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We simply wanted to destroy public confidence in it for a time." "The worst kind of destruction," murmured Captain Wiltsey. "Take him away, and guard him well," he ordered the soldiers. "We will look further into this plot to-morrow." But when to-morrow came there was no Mr. Alcando. He had managed to escape in the night from his frail prison, and whither he had gone no one knew.
But that he had spoken the truth was evident. A further investigation showed that it would have been impossible to have seriously damaged the dam by the amount of dynamite hidden. But, as Captain Wiltsey said, the destruction of public confidence would have been a serious matter.
For an instant the moving picture boys could hardly grasp the meaning of the fateful words spoken by Captain Wiltsey. But it needed only a look at his face to tell that he was laboring under great excitement. "The Gatun Dam to be destroyed," repeated Joe. "Then we'd better get " "Do you mean by an earthquake?" asked Blake, breaking in on his chum's words.
But that certain level-headed men did "take stock" in those rumors was evident, for elaborate preparations had been made to protect the dam. The preparations were conducted with as much secrecy as possible in order that the conspirators might not become aware of them. "We don't want to scare them off," explained Captain Wiltsey.
Fortunately for them the tug was tied to a temporary dock on the side of the hill where the slide had started, so they did not have to take a boat across, but could at once start for the scene of the disaster. "We may not be here when you come back!" called Captain Wiltsey after the boys. "Why not?" asked Joe. "I may have to go above or below.
"No, I don't take any stock in their earthquake theories," the captain answered. "That's all bosh! It's dynamite." "Dynamite!" cried Joe and Blake in a breath. "Yes, there are rumors, so persistent that they cannot be denied, to the effect that the dam is to be blown up some night." "Blown up!" cried Blake and Joe again. "That's the rumor," continued Captain Wiltsey.
But he is a Spaniard, or, rather a South American, and some of the South Americans haven't any too much love for us; especially since the Canal was built." "Why?" asked Blake. "Oh, for various reasons. Some of them have lost trade because it shortens routes. But there, I must go and see if all the men are in place." Captain Wiltsey left him, and once more the moving picture boy resumed his vigil.
I was making some views there, and used up all the film. Then I got to working on my alarm clock, and forgot all about the camera and film case. I left them out there, and my clock, too. I'll go right back and get them!" He turned to leave the cabin, but, as he did so, Captain Wiltsey entered.
Joe was given such rough and ready surgery and medical treatment as was available, and Captain Wiltsey said he would leave at once for Gatun, where a doctor could be obtained. Fortunately the blockading of the Canal by the slide did not stop the Bohio from continuing her journey. The slide was north of her position.
Don't make a noise, and don't speak above a whisper!" cautioned Blake Stewart. "You'll work one machine, and I'll attend to the other. We'll put the automatic between us and trust to luck that one of the three gets something when the flash goes off." The two boys, with Captain Wiltsey, had made their way to a position near the spillway, below the great Gatun Dam.
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