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.
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.
"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?"
"I guess so," answered Mr. Damon. "How long are we going to be
away?"
"Until we find the diamond makers!" declared Tom, firmly.
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.
"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.
"I fancy not," replied Mr. Jenks. "They probably take great
pains to hide it.
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