the fast gathering dusk. “I think, perhaps, + we'd better try on the other side of the mountain to-morrow. We've + explored this side pretty thoroughly.” + </p> + <p> + “Good idea,” commented Mr. Jenks. “We'll do it, and move our camp. I only + hope those fellows don't find our airship and destroy it. We'll have a + hard time getting back to civilization again, if we have to walk all the + way.” + </p> + <p> + This contingency caused Tom some uneasiness. He did not like to think that + the unscrupulous men might damage the Red Cloud, that had been built only + after hard labor. But he knew he could accomplish nothing by worrying, and + he tried to dismiss the matter from his mind. + </p> + <p> + They rather expected to see the thing in white again that night, but it + did not appear, and morning came without anything having disturbed their + heavy sleep, for they were tired from the day's tramp. + </p> + <p> + It took them the greater part of the day to make a circuit of the base of + Phantom Mountain in order to get to a place where a sort of trail led + upward. + </p> + <p> + “It's too late to do anything to-night,” decided Tom, as they set up the + tent. “We'll rest, and start the first thing in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + “And the ghost isn't likely to find us here,” added Mr. Damon. “Where are + you going, Mr. Parker?” he asked, as he saw the scientist tramping a + little way up the side of the mountain. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to make some observations,” was the answer, and no one paid + any more attention to him for some time. Supper was nearly ready when Mr. + Parker returned. His face wore a rather serious air, and Mr. Damon, noting + it, asked laughingly: + </p> + <p> + “Well, did you discover any volcanoes, that may erupt during the night, + and scare us to death?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Mr. Parker, calmly, “but there is every indication that we + will soon have a terrific electrical storm. From a high peak I caught a + glimpse of one working this way across the mountains.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we'd better fasten the tent well down,” called Tom. “We don't want + it to blow away.” + </p> + <p> + “There will not be much danger from wind,” was Mr. Parker's opinion. + </p> + <p> + “From what then?” asked Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “From the discharges of lightning among these mountain peaks, which + contain so much iron ore. We will be in grave danger.” + </p> + <p> + The fact that the scientist had not always made correct predictions was + not now considered by his hearers, and Tom and the two men gazed at Mr. + Parker in some alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Is there anything we can do to avoid it?” asked Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “The only thing to do would be to leave the mountain,” was the answer, + “and, as the iron ore extends for miles, we can not get out of the danger + zone before the storm will reach us. It will be here in less than half an + hour.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we'd better have supper,” remarked Tom, practically, “and get ready + for it. Perhaps it may not be as bad as Mr. Parker fears.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be bad enough,” declared the gloomy scientist, and he seemed to + find pleasure in his announcement. + </p> + <p> + The meal was soon over, and Tom busied himself in looking to the guy ropes + of the tent, for he feared lest there might be wind with the storm. That + it was coming was evident, for now low mutterings of thunder could be + heard off toward the west. + </p> + <p> + Black clouds rapidly obscured the heavens, and the sound of thunder + increased. Fitful flashes of lightning could be seen forking across the + sky in jagged chains of purple light. + </p> + <p> + “It's going to be a heavy storm,” Tom admitted to himself. “I hope + lightning doesn't strike around here.” + </p> + <p> + The storm came on rapidly, but there was a curious quietness in the air + that was more alarming than if a wind had blown. The campfire burned + steadily, and there was a certain oppressiveness in the atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + It was now quite dark, save when the fitful lightning flashes came, and + they illuminated the scene brilliantly for a few seconds. Then, by + contrast, it was blacker than ever. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, as Tom was gazing up toward the peak of Phantom Mountain, he saw + something that caused him to cry out in alarm. He pointed upward, and + whispered hoarsely: + </p> + <p> + “The ghost again! There's our friend in white!” + </p> + <p> + The others looked, and saw the same weird figure that had menaced them + when they were encamped on the other side of the peak. + </p> + <p> + “They must have followed us,” said Mr. Jenks, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + Slowly the figure advanced, It waved the long white arms, as if in + warning. At times it would be only dimly visible in the blackness, then, + suddenly it would stand out in bold relief as a great flash of fire split + the clouds. + </p> + <p> + The thunder, meanwhile, had been growing louder and sharper, indicating + the nearer approach of the storm. Each lightning flash was followed in a + second or two, by a terrific clap. Still there was no wind nor rain, and + the campfire burned steadily. + </p> + <p> + All at once there was a crash as if the very mountain had split asunder, + and the adventurers saw a great ball of purple-bluish fire shoot down, as + if from some cloud, and strike against the side of the crag, not a hundred + feet from where stood the ghostly figure in white. + </p> + <p> + “That was a bad one,” cried Mr. Damon, shouting so as to be heard above + the echoes of the thunderclap. + </p> + <p> + Almost as he spoke there came another explosion, even louder than the one + preceding. A great ball of fire, pear shaped, leaped for the same spot in + the mountain. + </p> + <p> + “There's a mass of iron ore there!” yelled Mr. Parker. “The lightning is + attracted to it!” + </p> + <p> + His voice was swallowed up in the terrific crash that followed, and, as + there came another flash of the celestial fire, the figure in white could + be seen hurrying back up the mountain trail. Evidently the electrical + storm, with lightning bolts discharging so close, was too much for the + “ghost.” + </p> + <p> + In another instant it looked as if the whole place about where the diamond + seekers stood, was a mass of fire. Great forked tongues of lightning + leaped from the clouds, and seemed to lick the ground. There was a rattle + and bang of thunder, like the firing of a battery of guns. Tom and the + others felt themselves tingling all over, as if they had hold of an + electrical battery, and there was a strong smell of sulphur in the air. + </p> + <p> + “We are in the midst of the storm!” cried Mr. Parker. “We are standing on + a mass of iron ore! Any minute may be our last!” + </p> + <p> + But fate had not intended the adventurers for death by lightning. Almost + as suddenly as it had begun, the discharge of the tongues of fire ceased + in the immediate vicinity of our friends. They stood still—awed—not + knowing what to do. + </p> + <p> + Then, once more, came a terrific clap! A great mass of fire, like some + red-hot ingot from a foundry, was hurled through the air, straight at the + face of the mountain, and at the spot where the figure in white had stood + but a few minutes before. + </p> + <p> + Instantly the earth trembled, as it had at Earthquake Island, but it was + not the same. It was over in a few seconds. Then, as the diamond seekers + looked, they saw in the glare of a score of lightning flashes that + followed the one great clap, the whole side of the mountain slip away, and + go crashing into the valley below. + </p> + <p> + “A landslide!” cried Mr. Parker. “That is the landslide which I predicted! + The lightning bolt has split Phantom Mountain!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI—THE VAST CAVERN + </h2> + <p> + For a time the roiling, slipping, sliding and tumbling of the mass of + earth and stones, down the side of the mountain, effectually drowned all + other sounds. Even the thunder was stilled, and though Tom and his + companions called to one another in terror, their voices could not rise + above that terrific tumult. + </p> + <p> + Finally, when they found that the direction of the slide was away from + their tent, and that they were not likely to be engulfed, they grew more + calm. + </p> + <p> + Gradually the noise subsided. The great boulders had rolled to the bottom + of the valley, and now only a mass of earth and stones was sliding down. + Even this stopped in about five minutes, and, as though satisfied with + what it had done, the electrical storm passed. Not a drop of rain had + fallen. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my shirt studs!” exclaimed Mr. Damon, who was the first to speak + after the din had quieted. “Bless my soul! But that was awful!” + </p> + <p> + “It was just what I expected,” said Mr. Parker, calmly. “I knew, from my + observations, that we were in a region where landslides and terrific + electrical storms may be expected at any time. I fully looked for this.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” remarked Mr. Jenks, rather sarcastically, “I hope it came up to + your expectations, Mr. Parker.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, fully,” was the answer, “though I wish it could have happened in + daylight, so that I could better have observed certain phenomena regarding + the landslide. They are very interesting.” + </p> + <p> + “At a distance,” admitted Tom, with a laugh of relief. “Well, I'm glad + it's over, though we'll have to wait until morning to see what damage has + been done. Lucky we weren't struck by lightning. I never saw such bolts!” + </p> + <p> + “Me, either!” declared Mr. Damon. “This mountain seems to attract them.” + </p> + <p> + “It is like a magnet,” said Mr. Parker. “I think I shall be able to make + some fine observations here.” + </p> + <p> + “If we live through it,” murmured Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + They watched the play of lightning about a distant bank of clouds, but the + storm was now far away, only a faint rumbling of thunder being heard. + </p> + <p> + “I'm wondering what happened to the phantom,” said Tom, after a pause. + “Seems to me he was right in that track of the storm.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think it was a 'he'?” asked Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “I think we'll find that it's some sort of a man,” answered the young + inventor. “We may find out very soon, now. I've changed my theory about + the ghost being reflections of light.” + </p> + <p> + “How's that?” Mr. Damon wanted to know. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think we are on the side of Phantom Mountain where the diamond + cave is,” went on the lad. “The fact that the phantom appeared here, soon + after we arrived, shows that the men kept close track of our movements. It + also shows, I think, that the phantom did not have to travel far to be on + the spot, whereas we had to make quite a trip to get around the base of + the mountain. I think the cave is up there,” and Tom pointed toward the + spot where the weird figure had been last seen, before the storm drove it + back. + </p> + <p> + “There may be two phantoms,” suggested Mr. Jenks. “They may keep one on + this side of the mountain, and one on the other, to warn intruders away. + </p> + <p> + “It's possible,” admitted Tom. “Well, we'll see how things look in the + morning, when we'll take up our march again, and go up the mountain. We'll + reach the top, if possible, which we couldn't do from the other side, as + it was too steep.