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.
Mr. Damon left for home that afternoon, promising to be on hand
at the time set to start for Phantom Mountain.
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.
"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.
"Have you decided to go with me?" asked Mr. Jenks, in an
anxious whisper. "Did you find the diamonds to be real ones?"
"I did; and I'm going," spoke Tom.
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