"On your insulated plates--all of you," Folwell gave the order.
"This is going to be a terrific storm. The gage shows twice the
power we have ever used, and it's creeping up every minute! We'll
have more diamonds than ever had before!"
"Yes, if the mountain isn't destroyed," added Mr. Parker, in a
low voice. "I predict that it will be split from top to bottom!"
"Comforting," thought Tom, grimly.
"I guess we're all ready," said Folwell, in a low tone to
Munson. "We'd better get insulated ourselves. I'm going to throw
the switch."
He did so. A moment later the man who had before given warning
of the storm came dashing in. He was very much excited.
"It's awful!" he cried. "The lightning is striking all over!
Big rocks are being split like logs of wood!"
"Well, it can't do any damage in here," said Munson. "We are
well protected. Get on one of the plates," and he motioned to one
of the hard-rubber platforms that was not occupied. The roar and
rumble of the storm outside had given place to short terrific
crashes. In their small cave the adventurers could feel the solid
ground shake.
A bluish light began dancing about the electrical wires. There
was a smell of sulphur in the air. Crash after crash resounded
outside. A flash of flame lit up the whole interior of the cave.
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