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope we shall be able to go forward in the morning,” came from Mr. + Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” asked the lad, struck by a peculiar significance in + the diamond man's tones. + </p> + <p> + “Why, that landslide may have opened a great gully in the side of Phantom + Mountain, which will prevent us from passing. It was a terrific lot of + earth and stones that slid away,” answered Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “It certainly was,” agreed Mr. Parker. “I would not be surprised if the + mountain was half destroyed, and it may be that the diamond cave no longer + exists.” + </p> + <p> + “Not very cheerful, to say the least,” murmured Mr. Jenks to Tom, and, as + it was getting quite chilly, following the storm, they went inside the + tent. + </p> + <p> + Tom could hardly wait for daylight, to get up and see what havoc the + landslide had wrought. As soon as the first faint flush of dawn showed + over the eastern peaks, he hurried from the tent. Mr. Damon heard him + arise, and followed. + </p> + <p> + A curious scene met their eyes. All about were great rocks rent and torn + by the awful power of the lightning. The fronts of the stone cliffs were + scarred and burned by the electrical fire, and fantastic markings, + grotesque faces, and leering animals seemed to have been drawn by some + gigantic artist who used a bolt from heaven for his brush. + </p> + <p> + But the eyes of Tom and Mr. Damon took all this in at a glance, and then + their gaze went forward to where the avalanche had torn away a great part + of the mountain. + </p> + <p> + “Whew! I should say it was a landslide!” cried Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my wishbone, yes!” agreed Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + Below them, in the valley, lay piled immense masses of earth and stones. + Boulders were heaped up on boulders, and rocks upon rocks, being tossed + about in heaps, strung about in long ridges, and swirled about in curves, + as though some cyclone had toyed with them after the lightning flash had + tossed them there. + </p> + <p> + “But the mountain isn't half gone,” said Tom, as his eyes took in what was + left of the phantom berg. “I guess it will take a few more bolts like that + one, to put this hill out of business.” + </p> + <p> + Though the landslide had been a great one, the larger part of the mountain + still stood. An immense slice had been taken from one side, but the summit + was untouched. + </p> + <p> + “And there's where the diamond cave is!” cried Tom, pointing to it. + </p> + <p> + “I think so myself,” agreed Mr. Jenks, who came from the tent at that + moment, and joined the lad and Mr. Damon. “I think we shall find the cave + somewhere up there. We must start for it, as soon as we have eaten, and we + may reach it by night.” + </p> + <p> + The three stood gazing up toward the summit of the great mountain. + Suddenly, as the sun rose higher in the heavens, it sent a shaft of rosy + light on the face of the berg that had been scarred by the landslide. Tom + Swift uttered an exclamation, and pointed at something. + </p> + <p> + “See!” he cried. “Look where the trail is—the trail down which the + phantom must have come. It is on the edge of a cliff now!” + </p> + <p> + They looked, and saw that this was so. The increasing light had just + revealed it to them. When the lightning bolt had torn away a great portion + of the mountain it had cut sheer down for a great depth and when the earth + and stones fell away they left a narrow pathway, winding around the + mountain, but so near the edge of a great chasm, that there was room but + for one person at a time to walk on that footway. The uncertain trail up + Phantom Mountain had all but been destroyed. + </p> + <p> + “The way up to the peak is by that path, now,” spoke Tom, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my soul!” cried Mr. Damon. “It's as much as a man's life is worth + to attempt it. If he got dizzy, he'd topple over, and fall a thousand + feet. Dare we risk it?” + </p> + <p> + “It's the only way to get up,” went on Tom. “It's either that way, or not + at all. We've tried the other side without success. We must go up this way—or + turn back.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we'll go up!” cried Mr. Jenks. “It may not be as dangerous as it + looks from here.” + </p> + <p> + But it was even more dangerous than it appeared, when they went part way + up it after a hasty breakfast. The trail was a mere ledge of rock now, and + in some places, to get around a projecting edge of the mountain, they had + to stand with their backs to the dizzy depths at their feet, and with both + arms outstretched work their way around to where the trail was wider. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we risk it?” asked Tom, when they had tried the way, and found it + so dangerous. “We can't take anything with us—even our guns, for we + couldn't carry them, and if we reach the mouth of the cave, and find those + men there—” + </p> + <p> + He paused significantly. The adventurers looked at one another. The search + for the diamond makers was becoming more and more dangerous. + </p> + <p> + “I say let's go on!” decided Mr. Damon, suddenly. “We want to locate that + cave, first of all. Perhaps, when we do find it, we may see some easier + way of getting to it than this. And if those diamond makers do attack us—well, + I don't believe they'll shoot defenseless men, and they may listen to + reason, and give Mr. Jenks his rights—tell him how to make diamonds + in return for the money he gave them.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe those scoundrels will listen to reason,” replied the + diamond man, “but I agree with Mr. Damon that we ought to go on. We may + find some other means of reaching the cave—if we can discover it, + and we'll take a chance with the men.” + </p> + <p> + “Forward it is, then!” cried Tom. “I have a revolver, and I can supply one + of you gentlemen with another. They may come in useful in an emergency. + Let's go back to camp, take a little lunch in our pockets, and try to + scale the mountain.” + </p> + <p> + They were soon on their way up the dizzy path once more, and, as they + advanced, they found it growing more and more dangerous. In some places + they found it almost impossible to get around certain corners, where there + was barely room for their feet. As Tom remarked grimly, a fat man never + could have done it. Fortunately they were all comparatively thin, for + their hard work, and not too abundant food, since they had left the + airship, had reduced their weight. + </p> + <p> + Up and up they went, higher and higher, sometimes finding the path wide + enough for two to walk abreast, and again seeing it narrow almost to a + ribbon. They hardly dared look down into the chasm at their left—a + chasm filled, in part, with the rocks and boulders tossed into it by the + lightning bolt. + </p> + <p> + Tom was in the lead, and had just made a dangerous turn around a shoulder + of rock—one of those places where he had to extend both arms, and + fairly hug the cliff before he could get around. + </p> + <p> + But, when he had made it, and found himself on a broad pathway, cut in the + living rock, he gave a great shout—a shout that caused his + companions to hasten to his side. They found the young inventor pointing + to a clump of bushes and small trees. + </p> + <p> + But it was not the shrubbery that Tom desired to call to their attention. + They saw that in an instant, for, dimly seen through the leaves, was + something black, and, as they looked more closely, they saw that it was a + great hole in the side of the mountain—a vast cavern, opening like a + tunnel. + </p> + <p> + “The cave! The cave!” cried Tom. “The diamond makers' cave!” + </p> + <p> + Hardly had he spoken than two men, each one carrying a gun, showed + themselves in the mouth of the cavern, and, instant later they both ran + toward the little party of adventurers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII—THE PHANTOM CAPTURED + </h2> + <p> + Surprise held Tom and his friends almost spellbound for the moment. The + young inventor's hand went toward the pocket where he carried his + revolver. Mr. Jenks, who had the only other weapon, sought to draw it, but + he was stopped by a gesture of one of the two men with guns. + </p> + <p> + “Hold on, strangers!” the man cried. “I know what you're up to! Better not + try to draw anything—it might not be healthy. Now, then, who are + you, and what do you want?” + </p> + <p> + The question came rather as a surprise, at least to Tom and Mr. Jenks. + They had taken it for granted that these men—if they were the + diamond makers—would know Mr. Jenks, and guess at his errand in + coming back to Phantom Mountain. But, it seemed, that they took them all + for casual strangers. + </p> + <p> + No one answered for a moment. Tom caught the eye of Mr. Jenks, and there + was a look of hope in it. If ever there was a time for strategy, it was + now. Evidently Munson, the stowaway on the airship, had not yet been able + to send a warning to his confederates. And neither of the two men + recognized Mr. Jenks as the man who had been defrauded of his rights. It + might be possible to conceal the real object of the adventurers until they + had time to formulate a plan of action. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” exclaimed the man with the gun, impatiently, “I ask you folks a + question. What do you want?” + </p> + <p> + Fortunately, neither Mr. Damon nor Mr. Parker replied. The former because + he deferred to Tom and Mr. Jenks, and the scientist because he was busy + inspecting some curious rocks he picked up. As it turned out this was the + luckiest thing he could have done. It lent color to what Mr. Jenks said a + moment later. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing up here?” demanded the man again. “Don't you know this + is private property?” + </p> + <p> + “We—we were just looking around,” answered Mr. Jenks, which was true + enough; as far as it went. + </p> + <p> + “Prospecting,” added Tom. + </p> + <p> + “After gold?” demanded the second man, suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + “We'd be glad to find some,” retorted the lad. At that moment Mr. Parker + began breaking off bits of rock with a small geologist's hammer which he + carried. The men with the guns looked at him. + </p> + <p> + “So you think you'll find gold up here?” asked the one who had first + spoken. + </p> + <p> + “Is there any?” inquired Tom, trying to make his voice sound eager. + </p> + <p> + “Nary a bit, strangers,” was the answer, and the two men laughed heartily. + “Now, we don't want to seem harsh,” went on the man who seemed to be the + spokesman, “but you'd better get away from here. This is private ground, + and dangerous too—how'd you ever get up the trail—we heard it + was destroyed.” + </p> + <p> + “There is still a narrow path,” said Mr. Jenks. “We came up that—the + lightning and landslide haven't left much of it, though.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Parker looked quickly up from the rocks at which he was tapping with + his small hammer. “You have terrific lightning up here,” he said. “I am + much interested in it, from a scientific standpoint. I predict that some + day the entire mountain will be destroyed by a blast from the sky.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope it won't be right away,” spoke one of the men. “Now I guess you + folks had better be leaving while there's a path left to go down by.” + </p> + <p> + “Might I ask,” broke in Mr. Parker, as calmly as though he was lecturing + to a class of students, “might I ask if you have noticed any peculiar + effect of the lightning up here on the summit of the mountain? Does it + fuse and melt rocks, so to speak?” + </p> + <p> + “What's that?” cried the spokesman, with a sudden flash of anger. The two + men looked at each other. + </p> + <p> + “I wanted to know, merely for scientific reasons, whether the lightning up + here ever melted rocks?” repeated Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “Well, whether it's for scientific reasons or for any other, I'm not going + to answer you!” snapped the man. “It's none of your affair what the + lightning does up here. Now you'd all better 'vamoose'—clear out!” + </p> + <p> + “All right—we'll go,” said Tom, quickly, at the same time motioning + to Mr. Jenks to agree with him. The eyes of the young inventor were roving + about. He saw what looked like a second trail, leading down the mountain, + from the far side of the cave. He was convinced now that there was another + way to get to it. Possibly they might find it. At any rate nothing more + could be done now. They must go back, for the cavern was too well guarded + to attempt to enter it by force—at least just yet. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we'll go back,” assented Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Parker was tapping away at the rocks. He looked toward the black mouth + of the big cave. On what corresponded to the roof of it, some distance + back from the entrance, he saw a slender metal rod sticking up into the + air. + </p> + <p> + “May I ask if that's a lightning rod?” he inquired innocently. “If it is, + I should like to ask about its action in a mountain that is so impregnated + with iron ore. + </p> + <p> + “You may ask until you get tired!” cried the spokesman, again showing + unreasoning anger, “but you'll get no answer from us. Now get away from + here before we do something desperate. You're on private ground and you're + not wanted. Clear out while you have the chance.” + </p> + <p> + There was no help for it. Slowly our friends turned and began to go down + the dangerous trail. They were soon out of sight of the two men who stood + before the cave, with their guns ready, but neither Tom nor any of his + companions spoke for some time. + </p> + <p> + When they had rounded one of the most dangerous turns the young inventor + sat down to rest, an example followed by the others. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” asked Tom, “do you think those are some of the diamond makers, Mr. + Jenks?” + </p> + <p> + “I certainly do, though I never saw those two men before. If I could once + get inside the cave, I could tell whether or not it was the one where I + was practically held a prisoner. But I'm sure it is. I know some of the + men used to go off every day with guns, and not come back until night. I + have no doubt they were on guard, just as these two are. And, also, I + think I heard them speak of a second entrance to the cavern. The one we + just saw may not be the main one, through which I was taken.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe we are on the right track,” ventured Mr. Damon, “but we will + either have to go up there after dark, which will be risky, on account of + the narrow trail, or else we will have to find some other path.” + </p> + <p> + “The last would be better,” spoke Tom. + </p> + <p> + “That rod of metal sticking up on top of the cave interested me,” said the + scientist. “Did you hear anything of that when you were here before, Mr. + Jenks?” + </p> + <p> + “No. Probably that is only a lightning rod, or it may be a staff for a + signal flag. But what surprises me is that those men didn't suspect that + we were seeking to discover their secret. They took us for ordinary + prospectors.