"The projectile!" cried Tom, as he saw that all was in readiness. "Lively now! I can see the top of the dam beginning to crumble," and he laid aside the telescope he had been using.
The projectile, with a heavy charge of bursting powder, was slung into the breech of the gun.
"Now the powder, Koku!" called Tom. "Be quick; but not so fast that you drop any of it."
"Me fetch," responded the giant, as he hastened toward the small cave where the explosive was kept. As the big man brought the first lot, and Ned was about to insert it in the breech of the gun, behind the projectile, Tom exclaimed:
"Just let me have a look at that. It's some that I first made, and I want to be sure it hasn't gone stale."
Critically he looked at the powerful explosive. As he did so a change came over his face.
"Here, Koku!" the young inventor said. "Where did you get this?"
"In cave, Master."
"Is there any more left?"
"Only enough for this one shoot."
"By Jove!" muttered Tom. "There's been some trick played here!" and he set off on a run toward the bomb-proof.
"What's the matter?" cried Ned, as he noticed the agitation of his chum.
