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."
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.
Suddenly there rushed into the cave a man who seemed much
excited.
"Are you nearly ready with that stuff?" he cried. "There's a
good storm gathering on the mountain!"
"Yes, we'll be ready in half an hour," answered one of the men
at the mixing machine.
"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.
"What is it?" asked Tom.
"I know the secret of making the diamonds," said the scientist.
"What?" cried Mr. Jenks.
"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!"
"Are you sure?" cried Mr. Jenks.
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