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better,” remarked Tom. “We have a chance now of getting + inside that cave. But we will have to go back to camp, and make other + plans. And we must hurry, or it will be dark before we get there.” + </p> + <p> + They hastened their steps, pausing only briefly to eat some of the lunch + they had brought along, and to drink from a spring that bubbled from the + side of the mountain. It was getting dusk when they got back to their + tent. They found nothing disturbed. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if we'll see that phantom again to-night?” ventured Tom, as they + were sitting about the campfire a little later. + </p> + <p> + “Probably not,” remarked Mr. Jenks. “I don't believe the ghost will + venture down the dangerous trail after dark, and the gang may think that + the warning given us by the two men on guard at the cave will be + sufficient. But if we don't leave here by to-morrow I think we will have + another visit from the thing in white.” + </p> + <p> + It was about an hour after this when Tom was collecting some wood in a + pile nearer the fire, so as to have it ready to throw on, in case there + was any alarm in the night, that he happened to look up toward the summit + of the mountain. A slight noise, as of loose stones rolling down, + attracted his attention, and, at first, he feared lest another landslide + was beginning, but a moment later he saw what caused it. + </p> + <p> + There, advancing down the steep and dangerous trail was the figure in + white—the phantom. Instantly a daring plan came into Tom's head. + Dropping the wood softly, he moved back out of the glare of the fire. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Jenks!” he called in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + The diamond man, who was behind the tent, came toward Tom. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” he asked. Then, as he saw the ghostly visitor, he added: “Oh—the + phantom again! What's it up to?” + </p> + <p> + “The same thing,” replied Tom, “but it won't do it long, if my plan + succeeds.” + </p> + <p> + “What plan is that, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to try to capture that—that man—or whatever it is. + Will you help?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely!” + </p> + <p> + “Then let's work around behind it, while Mr. Damon and Mr. Parker come up + from in front. We'll solve this part of the mystery, anyhow, if it's + possible!” + </p> + <p> + The two other men were soon told of the plan. Meanwhile the thing in white + had advanced slowly, until within a few hundred feet of the camp. They + could see now that it was no shaft of light, but some white body, shaped + like a tall, thin man, draped in a white garment. The long arms waved to + and fro. There was no semblance of a head. + </p> + <p> + “You and Mr. Parker go right toward it, slowly, Mr. Damon,” advised Tom. + “Mr. Jenks and I will make a circle, and get in back. Then, if it's + anything alive we'll have it.” + </p> + <p> + The “ghost” continued to advance. Tom and the diamond man stole off to one + side, their buckskin moccasins making no sound. Mr. Damon and the + scientist went boldly forward. + </p> + <p> + This movement appeared to disconcert the spirit. It halted, waved the arms + with greater vigor than before, and seemed to indicate to the adventurers + that it was dangerous to advance. But Mr. Damon and Mr. Parker kept on. + They wanted to give Tom and Mr. Jenks time enough to make the circuit. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the stillness of the night was broken by a low whistle. It was + Tom's signal that he and Mr. Jenks were ready. + </p> + <p> + “Come on! Run!” cried Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + The scientist and the eccentric man leaped forward. + </p> + <p> + The “ghost” heard the whistle, and heard the spoken words. The thing in + white hesitated a moment, and then raised one arm. There was a flash of + fire, and a loud report. + </p> + <p> + “He's firing in the air!” cried Tom. “Come on, we have him now!” + </p> + <p> + Undaunted by the display of firearms, Mr. Damon and Mr. Parker kept on. + They could hear Tom and Mr. Jenks running up in back of the figure. The + latter also heard this, and suddenly turned. Caught between the two forces + of our friends, the “ghost” was at a loss what to do. + </p> + <p> + The next instant Tom, who had distanced Mr. Jenks, made a flying tackle + for the figure in white, and caught it around the legs. Very substantial + legs they were, too, Tom felt—the legs of a man. + </p> + <p> + “Wow!” yelled the “ghost,” as he went down in a heap, the revolver falling + from his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Come on!” cried Tom. “I have him!” + </p> + <p> + His friends rushed to his aid. There was a confused mass of dark bodies, + arms and legs mingled with something tall and thin, all in white. Suddenly + the moon came from behind a cloud and they could see what they had + captured—for captured the phantom was. + </p> + <p> + It proved to be a rather small man, who wore upon his shoulders a + framework of wood, over which some white cloth was draped. It had fallen + off him when Tom made that tackle. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” remarked the young inventor, as he sat on the struggling man's + chest. “I guess we've got you.” + </p> + <p> + “I rather guess you have, stranger,” was the cool reply. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII—BILL RENSHAW WILL HELP + </h2> + <p> + They were all panting from the exertion of the run up the mountain and the + contest with the phantom—a phantom no longer—though, truth to + tell, the struggle was not nearly so fierce as Tom had expected. He + thought the “ghost” would put up a stiff fight. + </p> + <p> + “Got any ropes to tie him with?” asked Mr. Damon, who was helping Tom hold + the man down. + </p> + <p> + “Ropes? You aren't going to tie me up are you, strangers?” asked the + captive. + </p> + <p> + “That's what we are!” exclaimed Mr. Jenks. “We've had trouble enough in + this matter, and if I've got one of the gang, perhaps I can get some of + the others, and have my rights. So tie him up, Tom, and we'll take him to + camp. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you needn't go to all that trouble, strangers,” went on the man, + calmly. “If one of you will get off my chest, and the other gentleman ease + up on my stomach a bit, I'll walk wherever you want me, and not make any + trouble. I haven't got a gun.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless my gloves! But you're a cool one,” commented Mr. Damon, as he + complied with the man's request, and got up from his stomach. “But look + out for him, Tom. He had a gun, for he fired it in the air.” + </p> + <p> + “He hasn't it now,” answered the young inventor. “I knocked it from his + hand when I leaped for him.” + </p> + <p> + “That's what you did,” assented the man, as he got up, while Tom kept a + tight hold of him, as did Mr. Jenks. “What kind of a grizzly bear hug do + you call that, anyhow, that you gave me?” + </p> + <p> + “That was a football tackle,” explained Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I allers heard that was a dangerous game!” remarked the former phantom + simply. “Well, now you've got me, what are you going to do with me?” + </p> + <p> + “Take you where we can have a good look at you,” replied Mr. Jenks, as he + kicked aside the wooden framework, and the sheet which had made the + “ghost” appear so tall. “So this is how you worked it; eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Yep. That was the 'haunt' stranger. I made it myself, and it worked all + right until you folks come along. I rather suspicioned from the first, + when I played the trick over on 'tother side of the mountain, that you + wouldn't be so easy to fool as most prospectors are.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, so you're the only ghost then?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I'm the only one.” + </p> + <p> + By this time they had reached the camp. Tom threw some light logs on the + fire, which blazed up brightly. As the flames illuminated the face of + their captive, Mr. Jenks looked at him, and cried out: + </p> + <p> + “Why it's Bill Renshaw!” + </p> + <p> + “That's me,” admitted the man who had played the part of the phantom, “and + thunder-turtles! if it ain't Mr. Jenks who was once in the diamond cave + with us. Whatever happened to you? I never heard. The others said you got + tired and went away.” + </p> + <p> + “They took me away—defrauded me of my rights!” declared Mr. Jenks, + bitterly. “But I'll get them back! To think of Bill Renshaw playing the + part of a ghost!” + </p> + <p> + “They made me do it,” went on the man, somewhat dejectedly. “I wanted to + be at work in the cave, but they wouldn't let me.” + </p> + <p> + “Is this man one of the diamond makers?” asked Tom, in great surprise. + </p> + <p> + “He is—one of the helpers, though I don't believe he knows the + secret of making the gems,” explained Mr. Jenks. “He was one of the men in + the cave when I was there before, and he and I struck up quite a + friendship; didn't we, Renshaw?” + </p> + <p> + “That's what, and there ain't no reason why we can't be friends now; that + is unless you hold a grudge against me for firing at you. But I only shot + in the air, to scare you away. Them's my instructions. I'm supposed to be + on guard, and scare away strangers. I'm tired of the work, too, for I + don't get my share, and those other fellows, in the cave, get all the + money from the diamonds.” + </p> + <p> + Tom Swift uttered an exclamation. A sudden plan had come to him. Quickly + he whispered to Mr. Jenks: + </p> + <p> + “Make a friend of this man if possible. He evidently is dissatisfied. + Offer him a sum to show us another way into the cave, and we may yet + discover the secret of the diamond makers.” + </p> + <p> + “I will,” declared Mr. Jenks, quietly. Then, turning to Renshaw, he added: + </p> + <p> + “Bill, come over here. I want to have a talk with you. Perhaps it will be + to our mutual advantage.” + </p> + <p> + He led the former phantom to one side, and for some time conversed + earnestly with him. Mr. Jenks told the story of how he had been deceived + by Folwell and the others who were at the head of the gang of diamond + makers. The rich man related how they had taken his money, and, after + promising to disclose the secret process to him, had broken faith, and had + drugged him, afterward taking him out of the cave. + </p> + <p> + “I want only my rights, and that for which I paid,” concluded Mr. Jenks. + “Now, I gather that these men haven't treated you altogether fairly, + Bill.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed they haven't. I helped 'em to the best of my ability, and all I + get out of it is to stay out on this lonely side of the mountain, and play + ghost. They owe me money, too, and they won't pay me, either, though they + have lots, for they sold some diamonds lately.” + </p> + <p> + “Then they are still making diamonds?” asked Mr. Jenks, eagerly. “Have you + seen them? Do you know the secret?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don't know it, for they won't let me in on it. I'm always sent out + of the cave just before they make the gems. But I know they've made some + lately, and have sold 'em. I want my share.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here!” exclaimed Mr. Jenks, quickly, wishing to strike while the + iron was hot. “I'll make you a proposition. Show us how to get into that + cave, unknown to the diamond makers, and I'll pay you twice what they + agreed to. Is it a bargain?” + </p> + <p> + Bill Renshaw considered a moment. Then he thrust out his hand, clasped + that of Mr. Jenks, and exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “It is. I'll take you into the cave by an entrance that's seldom used. + There are four ways to get in. The one where the two men drove you back is + the rear one. The front one is on the other side of the mountain, but it's + so well concealed that you'd never find it. But I can take you to one + where you can get in, and those fellows will never know it. And, what's + more, I'll help you if it comes to a fight!” