There was a terrific crash outside. The rocky floor of the cave
trembled.
"Here she comes!" cried Folwell. "Get back, everybody! I'm
going to throw over the switch now!"
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.
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.
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.
Then came comparative quiet, as the echoes of the thunder died
away amid the mountain peaks.
"I guess that did the trick!" cried Folwell. "It was a terrific
crash all right!"
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.
With a long iron rod Folwell drew something from the retort.
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