"It's one
of the worst I've ever seen. It's sweeping right up the valley.
It'll be here in an hour."
"That's good. We need a big flash to make all the material we
have prepared into diamonds. It's the biggest batch we ever
tried. I hope it succeeds, for we're going to leave--" The rest
was in so low a tone that Tom could not catch it.
The storm messenger departed. Folwell and Munson busied
themselves about the machinery. Tom dozed off again, dimly
wondering what had become of Bill Renshaw, and whether the former
ghost knew of their plight. The others were asleep, as the young
inventor saw by the dim light of a lantern in the cave. Then, he
too, shut his eyes.
Tom was suddenly awakened by feeling some one's hands moving
about his clothing. At first he thought it was one of the
diamond-making gang, who had sneaked in to rob him. "Here! What
are you up to?" exclaimed Tom.
"Quiet!" cautioned a voice. "Are you all here?"
"All of us--yes. But who are you?"
"Easy--keep quiet, Tom Swift! I'm Bill Renshaw! I've been
searching all over for you, since I got back to your cave and
found it empty. Now I'm going to free you. I got in here by a
secret entrance. Wait, I'll cut your ropes." There was a slight
sound, and an instant later Tom was freed from his bonds.
CHAPTER XXIV--IN GREAT PERIL
The young inventor could scarcely believe the good luck that
had so unexpectedly come to him and his companions.
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