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” exclaimed Mr. Jenks. “I think we'll discover the secret of the + diamond makers this time,” and he went to tell the others of the success + of his talk. Bill Renshaw had been converted from an enemy into a friend, + and the former phantom was now ready to lead Tom and the others into the + secret cave. + </p> + <p> + “We'll start in the morning,” decided Mr. Jenks, who, after many + disappointments, at last saw success ahead of him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX—IN THE SECRET CAVE + </h2> + <p> + Tom Swift was up at break of day, and the others were not far behind him. + </p> + <p> + “Now for the secret cave!” cried the young inventor as he gazed up the + mountain, in the interior of which the mysterious band of men were making + the diamonds. + </p> + <p> + “Have you made any plans, Bill?” asked Mr. Jenks of the former phantom, + who had cast his lot in with the adventurers. “What will be the best + course for us to follow?” + </p> + <p> + “You just leave it to me, Mr. Jenks,” was the answer. “I'll get you into + the cave, and those fellows, who, I believe, are trying to do me out of my + rights, as they did you out of yours, will never know a thing about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Bless my finger-nails!” cried Mr. Damon. “That will be great! We can get + in the cave, and watch them make the diamonds at our leisure.” + </p> + <p> + “They don't make them every day,” explained Renshaw. “It seems they have + to wait for certain occasions. Mostly they make the diamonds when there's + a big storm.” + </p> + <p> + “A big storm,” asked the scientist with a sudden show of interest. “Do you + mean one of those electrical storms, such as we had the other night?” + </p> + <p> + “That's it, Mr. Parker, though why they wait until there's a storm is more + than I can tell.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps they know that on such occasions no one will venture up the + mountain,” spoke Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + “No, it isn't that,” declared the scientist. “I think I am on the track of + a great scientific discovery, and I will soon be able to make observations + that will confirm it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm going to make an observation right now,” said Tom, with a + laugh. “I'm going to see what there is for breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + “And that reminds me,” came from Mr. Jenks, “shall we move our camp, Bill, + and take the tent with us to the cave?” + </p> + <p> + “I hardly think so,” was the answer. “I think the best plan would be to + conceal the tent somewhere around here, in case you might need it again. + You can also store what food you have left.” + </p> + <p> + “But, bless my appetite, we don't want to starve in that diamond cave!” + objected Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + “I'll see that you don't,” declared Bill Renshaw. “I'll take you in there, + unbeknownst to those fellows, and I'll provide you with plenty of food and + water. You see the cave is so big that there are some parts they never + visit.” + </p> + <p> + “And we can stay in one of those parts, and eat?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Sure,” answered Bill. + </p> + <p> + “And watch the diamond makers at work?” asked Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “That's it,” replied the former phantom. + </p> + <p> + “Then the sooner we get started the better,” remarked Mr. Damon. Mr. + Parker said nothing. He appeared to be thinking deeply, and was tapping at + some rocks with his little hammer. + </p> + <p> + The advice of Bill Renshaw was followed, and the tent, and what food + remained, was concealed in the bushes, with rocks piled over to keep away + prowling animals. Then they started for the secret cave. + </p> + <p> + The man who played the part of a ghost picked up the framework and white + cloth that had formed his disguise. + </p> + <p> + “I'll still have to use this,” he explained, “for I don't want those + fellows to know that I'm helping you. I'll continue to play the spirit of + the mountain, but there won't be much need of it. I don't think any more + people will come prospecting out here.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you heard of the arrival of Farley Munson?” asked Tom, as he related + the facts about the stowaway. + </p> + <p> + “He hadn't arrived up to a day or so ago,” answered Bill. “I guess he's + still traveling. Farley is one of the heads of the gang,” he added, “and a + dangerous man.” + </p> + <p> + As Bill led the way toward the cave, taking a route that the adventurers + had never suspected led to it, he explained that the cavern was a large + one, capable of holding an army. + </p> + <p> + “But there's only a small part of it used by the diamond makers,” he + added. “They work in a small recess, near the summit of the mountain. The + little cave, where I'm going to take you, opens off from it by a long + passage. And, except that you'll be pretty much in the dark, you'll be + quite comfortable. There are tables, chairs, and some bunks in the place. + I can get you some lights, and plenty of food.” + </p> + <p> + “But, if you are seen taking away food, won't the others suspect + something?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I do pretty much as I please,” said Bill. “I go and come when I like. All + I'm supposed to do is to watch my two sides of the mountain, play the + ghost, and give warning when any one is coming. Sometimes I leave black + and white messages, like the one I put on your tent. Those fellows fix 'em + up for me. I've told 'em about you, though I didn't know who you were, and + they think you have gone, for the two men on guard at the rear entrance so + reported. Sometimes I stay out on the mountain for a couple of days at a + time, when the weather's good, and don't go back to the cave. Those times + I take food with me, and so if they see me making off with some supplies + they'll think I'm going to camp out.” + </p> + <p> + “It doesn't look as though we'd ever get into a cave near the top of the + mountain, going this way,” said Tom, as they marched along. “We're going + down, instead of up.” + </p> + <p> + “That's the secret of this trail,” explained Bill. “We go down in a sort + of valley, and then go up a pretty stiff place, and then we're on a direct + trail to the entrance I told you about. It's a steep road to climb, but I + guess we can manage it.” + </p> + <p> + And a hard climb the adventurers did find it. The road was almost as bad + as the one along the edge of the chasm, but they managed to negotiate it, + and finally found themselves on a fairly good trail. + </p> + <p> + “We'll soon be there,” Bill assured them. “After you get in the little + cave, where I'm going to hide you, I'll have to leave you for a spell, + until I get my ghost rigging fixed up again. But I'll see that you have + plenty of food and drink.” + </p> + <p> + A little later their guide came to a sudden halt, and peered around + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I was just looking to see if any of the men were about,” he answered. + “But I guess not—it looks all right. The entrance is right here.” + </p> + <p> + They were on a side of the mountain, near the summit. Below stretched a + magnificent scene. A great valley lay at their feet, and they could look + off to many distant peaks. The main trail to Leadville, and the one to the + settlement of Indian Ridge, was in sight. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Tom, who had been using a small but powerful telescope, uttered + an exclamation, and focussed the instrument on a speck that seemed moving + along on the trail below. + </p> + <p> + “A man—coming up the mountain,” cried Tom. “And—it can't be—yet + it is—it's Farley Munson—the stowaway!” he cried. “He's coming + here!” + </p> + <p> + “Let me look!” begged Mr. Jenks, taking the glass from Tom. An instant + later the diamond man exclaimed: “Yes, it's Munson!” + </p> + <p> + “Then in here with you—quick!” cried Renshaw. “He can't see us yet, + and we'll be out of sight in another minute.” + </p> + <p> + The former spirit pulled aside some thick bushes, and pointed to a hole + which was disclosed. + </p> + <p> + “The entrance to the secret cave,” he announced. “Slip in all of you.” + </p> + <p> + Tom, after another glance at the man toiling his way up the mountain, + entered the cavern. He was followed by the others. Bill was the last to + enter, and he replaced the bushes over the entrance. + </p> + <p> + “At last!” exclaimed Mr. Jenks, as he gazed up at the roof of the + dimly-lighted vault in which they found themselves. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we're in the diamond makers' secret cave,” added Tom. “Now to catch + them at work!” + </p> + <p> + “Come on,” advised Bill, in a low tone, “We're not safe yet,” and he + produced a lantern from some hidden recess, lighted the wick, and led the + way. As the others followed they were aware of a subdued noise in the + great cavern. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX—MAKING THE DIAMONDS + </h2> + <p> + “What's that noise?” asked Tom, as their guide flashed the lantern to show + them the way. + </p> + <p> + “That's the men getting ready to make diamonds, I guess,” was the answer. + “You see it takes quite a while to get the stuff ready. I don't know what + they use—they never tell me any of their secrets.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I know the ingredients well enough,” said Mr. Jenks, “but I don't + know the secret of how they apply the terrific heat and pressure necessary + to fuse the materials into diamonds.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you'll soon know,” declared Bill Renshaw. “Of course it isn't + always successful. I've known 'em to try half a dozen times before they + got any diamonds big enough to satisfy 'em. They gave me some of the small + ones when I asked for my wages. + </p> + <p> + “How did you come to get in with these men?” asked Tom, curious to + understand how a person seemingly as honest as Renshaw appeared to be had + cast his lot in with the men who had broken faith with Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I've lived around these parts all my life,” was the answer. “I knew + of this cave before these diamond fellers came to it. In fact, I showed it + to 'em. It was several years ago that a party of men who were prospecting + around here came to me and asked if I knew of a small cave near the top of + a high mountain, where lightning storms were frequent. I told them about + Phantom Mountain, as it was called then, and also of this cave. If there's + any place where they have worse lightning storms than here, I'd like to + know it. They scare me, sometimes, like the night when that landslide + happened, and I'm sort of used to 'em. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I took these men to the cave, and they hired me as a sort of + lookout. Then they began their work, and at first I didn't know what they + were up to, but finally I caught on. Then Mr. Jenks came, and disappeared + mysteriously, though then I didn't know that they had played a trick on + him. I was outside most of the time, pretending I was the ghost. So that's + how I came to get in with 'em, and I wish I was out.” + </p> + <p> + “You soon will be, I think,” declared Mr. Jenks. “But won't our talking be + heard by the men?” + </p> + <p> + “No danger. There is a thick wall between this part of the cave, and the + part where they live and work. I'll soon have you well hid, and then you + wait until I come back.” + </p> + <p> + “What about Munson?” asked Tom. “He is evidently on his way here to tell + his confederates about us.” + </p> + <p> + “He won't know what has happened to us,” said Mr. Jenks, “and he won't see + anything of us. I guess we're safe enough.” + </p> + <p> + Through the dark passage they followed Bill Renshaw until he came to a + halt in a place that suddenly widened and broadened into a good-sized + cave. + </p> + <p> + “Here's your stopping place,” said the former ghost. “Now if you follow + that passage, off to the left,” and he pointed to it, “you'll come to the + larger part of the cave where the diamond makers are. But go cautiously, + and don't make any noise. I won't be responsible for what happens.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll take all the risk,” interrupted Tom. + </p> + <p> + “All right. Now there's a couple of lanterns around here. I'll light them, + and leave you for a while until I can get some grub. I'll be back as soon + as I can.” + </p> + <p> + He glided away, after lighting two lanterns, by the gleams of which the + adventurers could see that they were in a vaulted cavern that had + evidently been fitted up as a living apartment. The sides, roof and floor + were of stone. It was clean, and the air was fresh. There were some + chairs, a table, and several cots, with pieces of bagging for bedding, + though it was warm in the place. + </p> + <p> + “I guess we can stay here until we discover the secret,” spoke Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my watch! We can if we have something to eat,” came from Mr. Damon, + with something like a sigh. “I'm hungry!” + </p> + <p> + “And I want to make some observations,” said Mr. Parker. “From what I have + seen of this mountain, I would not be surprised if this cave was to be + suddenly destroyed by a landslide or a lightning bolt. I will make some + further investigations.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if it's going to cause you to make such gloomy prophecies as that, + I'd just as soon you wouldn't look any further,” spoke Tom, in a low + voice. But Mr. Parker, taking one of the lanterns, set about examining the + rock of which the cave consisted. + </p> + <p> + In a short time Bill Renshaw returned with enough food to last for two + days. He said he was going out on the mountain once more to act the part + of a lookout, and would visit the adventurers again the next day. + </p> + <p> + “In the meanwhile you can do just as you please,” he said. “Nobody is + likely to disturb you here, and you can sneak up and take a look at the + men in the other cave whenever you're ready. Only be careful—that's + all I've got to say. They're desperate men.” + </p> + <p> + It was not very pleasant, eating in the gloomy cavern, but they made the + best of it. They cooked on a small oil-stove they found in the place, and + after some hot coffee they felt much better. