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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"Are you fellows all ready?" asked this same man again.
"Yes. Is there another storm coming?"
"Yes, and it's going to be a corker!" was the reply.
Pages:
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173