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.I went tothe cave, found you and your things gone, and I surmised that you might havewalked into some trap.""We did," admitted Mr.Jenks, grimly."Well, I hunted around until I found you," went on Bill."This mountain ishoneycombed with caves, all opening from the large one, I know them betterthan these fellows do, so I could explore freely, and keep out of their sight.They didn't know that there was a second entrance to this place, but I did,and I made for it, when I couldn't find you in some of the other caves where Ilooked.And, sure enough, here you were.""Well, we can't thank you enough," said Mr.Parker."But you say there is abig storm coming?""One of the biggest that's been around these parts in some time," repliedBill."Then perhaps the mountain will be destroyed," went on the scientist, ascalmly as if he had remarked that it might rain."I hope nothing like that happens until we get away," spoke Mr.Damon,fervently."What had we better do?" inquired Tom."Get away, unless you want to discover some more of their secrets," advisedPage 65 ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.htmlBill."Those fellows are planning something, but I can't find out what it is.They are suspicious of me, I think.But they are up to something, and Ibelieve, it would be best for you to leave while you have the chance.It maynot be healthy to stay.That's why I did my best to untie you.""We appreciate what you have done," declared Mr.Jenks, "but I want my rights.I must learn a few more facts about how to make diamonds from lightningflashes, and then I will have the same secret they cheated me out of.I thinkif we wait a while we may be able to see the parts of the process that are notquite clear to us.What do you say, Tom Swift?""Well, I would like to learn the secret," replied the lad, "and if Bill thinksit's safe to stay here a while longerTom Swift Among the Diamond MakersCHAPTER XXIV IN GREAT PERIL74"Oh, I guess it will be safe enough," was the reply."Those fellows won'tbother about you now that they are about to make some more diamonds.Besides,they think you're all tied up.Yes, you can stay here and watch, I reckon.I've got a couple of guns, and"Then we'll stay," decided Tom."We can put up a better fight now."Silently, in their prison, but which they could now leave whenever theypleased, the adventurers watched the diamond makers once more.The sameprocess they had witnessed before was gone through with.The white balls wereput inside the steel box and sealed up.Then they waited for the storm toreach its height.That this would not be long was evidenced by the mutterings of thunder whichevery moment grew louder.The outburst of electrical fury was likely to take place momentarily, and thatit would be unusually severe was shown by the precautions taken by the diamondmakers.They attached a number of extra wires, and brought out some insulated,hard rubber platforms, on which they themselves stood.Tom and Mr.Jenks weremuch interested in watching this detail of the work, and sought to learn howeach part of the process was done."I almost think we can make diamonds, Tom, when we get back to civilization,"whispered Mr.Jenks."I hope we can," answered Tom, "and we can't get back any too soon to suit me.I want to be in my airship again.""I don't blame you.But look, they are getting ready to adjust the switch."The adventurers ceased their whispered talk, and eagerly watched the diamondmakers.Folwell and Munson were hurrying to and fro in the big cave, attendingto the adjustments of the machinery."On your insulated platesall of you," Folwell gave the order."This is goingto be a terrific storm.The gage shows twice the power we have ever used, andit'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."Ipredict 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 betterget insulated ourselves.I'm going to throw the switch."He did so
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