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” remarked Tom, after a while, “shall we take a chance, and go look + at the men at work?” + </p> + <p> + “I think so,” answered Mr. Jenks. “The sooner we discover this mystery, + the better. Then we can go back home.” + </p> + <p> + “And recover my airship,” added Tom, who was a bit uneasy regarding the + safety of the Red Cloud. + </p> + <p> + “Then, bless my finger-rings! let's go and see if we can find the big cave + your friend the ghost told us of,” suggested Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + Cautiously they made their way along the passage Bill had pointed out. As + they went forward the subdued noise became louder, and finally they could + feel the vibration of machinery. + </p> + <p> + “This is the place,” whispered Mr. Jenks. “That sound we hear is one of + the mixing machines, for grinding the materials—carbon and the other + substances—which go to make up the diamonds. I remember hearing that + when I was in the cave before.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we must be near the place,” observed Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I didn't have much chance to look around when I was here before. + They wouldn't let me. I never even knew of the small cave Bill took us + to.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if we're close to it, we'd better go cautiously, and not talk any + more than we're obliged to,” suggested Mr. Parker, and they agreed that + this was good advice. + </p> + <p> + They walked on softly. Suddenly Tom, who was in the lead, saw a gleam of + light. + </p> + <p> + “We're here,” he whispered. “I'll put out our lantern, now,” which he did. + Then, stealing forward he and the others beheld a curious sight. The + tunnel they were in ended at a small hole which opened into a large + cavern, and, fortunately, this opening was concealed from the view of + those in the main place. + </p> + <p> + “The diamond makers!” whispered Tom, hoarsely, pointing to several men + grouped about a number of strange machines. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—the very place where I was,” answered Mr. Jenks, “and there is + the apparatus—the steel box—from which the diamonds are taken—now + to see how they make them.” + </p> + <p> + Fascinated, the adventurers looked into the cave. The men there were + unaware of the presence of our friends, and were busily engaged. Some + attended to the grinding machine, the roar and clatter of which made it + possible for Tom and the others to talk and move about without being + overheard. Into this machine certain ingredients were put, and they were + then pulverized, and taken out in powdery form. + </p> + <p> + The power to run the mixing machine was a gasoline motor, which + chug-chugged away in one corner of the cave. + </p> + <p> + As the powder was taken out, other men fashioned it into small balls, + which were put on pan, and into a sort of oven, that was heated by a + gasoline stove. + </p> + <p> + “Is that how they make the diamonds?” asked Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + “That is evidently the first step,” said Mr. Jenks. “Those balls of + powdered chemicals are partly baked, and then they are put into the steel + box. In some way terrific heat and pressure are applied, and the diamonds + are made. But how the heat and pressure are obtained is what we have yet + to learn.” + </p> + <p> + He paused to watch the men at work. They were all busy, some attending to + the machines, and others coming and going in and out of the cave. In one + part a man was apparently getting ready a meal. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly there rushed into the cave a man who seemed much excited. + </p> + <p> + “Are you nearly ready with that stuff?” he cried. “There's a good storm + gathering on the mountain!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we'll be ready in half an hour,” answered one of the men at the + mixing machine. + </p> + <p> + “Good. It will be flashing lightning bolts then, and we can see what luck + we have. The last batch was a failure.” The man hurried out again. Mr. + Parker touched Tom and Mr. Jenks on their shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I know the secret of making the diamonds,” said the scientist. + </p> + <p> + “What?” cried Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “It is by the awful power of the lightning bolts!” whispered Mr. Parker. + “Everything is explained now—the reason why they make diamonds in + this lonely place, near the top of the mountain. They need a place where + the lightning is powerful. I can understand it now—I suspected it + before. They make diamonds by lightning!” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sure?” cried Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “Positive.” + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you,” said Tom Swift. “I was just getting on that track + myself, when I saw the electric wires running to the steel box. That + explains the upright rod on the top of the mountain. The man says a storm + is coming—very well; we'll stay here and watch them make diamonds!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke there came the mutter of thunder, and the mountain vibrated + slightly. The men in the cave redoubled their activity. Tom and his + friends felt that the secret process they had so long sought was about to + be demonstrated before their eyes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI—FLASHING GEMS + </h2> + <p> + Eagerly the adventurers looked through the opening at the end of the + passage into the larger cave. The men opened the small oven in which the + balls of white chemicals and carbon mixed, had been baked, and a pile of + things, that looked like irregularly-shaped marbles, were placed in the + steel box. + </p> + <p> + This box, which was about the size of a trunk, was of massive metal. It + was placed in a recess in the solid rock, and all about were layers of + asbestos and other substances that were nonconductors of heat. + </p> + <p> + “That box becomes red hot,” exclaimed Mr. Jenks, in a whisper. “When + things are in readiness, that lever is pulled and the diamonds are made. I + pulled it once, but I did not then know the process involved. I supposed + that the lightning had nothing to do with making the diamonds.” + </p> + <p> + “It has—a most important part,” said Mr. Parker. The hidden + adventurers could talk in perfect safety now, for the men in the large + cave were too excited to pay much attention to them. The muttering of the + thunder grew louder, and at times a particularly loud crash told that a + bolt had struck somewhere in the vicinity of the cave. + </p> + <p> + “But, bless my watch-charm!” exclaimed Mr. Damon, “I didn't know lightning + made diamonds.” + </p> + <p> + “It does not—always,” went on the scientist. “But great heat and + pressure are necessary to create the gems. In nature this was probably + obtained by prehistoric volcanic fires, and by the terrific pressure of + immense rocks. It is possible to make diamonds in the laboratory of the + chemist, but they are so minute as to be practically valueless. + </p> + <p> + “However, these men seem to have hit upon a new plan. They utilize the + terrific heat of lightning, and the pressure which is instantaneously + obtained when the bolt strikes. I am anxious to see how it is done. Look, + I think they are getting ready to make the gems.” + </p> + <p> + Indeed there seemed to be an air of expectancy among the diamond makers. + The mixing machine had now been stopped, and, as it was more quiet in the + cave, our friends, in their hiding-place, had to speak in mere whispers. + All the men were now gathered about the great steel box. + </p> + <p> + This receptacle had been closed by a solid metal door, which was screwed + and clamped tight. Then one of the men examined a number of heavily + insulated electric wires that extended from the box off into the darkness + where Tom and his companions could not discern them. + </p> + <p> + “That's Folwell—the man I befriended, and who got me into this + game,” whispered Mr. Jenks. “He was also one of the first to turn against + me. I think he's one of the leaders.” + </p> + <p> + Folwell came back, after having gone into a dark part of the cave. He went + over to an electrical switch on one of the stone walls. + </p> + <p> + “It's almost time,” Tom heard him say to his confederates. “The storm is + coming up rapidly.” + </p> + <p> + “Will it be severe enough?” asked one of the helpers. “We had all our work + for nothing last time. The flashes weren't heavy enough.” + </p> + <p> + “These will be,” asserted Folwell. “The indicator shows nearly a million + volts now, and it's increasing.” + </p> + <p> + “A million volts!” exclaimed Tom. “I hope it doesn't strike anywhere + around here.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it will probably be harmlessly conducted down on the heavy wires,” + said Mr. Parker. “We are in no danger, at present, though ultimately I + expect to see the whole mountain shattered by a lightning bolt.” + </p> + <p> + “Cheerful prospect,” murmured Tom. + </p> + <p> + There was a terrific crash outside. The rocky floor of the cave trembled. + </p> + <p> + “Here she comes!” cried Folwell. “Get back, everybody! I'm going to throw + over the switch now!” + </p> + <p> + The men retreated well away from the steel box. Folwell threw over the + lever—the same one Mr. Jenks remembered pulling. Then the man ran to + the electric switch on the wall, and snapped that into place, establishing + a connection. + </p> + <p> + There was a moment's pause, as Folwell ran to join the others in their + place of safety. Then from without there came a most nerve-racking and + terrifying crash. It seemed as if the very mountain would be rent into + fragments. + </p> + <p> + Watching with eager eyes, the adventurers saw sparks flash from the steel + box. Instantly it became red hot, and then glowed white and incandescent. + It was almost at the melting point. + </p> + <p> + Then came comparative quiet, as the echoes of the thunder died away amid + the mountain peaks. + </p> + <p> + “I guess that did the trick!” cried Folwell. “It was a terrific crash all + right!” + </p> + <p> + He and the others ran forward. The steel box was now a cherry red, for it + was cooling. Folwell threw back the lever, and another man disconnected + the switch. There was a period of waiting until the box was cool enough to + open. Then the heavy door was swung back. + </p> + <p> + With a long iron rod Folwell drew something from the retort. It was the + tray which had held the white balls. But they were white no longer, for + they had been turned into diamonds. From their hiding-place Tom and the + others could see the flashing gems, for, in spite of the fact that the + diamonds were uncut, some of them sparkled most brilliantly, due to the + peculiar manner in which they were made. + </p> + <p> + “We have the secret of the diamonds!” whispered Mr. Jenks. “There must be + a quart of the gems there!” + </p> + <p> + The men gathered about Folwell, uttering exclamations of delight. The + diamonds were too hot to handle yet. + </p> + <p> + “That's going some!” exclaimed the chief of the diamond makers. “We have a + small fortune here.” + </p> + <p> + The was a sudden commotion at one end of the cave. A man rushed in. At the + sight of him Tom stared and uttered an exclamation. + </p> + <p> + “Munson—the stowaway!” he whispered. + </p> + <p> + “Hello!” cried Folwell, as he saw his confederate. “I thought you were + East, keeping Jenks away from here.” + </p> + <p> + “He got the best of me!” cried Munson, “he and that Tom Swift! I stowed + away on their airship, but they found me out by a wireless message, and + marooned me in the woods. I've been trying to get here ever since! Didn't + you get my messages of warning?” + </p> + <p> + “No—what warnings?” cried Folwell. + </p> + <p> + “About Jenks, Tom Swift and the others. They're here—they must be on + Phantom Mountain now. In fact, I shouldn't be surprised if they were in + this cave. I traced them to their camp, but they're gone. They may be + among us now—in some of the secret recesses!” + </p> + <p> + For an instant Folwell stared at the bearer of these tidings. Then he + cried out: + </p> + <p> + “Scatter men, and find these fellows! We must get them before they + discover our secret!” + </p> + <p> + “It's too late—we know it!” exulted Tom Swift. Then he whispered to + the others to hurry to the part of the cave where Bill Renshaw had first + hidden them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII—PRISONERS + </h2> + <p> + “Do you think there is any danger of them finding us?” asked Mr. Damon, as + he hurried along beside Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid so,” was the answer. “I've been worried ever since we saw + Munson heading this way. But we couldn't do any differently.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps Bill Renshaw may be able to conceal us,” suggested Mr. Jenks. + “Very likely he knows that Munson is on hand. Perhaps we will be safe for + a while. I want to make a few more observations as to how they manufacture + the diamonds, and then, with what I already know, I'll have the secret.” + </p> + <p> + “And I'd like to make some scientific tests of the sides and bottom rocks + of the cave,” spoke Mr. Parker. “I think it will bear out my theory that + the mountain will soon be destroyed.