It came from the copper switch.
"Something's wrong with the insulation!" cried Munson.
"Don't go near it!" yelled Folwell. "If you value your life,
stand still!"
Hardly had he spoken than inside the cavern there sounded a
report like that of a small cannon. A big ball of fire danced
about the middle of the cave and then leaped on top of the steel
box.
"This is a fearful storm," cried Munson.
The adventurers in the cave did not know what to say or do.
They were in deadly peril.
Suddenly there came a crash louder than any that had preceded
it. The whole side of the cave where the switches were was a mass
of bluish flame. Then came a ripping, tearing sound, and a tangle
of wires and copper connections were thrown to the floor. At the
same time the steel box, containing the materials from which
diamonds were made, turned blue, and flames shot from it.
"It's all up with us!" cried Munson. "Run for it, everybody!
The wires are down, and this place will be an electric furnace in
another minute!"
He leaped toward the exit from the cave.
"What about those fellows?" asked Folwell, indicating the place
where Tom and the others had been tied.
"They'll have to do the best they can! It's every man for
himself, now!" yelled Munson. There was a wild scramble from the
cavern.
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