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you were right about Earthquake Island, and you may be right about + this mountain,” said Tom, “but if it is going to be annihilated I hope we + get far enough away from it.” + </p> + <p> + “We can keep our presence here a secret for a few more days, I think that + will be long enough,” proceeded Mr. Jenks. “Then we will leave.” + </p> + <p> + “And, in the meanwhile, they'll be searching for us,” objected Mr. Damon. + “I wish that ghost-chap would come back and tell us what to do. Bless my + liver-pin, but we are going to be in considerable danger, I'm afraid! + Those men may capture us, and decide to make diamond dust from us.” + </p> + <p> + “Come on—hurry to the little cave,” urged Tom. “Then we'll get ready + to defend ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “The main cave is a large one,” said Mr. Jenks, “and there are many hiding + places in it. In fact, it is so large that it will take those fellows + several days to complete a circuit of it. By that time Bill Renshaw may + come back, and take us to some place in which they have already searched + for us. Then we'll be comparatively safe.” + </p> + <p> + This thought was some consolation to them, as they made their way through + the dark passage, dimly illuminated by the lantern they had rekindled, to + the place where Bill had hidden them. They found things as they had left + them, and proceeded to get a meal, though Tom said it would be best not to + cook anything, or even to make coffee, for fear the odors would enable the + searchers to trail them. + </p> + <p> + So they ate cold food, glad to get that. Silently they sat about the + dimly-lighted cavern, and discussed the situation. True they might even + now retreat, going out of the entrance Bill had showed them, and so + escape. But Mr. Jenks felt that his mission was not completed yet, and + they all agreed to stay with him. + </p> + <p> + “For there are several points about making diamonds that are not quite + clear to me,” he said. “I need to know how that steel box is constructed, + how the electrical switches are arranged, what kind of lightning rods they + use, and how they regulate the pressure. The other things, and how to mix + the ingredients, I already know.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we'll do our best to help you,” promised Tom. “But now I think we + had better see what sort of a defense we can put up. We have our guns and + revolvers, and with these chairs and tables we can build a sort of + barricade behind which we can take refuge if those fellows do discover our + hiding place.” + </p> + <p> + This was conceded to be a good idea, and soon a rude sort of fort was + made, behind which the adventurers could take their stand and fight, if + necessary, though they hoped this would not come to pass. + </p> + <p> + They remained quietly in the cave the remainder of that day, and, when it + was night, as they could tell by their timepieces—there was no + daylight—they divided the hours into watches, taking turns standing + guard. + </p> + <p> + Morning, at least in point of time, came without any disturbance, and they + made a cold breakfast. They hoped that Bill Renshaw would come, but he did + not appear. + </p> + <p> + After sitting in the dark cave until afternoon, Tom said: + </p> + <p> + “I think we might as well go and take another observation of the big cave. + We can tell what the men are doing, then, for they don't seem to have been + near us. Maybe they have given up the search for us, and we can see them + at work, and Mr. Jenks can gain what further knowledge he needs.” + </p> + <p> + “That will be a good plan,” agreed the diamond man. “It's maddening to sit + here, doing nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “And it will be comparatively safe to go from here to our former post of + observation,” added Tom, “for there doesn't seem to be any opening along + the tunnel, into the larger cave, except the place where we were.” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly they started off. Cautiously they looked through the opening + into the apartment where they had seen the diamonds made. + </p> + <p> + “There's not a soul here!” exclaimed Tom, in a whisper. The others looked. + The place was deserted—the machinery silent. Mr. Jenks peered in for + a moment, and then exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “I'm going in! Now's my chance to find out all that I wish to know! It may + never come again, and then we can soon leave Phantom Mountain!” + </p> + <p> + It was a daring plan, but it seemed to be the best one to follow. They + were all tired of inactivity. Mr. Jenks managed to get through the + opening, and dropped into the big cave. The others followed. Mr. Jenks + hurried over to the steel box, and began an examination of it. Tom Swift + was looking at the electrical switch. He saw how it was constructed. Mr. + Damon and Mr. Parker were peering interestedly about. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the sound of voices was heard, and the echo of footsteps. Mr. + Jenks started. + </p> + <p> + “They're coming back!” he whispered hoarsely. “Run!” + </p> + <p> + They all turned and sped toward their hiding place. But they were too + late. An instant later Folwell, Munson and the other diamond makers + confronted them. Our friends made a bold rush, but were caught before they + could go ten feet. + </p> + <p> + “We have them!” cried Munson. “They walked right into our hands!” + </p> + <p> + It was true. Tom Swift and the others were the prisoners of the diamond + makers. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII—BROKEN BONDS + </h2> + <p> + “Well,” remarked Tom Swift, in mournful tones, “this looks as if we were + up against it; doesn't it?” + </p> + <p> + “Bless my umbrella, it certainly does,” agreed Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + “And it's all my fault,” said Mr. Jenks. “I shouldn't have gone into the + big cave. I might have known those men would come back any time.” + </p> + <p> + The above conversation took place as our friends lay securely bound in a + small cave, or recess, opening from the larger cavern, where, about an + hour before, they had been captured and made prisoners by the diamond + makers. Despite their struggles they had been overpowered and bound, being + carried to the cave, where they were laid in a row on some old bags. + </p> + <p> + “It certainly is a most unpleasant situation, to say the least,” observed + Mr. Parker. + </p> + <p> + “And all my fault,” repeated Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no it isn't,” declared Tom Swift, quickly. “We were just as ready to + follow you into that cave as you were to go. No one could tell that the + men would return so soon. It's nobody's fault. It's just our bad luck.” + </p> + <p> + From where he lay, tied hand and foot, the young inventor could look out + into the cave where he and the others had been caught. The diamond makers + were busily engaged, apparently in getting ready to manufacture another + batch of the precious stones. They paid little attention to their + captives, save to warn them, when they had first been taken into the + little cave, that it was useless to try to escape. + </p> + <p> + “They needn't have told us that,” observed Tom, as he and the others were + talking over their situation in low voices. “I don't believe any one could + loosen these ropes.” + </p> + <p> + “They certainly are pretty tight,” agreed Mr. Damon. “I've been tugging + and straining at mine for the last half hour, and all I've succeeded in + doing is to make the cords cut into my flesh.” + </p> + <p> + “Better give it up,” advised Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “We'll just have to wait.” + </p> + <p> + “For what?” the scientist wanted to know. + </p> + <p> + “To see what they'll do with us. They can't keep us here forever. They'll + have to let us go some time.” Following their capture, Folwell and Munson, + the latter the stowaway of the airship, had been in earnest conversation + regarding our friends, but what conclusion they had reached the + adventurers could only guess. + </p> + <p> + “And we didn't have time to examine the diamond-making machinery close + enough so that we could duplicate it if necessary,” complained Tom, a + little later. + </p> + <p> + “No,” agreed Mr. Jenks. “There are certain things about it that are not + clear to me. Well, I don't believe I'll have another chance to inspect it. + They'll take good care of that, though they seem to be getting ready to + make more diamonds.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps they're going to manufacture a big batch, and then leave this + place,” suggested Mr. Damon. “They will probably go to some other secret + cave, and leave us here.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope they untie us before they leave, and give us something to eat,” + remarked the young inventor. + </p> + <p> + For two hours longer the captives lay there, in most uncomfortable + positions. Then Folwell and Munson, leaving the group of diamond makers + who were grouped about the machinery, approached the captives. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” remarked Munson, “we got ahead of you after all; didn't we. You + thought you had our secret, but it will be a long while before you ever + make diamonds.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do with us?” asked Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind. You came where you had no right to, and you must take the + consequences.” + </p> + <p> + “We did have a right to come here!” exclaimed Mr. Jenks. “I am entitled to + know how the diamonds are made. I paid for the information, and you + tricked me. If ever it's possible I'll have the whole gang arrested for + swindling.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll never get the chance!” declared Folwell. “You were given some + diamonds for the money you invested, and that makes us square.” + </p> + <p> + “No, it doesn't!” declared Mr. Jenks. “I invested the money to learn how + to make diamonds, and you know it! You tricked me, and I had a right to + try to discover your secret! I nearly have it, too, and I'll get it + completely before I'm done with you!” + </p> + <p> + “No, you won't!” boasted Folwell. “But we didn't come here to tell you + that. We came to give you something to eat. We're not savages and we'll + treat you as well as we can in spite of the fact that you are trespassers. + We're going to give you some grub, but I warn you that any attempt to + escape will mean that some of you will get hurt.” + </p> + <p> + He signalled to some of his confederates. These men unbound the captives' + arms, and stood over them while they ate some coarse food that was brought + into the small cave. They were given coffee to drink, and then, when the + simple meal was over, they were securely bound again, and left to + themselves, while the diamond makers went back to their machinery. + </p> + <p> + It was evident that they were going to attempt a big operation, for an + unusually large quantity of the white stuff was prepared. The prisoners + watched them idly. They could see some but not all of the operations. In + this way several hours passed. + </p> + <p> + Gloom possessed the hearts of Tom and his friends. Not only had their + expedition been almost a failure so far, but the young inventor was + worried lest the gang might discover and wreck his airship. This would + prove a serious loss. Lying there in the semi-darkness the lad imagined + all sorts of unpleasant happenings. + </p> + <p> + At times he dozed off, as did the others. They had become somewhat used to + the pain caused by the bonds, for their nerves were numb from the strain + and pressure. + </p> + <p> + Once, as he was lightly sleeping, Tom was awakened by hearing loud voices + in the main cave. He looked out, rolling over slightly to get a better + view. He saw the man who, once before had run in to give news of an + approaching electrical storm. + </p> + <p> + “Are you fellows all ready?” asked this same man again. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Is there another storm coming?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and it's going to be a corker!” was the reply. “It's one of the + worst I've ever seen. It's sweeping right up the valley. It'll be here in + an hour.” + </p> + <p> + “That's good. We need a big flash to make all the material we have + prepared into diamonds. It's the biggest batch we ever tried. I hope it + succeeds, for we're going to leave—” The rest was in so low a tone + that Tom could not catch it. + </p> + <p> + The storm messenger departed. Folwell and Munson busied themselves about + the machinery. Tom dozed off again, dimly wondering what had become of + Bill Renshaw, and whether the former ghost knew of their plight. The + others were asleep, as the young inventor saw by the dim light of a + lantern in the cave. Then, he too, shut his eyes. + </p> + <p> + Tom was suddenly awakened by feeling some one's hands moving about his + clothing. At first he thought it was one of the diamond-making gang, who + had sneaked in to rob him. “Here! What are you up to?” exclaimed Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Quiet!” cautioned a voice. “Are you all here?” + </p> + <p> + “All of us—yes. But who are you?” + </p> + <p> + “Easy—keep quiet, Tom Swift! I'm Bill Renshaw! I've been searching + all over for you, since I got back to your cave and found it empty. Now + I'm going to free you. I got in here by a secret entrance. Wait, I'll cut + your ropes.” There was a slight sound, and an instant later Tom was freed + from his bonds. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV—IN GREAT PERIL + </h2> + <p> + The young inventor could scarcely believe the good luck that had so + unexpectedly come to him and his companions. No sooner was Tom able to + move freely about than Bill Renshaw performed the same service for Mr. + Jenks and the others, cautioning them to be quiet as he awakened them, and + cut the ropes. + </p> + <p> + “Bless my circulation!” exclaimed Mr. Damon, in a hoarse whisper. “How did + you ever get here. I'd given ourselves up for lost.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I came in off the mountain, as there's a big storm due,” explained + the man. “There was no need of me playing the haunt in daytime, anyhow. I + went to the cave, found you and your things gone, and I surmised that you + might have walked into some trap.” + </p> + <p> + “We did,” admitted Mr. Jenks, grimly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I hunted around until I found you,” went on Bill. “This mountain is + honeycombed with caves, all opening from the large one, I know them better + than these fellows do, so I could explore freely, and keep out of their + sight. They didn't know that there was a second entrance to this place, + but I did, and I made for it, when I couldn't find you in some of the + other caves where I looked. And, sure enough, here you were.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we can't thank you enough,” said Mr. Parker. “But you say there is + a big storm coming?” + </p> + <p> + “One of the biggest that's been around these parts in some time,” replied + Bill. + </p> + <p> + “Then perhaps the mountain will be destroyed,” went on the scientist, as + calmly as if he had remarked that it might rain. + </p> + <p> + “I hope nothing like that happens until we get away,” spoke Mr. Damon, + fervently. + </p> + <p> + “What had we better do?” inquired Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Get away, unless you want to discover some more of their secrets,” + advised Bill. “Those fellows are planning something, but I can't find out + what it is. They are suspicious of me, I think. But they are up to + something, and I believe, it would be best for you to leave while you have + the chance. It may not be healthy to stay. That's why I did my best to + untie you.” + </p> + <p> + “We appreciate what you have done,” declared Mr. Jenks, “but I want my + rights. I must learn a few more facts about how to make diamonds from + lightning flashes, and then I will have the same secret they cheated me + out of. I think if we wait a while we may be able to see the parts of the + process that are not quite clear to us. What do you say, Tom Swift?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I would like to learn the secret,” replied the lad, “and if Bill + thinks it's safe to stay here a while longer—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I guess it will be safe enough,” was the reply. “Those fellows won't + bother about you now that they are about to make some more diamonds. + Besides, they think you're all tied up. Yes, you can stay here and watch, + I reckon. I've got a couple of guns, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Then we'll stay,” decided Tom. “We can put up a better fight now.” + </p> + <p> + Silently, in their prison, but which they could now leave whenever they + pleased, the adventurers watched the diamond makers once more. The same + process they had witnessed before was gone through with. The white balls + were put inside the steel box and sealed up. Then they waited for the + storm to reach its height. + </p> + <p> + That this would not be long was evidenced by the mutterings of thunder + which every moment grew louder. The outburst of electrical fury was likely + to take place momentarily, and that it would be unusually severe was shown + by the precautions taken by the diamond makers. They attached a number of + extra wires, and brought out some insulated, hard rubber platforms, on + which they themselves stood. Tom and Mr. Jenks were much interested in + watching this detail of the work, and sought to learn how each part of the + process was done. + </p> + <p> + “I almost think we can make diamonds, Tom, when we get back to + civilization,” whispered Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “I hope we can,” answered Tom, “and we can't get back any too soon to suit + me. I want to be in my airship again.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't blame you. But look, they are getting ready to adjust the + switch.” + </p> + <p> + The adventurers ceased their whispered talk, and eagerly watched the + diamond makers. Folwell and Munson were hurrying to and fro in the big + cave, attending to the adjustments of the machinery. + </p> + <p> + “On your insulated plates—all of you,” Folwell gave the order. “This + is going to be a terrific storm. The gage shows twice the power we have + ever used, and it's creeping up every minute! We'll have more diamonds + than ever had before!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if the mountain isn't destroyed,” added Mr. Parker, in a low voice. + “I predict that it will be split from top to bottom!” + </p> + <p> + “Comforting,” thought Tom, grimly. + </p> + <p> + “I guess we're all ready,” said Folwell, in a low tone to Munson. “We'd + better get insulated ourselves. I'm going to throw the switch.” + </p> + <p> + He did so. A moment later the man who had before given warning of the + storm came dashing in. He was very much excited. + </p> + <p> + “It's awful!” he cried. “The lightning is striking all over! Big rocks are + being split like logs of wood!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it can't do any damage in here,” said Munson. “We are well + protected. Get on one of the plates,” and he motioned to one of the + hard-rubber platforms that was not occupied. The roar and rumble of the + storm outside had given place to short terrific crashes. In their small + cave the adventurers could feel the solid ground shake. + </p> + <p> + A bluish light began dancing about the electrical wires. There was a smell + of sulphur in the air. Crash after crash resounded outside. A flash of + flame lit up the whole interior of the cave. It came from the copper + switch. + </p> + <p> + “Something's wrong with the insulation!” cried Munson. + </p> + <p> + “Don't go near it!” yelled Folwell. “If you value your life, stand still!” + </p> + <p> + Hardly had he spoken than inside the cavern there sounded a report like + that of a small cannon. A big ball of fire danced about the middle of the + cave and then leaped on top of the steel box. + </p> + <p> + “This is a fearful storm,” cried Munson. + </p> + <p> + The adventurers in the cave did not know what to say or do. They were in + deadly peril. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly there came a crash louder than any that had preceded it. The + whole side of the cave where the switches were was a mass of bluish flame. + Then came a ripping, tearing sound, and a tangle of wires and copper + connections were thrown to the floor. At the same time the steel box, + containing the materials from which diamonds were made, turned blue, and + flames shot from it. + </p> + <p> + “It's all up with us!” cried Munson. “Run for it, everybody! The wires are + down, and this place will be an electric furnace in another minute!” + </p> + <p> + He leaped toward the exit from the cave. + </p> + <p> + “What about those fellows?” asked Folwell, indicating the place where Tom + and the others had been tied. + </p> + <p> + “They'll have to do the best they can! It's every man for himself, now!” + yelled Munson. There was a wild scramble from the cavern. + </p> + <p> + “Come on!” cried Tom. “We must escape! It's our only chance!” + </p> + <p> + He leaped into the big cave, followed by the others. Already long tongues + of electrical fire were shooting out from the walls and roof as Tom Swift + and his companions, evading them as best they could, sought safety in + flight. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV—THE MOUNTAIN SHATTERED—CONCLUSION + </h2> + <p> + “Can't we get some of the diamonds?” cried Mr. Damon, as he raced along + behind Tom. “Now's our chance. Those fellows have all gone!” The odd man + made a grab for something as he ran. + </p> + <p> + “It's as much as our lives are worth,” declared the young inventor. “We + dare not stop! Come on!” + </p> + <p> + “I'd like to investigate some of the machinery,” spoke Mr. Jenks, “but I + wouldn't stop, even for that.” + </p> + <p> + “The storm is too dangerous,” called Bill Renshaw. “I can show you a + shorter way out than the one those fellows have taken. Follow me.” + </p> + <p> + “No way can be too short,” said Mr. Parker, solemnly. “This mountain will + go to pieces shortly, I think!” + </p> + <p> + Tom shuddered. He remembered how narrow had been their escape when + Earthquake Island sank into the sea. And that some terrific upheaval was + now imminent might be judged from the awful reports that sounded more + plainly as the adventurers raced toward the opening of the cave. It was + like the bombardment of some doomed city. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Jenks and Tom cast one longing look behind at the complicated and + expensive machinery that had been installed in the cave by the diamond + makers. They had abandoned it, and in it lay the secret of making precious + gems. But there was no time to stop now, and investigate. + </p> + <p> + “This way,” urged Bill Renshaw. “We'll soon be out.” + </p> + <p> + “But won't it be dangerous to go outside?” asked Mr. Damon. “Shan't we be + struck by lightning? There is some protection in here.” + </p> + <p> + “None at all,” said Mr. Parker, quickly. “This mountain is a natural + lightning rod. To stay here in this cave will be sure death when the storm + gets directly over it. And that will be very soon. We must get on + insulated ground. Is there any part of this mountain that does not contain + iron ore?” the scientist asked of the former spirit. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; the way out by which we are going lands on a dirt hill.” + </p> + <p> + “That's good; then we may be saved.” + </p> + <p> + On they ran. They had no lanterns, but the blue light of the electricity, + as it leaped from point to point inside the cave, where there were + outcroppings of iron ore, made the place bright enough to see. + </p> + <p> + “Here we are!” cried Bill Renshaw at length. “Here's the way out!” + </p> + <p> + Making a sudden turn in the winding passage he showed the adventurers a + small opening in the side of the crag. In an instant they had passed + through, and found themselves in daylight once more. The sudden glare + almost blinded them, for, though the sky was overcast by clouds, from + which jagged tongues of lightning played, the outside was much lighter + than the dark cave. + </p> + <p> + “I should say it was a storm!” cried Tom Swift. “See, it is striking every + minute, and all around us!” + </p> + <p> + In fact, lightning bolts were falling on every side of the adventurers. + Every time the balls of fire struck, they burst open great stones, or + seared a livid scar on the face of some cliff. As for Tom and the others, + they stood on a dry dirt hill, in which, fortunately, there was no iron + ore. To this fact they undoubtedly owed their lives, though had there been + rain, to moisten the ground and make the earth a good conductor of + electricity, they probably would have been badly shocked. But the + electrical outburst was not accompanied by rain. + </p> + <p> + Tom looked up. He saw a compact mass of cloud moving toward the summit of + the mountain on the slope of which they stood. From this cloud there + played shafts of reddish-green fire. + </p> + <p> + “Look!” called the young inventor to Mr. Parker. The instant the latter + saw the cloud, he cried: + </p> + <p> + “We must get away from here by all means! That is the center of the storm. + As soon as it gets over the mountain, where that lightning rod is, all the + electrical fluid will be discharged in one bolt at the mountain, and it + will be destroyed! We must run, but keep on the dirt places! Run for your + lives!” + </p> + <p> + They needed no second warning. Turning, they fled down the steep side of + the mountain, slipping and stumbling, but taking care not to step on any + iron ore. Behind them flashed the lightning bolts. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly there was a most awful crash. It seemed as if the end of the + world had come, and the ear drums of Tom and his companion almost burst + with the fearful report. The concussion knocked them down, and they lay + stunned for a moment. + </p> + <p> + Following the terrible report there was a low, rumbling sound. Hardly + knowing whether he was dead or alive, Tom opened his eyes and looked about + him. What he saw caused him to cry out in terror. + </p> + <p> + The whole mountain seemed bathed in fire. Great blue, red and green + flashes played around it. Then the towering cliff seemed to melt and + crumble up, and the great peak, the top of it containing the diamond + makers' cave, from which they had fled but a few minutes before, the + entire summit was toppled over into the valley on the other side, and in + the direction opposite to that where the adventurers stood. + </p> + <p> + Then came a profound silence, and the lightning ceased. The storm was + over, and only the rattle of stones and boulders, as they came to rest in + the valley below, reached the ears of our friends. + </p> + <p> + “Phantom Mountain has been destroyed, just as I said it would be,” spoke + Mr. Parker, solemnly. Once more he had prophesied correctly. + </p> + <p> + For a few minutes the adventurers hardly knew what to say. They arose + awkwardly from the ground where the shock had tossed them. Then Tom + remarked, as calmly as possible: + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's all over. I guess we may as well get back to our airship.” + </p> + <p> + “What became of Munson and the others?” asked Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Jenks pointed to the trail, far below. The figures of some men, + running madly, could be seen. + </p> + <p> + “There they go,” he said; “I fancy we have seen the last of them.” And + they had, for some time at least. + </p> + <p> + There was little use lingering any longer on Phantom Mountain—indeed + little of it was left on which to remain. Looking back toward the place + where the cave had been, Tom and the others started forward again. The + diamond-making machinery had all been destroyed. So, also, had the + finished diamonds stored in the cavern and the large supply which had + probably been made by the last terrific crash. No one would ever have them + now. Tom and Mr. Jenks felt a sense of disappointment, but they were glad + to have escaped with their lives. They sought their former camp, but the + tent and all their food was buried under tons of earth and rocks. + </p> + <p> + Three days later, after rather severe hardships, they were near the place + where they had left the Red Cloud. They had suffered cold and hunger, for + they had no food supplies, and, had it not been that Bill Renshaw knew the + haunts of some game, of which they managed to snare some, they would have + fared badly, for they had left their guns in the cave. + </p> + <p> + “Well, there are the trees behind which I hope my airship is hidden,” + announced Tom, as they came to the spot. “Good old Red Cloud! Maybe we + won't do some eating when we get aboard, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Bless my appetite! but we certainly will!” cried Mr. Damon. + </p> + <p> + “There's somebody walking around the place,” spoke Mr. Jenks. + </p> + <p> + “I hope it's no one who has damaged the ship,” came from Tom, + apprehensively. He broke into a run, and soon confronted an aged miner, + who seemed to have established a rude sort of camp near the airship. + </p> + <p> + “Is anything the matter?” asked Tom, breathlessly. “Is my airship all + right?” + </p> + <p> + “I guess she's all right, stranger,” was the reply. “I don't know much + about these contraptions, but I haven't touched her. I knowed she was an + airship, for I've seen pictures of 'em, and I've been waiting until the + owner came along.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” asked Tom, wonderingly. + </p> + <p> + “Because I've got a proposition to make to you,” went on the miner, who + said his name was Abe Abercrombie. “I've been a miner for a good many + years, and I'm just back from Alaska, prospecting around here. I haven't + had any luck, but I know of a gold mine in Alaska that will make us all + rich. Only it needs an airship to get to it, and I've been figuring how to + hire one. Then I comes along, and I sees this big one, and I makes up my + mind to stay here until the owners come back. That's what I've done. Now, + if I prove that I'm telling the truth, will you go to Alaska—to the + valley of gold with me?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” answered Tom, to whom the proposition was rather sudden. + “We've just had some pretty startling adventures, and we're almost + starved. Wait until we get something to eat, and we'll talk. Come aboard + the Red Cloud,” and the lad led the way to his craft which was in as good + condition as when he left it to go to the diamond cave. Later he listened + to the miner's story. + </p> + <p> + Tom Swift did go to the valley of gold in Alaska, and what happened to him + and his companions there will be told of in the next volume of this + series, to be called “Tom Swift in the Caves of Ice; or, the Wreck of the + Airship.” + </p> + <p> + It did not take our friends long, after they had eaten a hearty meal, to + generate some fresh gas, and start the Red Cloud on her homeward way. Tom + wanted to take Bill Renshaw with him, but the old man said he would rather + remain among the mountains where he had been born. So, after paying him + well for his services, they said good-by to him. Abercrombie, the miner, + also remained behind, but promised to call and see Tom in a few months. + </p> + <p> + “Well, we didn't make any money out of this trip,” observed Mr. Jenks, + rather dubiously, as they were nearing Shopton, after an uneventful trip. + “I guess I owe you considerable, Tom Swift. I promised to get you a lot of + diamonds, but all I have are those I had from my first visit to the cave.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that's all right,” spoke Tom, easily. “The experience was worth all + the trip cost.” + </p> + <p> + “Speaking of diamonds, look here!” exclaimed Mr. Damon, suddenly, and he + pulled out a double handful. + </p> + <p> + “Where did you get them?” cried the others in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “I grabbed them up, as we ran from the cave,” said the eccentric man; + “but, bless my gaiters! I forgot all about them until you spoke. We'll + share them.” + </p> + <p> + These diamonds, some of which were large, proved very valuable, though the + total sum was far below what Mr. Jenks hoped to make when he started on + the remarkable trip. Tom gave Mary Nestor a very fine stone, and it was + set in a ring, instead of a pin, this time. + </p> + <p> + On their arrival in Shopton, where Mr. Swift, the housekeeper, Mr. Jackson + and Eradicate Sampson were much alarmed for Tom's safety, an attempt was + made to manufacture diamonds, using a powerful electric current instead of + lightning. But it was not a success, and so Mr. Jenks concluded to give up + his search for the secret which was lost on Phantom Mountain. + </p> + <p> + And now we will take leave of Tom Swift, to meet him again soon in other + adventures he is destined to have in the caves of ice and the valley of + gold. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0026" id="link2H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE END + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE TOM SWIFT SERIES + + By VICTOR APPLETON +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR CYCLE + Or Fun and Adventure on the Road + TOM SWIFT AND HIS MOTOR BOAT + Or The Rivals of Lake Carlopa + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIRSHIP + Or The Stirring Cruise of the Red Cloud + TOM SWIFT AND HIS SUBMARINE BOAT + Or Under the Ocean for Sunken Treasure + TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RUNABOUT + Or The Speediest Car on the Road + TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIRELESS MESSAGE + Or The Castaways of Earthquake Island + TOM SWIFT AMONG THE DIAMOND MAKERS + Or The Secret of Phantom Mountain + TOM SWIFT IN THE CAVES OF ICE + Or The wreck of the Airship + TOM SWIFT AND HIS SKY RACER + Or The Quickest Flight on Record + TOM SWIFT AND HIS ELECTRIC RIFLE + Or Daring Adventures In Elephant Land + TOM SWIFT IN THE CITY OF GOLD + Or Marvelous Adventures Underground + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AIR GLIDER + Or seeking the Platinum Treasure + TOM SWIFT IN CAPTIVITY + Or A Daring Escape by Airship + TOM SWIFT AND HIS WIZARD CAMERA + Or The Perils of Moving Picture Taking + TOM SWIFT AND HIS GREAT SEARCHLIGHT + Or On the Border for Uncle Sam + TOM SWIFT AND HIS GIANT CANNON + Or The Longest Shots on Record + TOM SWIFT AND HIS PHOTO TELEPHONE + Or The Picture that Saved a Fortune + TOM SWIFT AND HIS AERIAL WARSHIP + Or The Naval Terror of the Seas + TOM SWIFT AND HIS BIG TUNNEL + Or The Hidden City of the Andes +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS SERIES + + By VICTOR APPLETON +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + In these stories we follow the adventures of three boys, who, + after purchasing at auction the contents of a moving picture + house, open a theatre of their own. Their many trials and + tribulations, leading up to the final success of their venture, + make very entertaining stories. + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' FIRST VENTURE + + Or Opening a Photo Playhouse in Fairlands. + + The adventures of Frank, Randy and Pep in running a Motion + Picture show. They had trials and tribulations but finally + succeed. + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS AT SEASIDE PARK + + Or The Rival Photo Theatres of the Boardwalk. + + Their success at Fairlands encourages the boys to open their + show at Seaside Park, where they have exciting adventures—also a + profitable season. + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS ON BROADWAY + + Or The Mystery of the Missing Cash Box. + + Backed by a rich western friend the chums established a photo + playhouse in the great metropolis, where new adventures await + them. + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' OUTDOOR EXHIBITION + + Or The Film that Solved a Mystery. + + This time the playhouse was in a big summer park. How a + film that was shown gave a clew to an important mystery + is interestingly related. + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' NEW IDEA + + Or The First Educational Photo Playhouse. + + In this book the scene is shifted to Boston, and there is + intense rivalry in the establishment of photo playhouses of + educational value. + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS AT THE FAIR + + Or The Greatest Film Ever Exhibited. + + The chums go to San Francisco, where they have some trials + but finally meet with great success. + + THE MOTION PICTURE CHUMS' WAR SPECTACLE + + Or The Film that Won the Prize. + + Through being of service to the writer of a great scenario, the + chums are enabled to produce it and win a prize. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH SERIES + + By GRAHAM B. FORBES +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Never was there a cleaner, brighter, more manly boy than Frank + Allen, the hero of this series of boys tales, and never was there + a better crowd of lads to associate with than the students of the + School. All boys will read these stories with deep interest. The + rivalry between the towns along the river was of the keenest, and + plots and counterplots to win the champions, at baseball, at + football, at boat racing, at track athletics, and at ice hockey, + were without number. Any lad reading one volume of this series + will surely want the others. + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH + Or The All Around Rivals of the School + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE DIAMOND + Or Winning Out by Pluck + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE RIVER + Or The Boat Race Plot that Failed + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE GRIDIRON + Or The Struggle for the Silver Cup + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH ON THE ICE + Or Out for the Hockey Championship + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH IN TRACK ATHLETICS + Or A Long Run that Won + + THE BOYS OF COLUMBIA HIGH IN WINTER SPORTS + Or Stirring Doings on Skates and Iceboats +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 12mo. Illustrated. Handsomely bound in cloth, with cover design + and wrappers in colors. + + GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS SERIES + + By CAPTAIN QUINCY ALLEN +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The outdoor chums are four wide-awake lads, Sons of wealthy men + of a small city located on a lake. The boys love outdoor life, + and are greatly interested in hunting, fishing, and picture + taking. They have motor cycles, motor boats, canoes, etc., and + during their vacations go everywhere and have all sorts of + thrilling adventures. The stories give full directions for + camping out, how to fish, how to hunt wild animals and prepare + the skins for stuffing, how to manage a canoe, how to swim, etc. + Full of the spirit of outdoor life. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS + Or The First Tour of the Rod, Gun and Camera Club. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS ON THE LAKE + Or Lively Adventures on Wildcat Island. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS IN THE FOREST + Or Laying the Ghost of Oak Ridge. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS ON THE GULF + Or Rescuing the Lost Balloonists. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS AFTER BIG GAME + Or Perilous Adventures in the Wilderness. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS ON A HOUSEBOAT + Or The Rivals of the Mississippi. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS IN THE BIG WOODS + Or The Rival Hunters at Lumber Run. + + THE OUTDOOR CHUMS AT CABIN POINT + Or The Golden Cup Mystery. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1282 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |