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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..036c430 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #63506 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63506) diff --git a/old/63506-0.txt b/old/63506-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index bd75b6c..0000000 --- a/old/63506-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6894 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Boy Scout Explorers at Emerald Valley, by Don Palmer - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Boy Scout Explorers at Emerald Valley - -Author: Don Palmer - -Release Date: October 20, 2020 [EBook #63506] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY SCOUT EXPLORERS AT *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - [Illustration: “Want to see some emeralds?” the agent invited. (See - page 49)] - - - - - BOY SCOUT EXPLORERS - AT EMERALD VALLEY - - - _BY_ - DON PALMER - - - _ILLUSTRATED_ - - - CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY - _Publishers_ _New York_ - - Copyright, 1955, by - CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY - All Rights Reserved - _Printed in the United States of America_ - - - - - CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - I. Flash Message 7 - II. Man of Mystery 14 - III. Strange Actions 20 - IV. A Surprise Cache 30 - V. Heroes All! 38 - VI. A Company Agent 45 - VII. Toil and Trouble 55 - VIII. Delay 63 - IX. Off Course 73 - X. A Banana Plantation 80 - XI. Hitting the Trail 89 - XII. Carlos the Bandit 98 - XIII. The Emerald Pit 106 - XIV. A Bribe Offer 117 - XV. Map of A Mine 126 - XVI. Signals 133 - XVII. An Earth Slide 140 - XVIII. Disaster 150 - XIX. A Racing Stream 161 - XX. The Missing Scouts 169 - XXI. A Mission 178 - XXII. Orders from Bogota 188 - XXIII. Trailing Rhodes 199 - XXIV. Flight 208 - XXV. Going Home 217 - - - - - Chapter 1 - FLASH MESSAGE - - -“Only ten more minutes, Jack, and we’ll be off duty. That gives us just -time enough to get to the Scout meeting by seven o’clock. I’ll be glad -to call it a night too!” - -Warwick Washburn yawned as he lowered a powerful field glass through -which he had scanned the sky for a glimpse of aircraft. - -He and Jack Hartwell, a companion Boy Scout and Explorer, were nearing -the end of a two hour trick at the Civilian Defense observation tower. -Few planes had passed overhead and there had been no activity to break -the monotonous vigil. - -“Oh, it hasn’t been so tough,” returned Jack cheerfully. He was a lean, -friendly youth, deeply tanned because he had spent practically all of -his spare hours out-of-doors. “Our work is needed here as a protection -against unexpected enemy attack. I’m glad to help, even if it is tedious -to perch on this tower platform.” - -“I’m not kicking,” said War. “Don’t get me wrong. These observation -posts are necessary to cover gaps in our radar system. Only I wish more -planes would pass over.” - -“You’d like an enemy attack, or at least a little mystery and intrigue,” -chuckled Jack. “That trip we made to Peru gave you a taste for -adventure!” - -“It did at that,” the other agreed. “After weeks of exciting life in the -wilds, Belton City seems a bit tame.” - -“Particularly this observation post?” - -“Well, we’ve been reporting the movement of planes for several months -now, Jack. I sure wish a little excitement would come our way again!” - -“Maybe we’re looking in the wrong direction.” - -Warwick stared at his friend, surprised by the remark. “The wrong -direction?” he echoed. “What d’you mean?” - -Jack relieved him of the field glass, focussing it on the entrance road -of a nearby cemetery. The tower platform also offered an unobstructed -view of the Pablo Automobile plant adjoining the burial ground. - -“What do you see?” War asked as his chum remained silent. “Any ghosts -moving around?” - -“It’s that old automobile again,” Jack reported. “This makes four times -in the last month that I’ve seen it turn into that cemetery road.” - -“You’ve got that car on the brain, boy!” War scoffed, losing interest. -“Forget it and stick to airplanes.” - -“Okay,” Jack agreed, again training the glass on an expanse of sky. “All -the same, it strikes me as queer that the car keeps coming back time -after time.” - -For weeks, Jack had amused fellow members of Explorers Post 21 by his -constant reference to a mysterious automobile. - -Not only had he called attention to it repeatedly, but he had noted down -the license number, LC 1478. The car was a seven-year old model, driven -by a man who wore workman’s clothes. - -Jack had pointed out that the car always appeared at the cemetery -entrance just at dusk or a trifle later. Furthermore, the driver nearly -always parked close to the main highway, proceeding through the trees -afoot. - -Where he went the Scouts never had learned, for foliage blocked their -view. But after ten to twenty minutes, he always reappeared and drove -away. - -“One of these days I’m going to check up on that fellow—” Jack began, -but War interrupted. - -“Listen!” he exclaimed. - -A plane was passing the observation tower, high overhead. Instantly -alert, the Scouts determined its altitude and type. Jack went quickly -inside to send an aircraft flash message to the filter center. - -His telephone contact established, he received the terse “Air Defense, -go ahead!” - -“Single—multi-jet—very high—” Methodically, Jack went on to complete the -message, and hung up immediately after he heard the operator’s clear, -“Check, thank you.” - -The task completed, he rejoined Warwick on the breezy platform. - -“Our relief’s coming,” War remarked, indicating two men who were walking -briskly toward the observation tower. “We may as well take off for the -Scout meeting.” - -After the newcomers had arrived, the Scouts started at a fast pace for -the Belton Methodist Church where the meeting of Explorers Post 21 was -to be held. - -“Step on it,” urged Jack. As crew leader, he made a point of never being -tardy for a session. - -“I’m practically running now,” Warwick complained, hard pressed to keep -up. “What’s the rush? Anything important coming up at tonight’s -meeting?” - -“We want to talk over that canoe trip to Minnesota. It was postponed -when our gang went to Peru instead, but this time it’s all set.” - -“I wouldn’t be too sure,” War said pessimistically. “Something may come -up. I’ve got one of those dark brown feelings!” - -“Oh, you and your feelings!” Jack retorted with a grin. - -The pair arrived at the church only three minutes late. Willie Medaugh, -a tow-headed youngster of 15, and Ken Dougherty, a serious high school -senior, already were in the recreation room which had been fitted up for -Scout use. - -“Hi!” Jack greeted his friends. “Where’s Hap?” He referred to George -(Happy) Livingston, a former FBI man who directed Scout activities in -Belton City. - -“Not here yet,” replied Ken. “He telephoned that he’d been held up. -We’re to go ahead with the meeting. He’ll be along later.” - -“See what came for him,” Willie said, pointing to a thick, slightly -soiled envelope which had been placed conspicuously on the table. -“Mail.” - -“Wonder why the letter was delivered here instead of to his office?” -Jack commented. - -“Because it had no street address,” Willie informed him. “It’s directed -it care of the Belton Methodist Church. So the postman brought it here.” - -“Get a load of that foreign stamp!” exclaimed War, fingering the -envelope. “Colombia!” - -“I’m going to ask Hap if I can have it after he’s finished with the -letter,” announced Willie, who collected foreign stamps. “Who’d be -writing him from South America?” - -“Cut out the speculation, and let’s get on with the meeting,” urged -Jack. “Shall we start off with the Four Freedoms ceremony? I want to run -through it to be sure we have it down pat before we invite our folks to -watch.” - -Forgetting the letter, the other Explorers settled down to the business -of the evening. Willie brought four candles and the American flag which -were to be used in the ceremony. - -Jack assigned Bob MacDonald, a new organization member to act as -narrator. Standing behind the flag, the red-headed youth recited slowly: - -“This flag represents the past, the present and the future. The stripes -stand for the original thirteen colonies. The stars represent the -present states. The Explorers represent the men of tomorrow.” - -“That’s fine, only put more feeling into it, Jack advised. Especially -that part about Explorers being the men of tomorrow.” - -Bob repeated the lines to the satisfaction of the group. - -“Well done!” boomed a voice from the doorway. Unobserved, Mr. Livingston -had come into the meeting room. He added seriously: “Here in America, -the Four Freedoms do exist, but at times we’re inclined to take them for -granted.” - -“America’s the best country in the world,” declared War. With a quick -change of subject, he went on: “Say, Mr. Livingston, a letter came for -you! From Columbia!” - -The Scout leader accepted the mail, studying both the stamp and the -handwriting. - -“Aren’t you going to open it?” War demanded impatiently. “Maybe it’s -important.” - -Mr. Livingston smiled and ripped open the soiled envelope. As he -unfolded the closely written pages, a small, hard, cotton-wrapped object -dropped to the floor. - -Jack stooped to pick it up. His fingers closed over a sizeable green -stone. He stared in amazement. - -“Look at this!” he exclaimed. “An emerald!” - -The others studied the gem which he held up. - -“A chunk of green glass,” insisted Willie. - -“No, Willie,” Mr. Livingston corrected him. - -“You mean it’s a real emerald?” - -“Yes, Willie,” the Scout leader soberly confirmed. “This letter and the -gem are from an old friend of mine. Give me a moment to scan his -message, and I’ll tell you what it’s all about.” - - - - - Chapter 2 - MAN OF MYSTERY - - -Their curiosity whetted by sight of the green stone, the Scouts eagerly -waited as Mr. Livingston skimmed through the letter. - -“Just as I thought,” he remarked when he had finished reading. “This is -from Appleby Corning, an old college classmate, now an engineer in -Colombia. The emerald is a sample from the Last Chance mine.” - -“Quite a sample!” Jack commented. “Is the mine in Colombia?” - -“Yes, not too far from Bogota. Appleby believes that the Last Chance can -be made to produce handsomely for her American lessees. But he seems to -have run into difficulties. He writes that a former manager, McClellan -Rhodes, has caused him trouble. He needs help.” - -“What sort of help?” inquired Willie. - -“The letter is vague. Appleby just says he wants me to fly down there to -look over the situation.” - -“He wants you to join him in Colombia?” Willie repeated, his voice -fading. “When?” - -“At once, if I can. He offers to pay all expenses.” - -A deep silence had fallen upon the little Explorer band. Only too well, -the Scouts knew that if Mr. Livingston accepted the offer, their canoe -trip to Minnesota might again be postponed. - -Yet no one could deny that a plane journey to Colombia offered a -thrilling prospect. Fresh in the memory of all the Explorers except Bob, -was the recollection of a wonderful adventure shared with their leader -in Peru. - -Not many months earlier, the Scouts had been assigned to search for a -missing explorer. Their mission to a lost Inca city had been a highly -successful one, resulting in great honor for Post 21. - -“Colombia sounds great!” exclaimed War. Half jokingly, he demanded: -“When do we start?” - -“That’s just it,” replied Mr. Livingston regretfully. “Appleby says -nothing about the Explorers. I don’t suppose he could provide passage -for the entire group.” - -“I was only kidding,” War said at once. “We don’t expect to be taken -along.” - -“You’ll go, won’t you, Mr. Livingston?” Ken inquired politely. - -“Well, I’ve given it no thought, as yet. If I could take you fellows -along, I might be tempted.” - -“What’s Colombia like?” Willie asked with quick interest. - -“A rugged country with many unexplored areas. Bounded on the north by -the Caribbean sea and Venezuela. On the east by Venezuela and Brazil; on -the south by Brazil, Peru and Ecuador, and on the west by the Pacific.” - -“You’ve been studying an atlas,” Jack remarked. - -“Colombia always fascinated me,” the Scout leader confessed. “Bogota is -the capital city. The Magdalena River traverses the entire country and -provides the chief means of transportation.” - -“It would be a dandy opportunity for you,” Ken said. “All expenses paid -too!” - -“Corning is one of my best friends, though I’ve not seen him in years. I -know he wouldn’t call on me if he weren’t in a bad spot. He’s capable of -handling any ordinary situation.” - -“Why did he send the emerald?” War asked curiously. - -“To snare my interest, I suspect. He says the mine is one of the world’s -richest, but that the vein will be lost if it can’t be promptly worked.” - -“What does he mean by that?” asked Willie. - -“He didn’t explain. He merely instructs me to cable acceptance of his -offer and take the first plane to South America.” - -A silence fell. Jack busied himself putting away the record books. No -one spoke of the projected trip to Minnesota. Mr. Livingston himself -brought up the subject. - -“I promised I’d go with you on the jaunt,” he said. “I won’t go back on -that.” - -“We won’t hold you to it,” Ken said instantly. - -“Of course not,” added Jack. “That wouldn’t be fair. Why, a chance like -this comes only once in a lifetime.” - -“I’d go, if I could take you fellows with me. Say, that gives me an -idea! I’ll cable Appleby Corning tomorrow and outline the situation!” - -“You think he might include us in the invitation?” War asked eagerly. - -“It’s possible. But as I said, I doubt Appleby would be able to finance -the trip. Plane fare is no small item.” - -The Scouts soberly agreed. Not many months earlier, Albert Monahan, a -wealthy citizen of Belton, had paid the way of the Explorers to Peru -where they successfully had traced his long-missing brother. A trip to -Colombia, however, was a different matter. They could not expect Mr. -Monahan or anyone else to provide passage money. - -“We’ll forget it,” Jack said carelessly. “But you must seize the chance, -Mr. Livingston.” - -“At any rate, it will do no harm to send that cable,” the Scout leader -said, smiling. “Something may turn up.” - -For the remainder of the evening, the Explorers attended to routine -business matters. All discussion of the proposed trip to Minnesota -carefully was avoided. The Explorers knew that they might make the -excursion alone or with another adult, but the prospect of having an -outing without Hap left them completely cold. - -Later, after the meeting had adjourned, Jack and Ken talked over the -matter as they walked home together. - -“Do you think Hap will accept the offer?” the latter speculated. - -“If we urge him enough, he will,” Jack replied gloomily. “It’s only his -conscience that’s holding him back. He figures he owes us a duty. We’ve -postponed our canoe trip so many times.” - -“We mustn’t stand in his way, Jack.” - -“We won’t, Ken. We’ll convince him somehow that he should go. Golly! I -sure wish we could make the trip with him!” - -“Probably we could, if we could raise the dough.” - -“Don’t be simple!” Jack replied with a short laugh. “We couldn’t earn -enough for plane fares if we saved our cash for a year. This trip is -immediate.” - -“It’s hopeless, I guess,” Ken agreed with a shrug. “No use thinking -about it.” - -By this time the two Explorers were within view of the observation tower -where they had spent so many hours on duty. - -Instinctively, they raised their eyes to the platform. Jack waved and -whistled, but in the semi-darkness of the street, the man who was in -service there, did not see him. - -The two went on, approaching the old cemetery road. - -“There’s your friend!” Ken announced with a chuckle. - -“My friend?” - -“The man of mystery.” Ken jerked his thumb toward a battered car which -had passed them only to pull up just inside the entranceway of the -cemetery. - -“Say, this makes the second time tonight that bird has been here!” Jack -exclaimed, stopping short. “What brings him here so often?” - -“You’ve asked that question enough times. Why don’t you learn the -answer?” - -“Why not?” Jack echoed, impressed by the suggestion. “We’ll never have a -better chance!” - -From a distance, the two Explorers had seen the driver of the car -alight. Leaving the car parked just off the road, he started afoot -through the dark, deserted cemetery. - -“Let’s follow him,” Jack proposed. “What d’you say?” - -“Okay,” agreed Ken with a grin. “We probably won’t learn anything worth -while, but it may put an end to those doubts that have been percolating -in your brain!” - - - - - Chapter 3 - STRANGE ACTIONS - - -Keeping out of view, Ken and Jack followed the stranger from a discreet -distance. Unaware that he was being trailed, the man walked swiftly -along the lonely cemetery road. - -Once as he passed a street light, the two Explorers caught a fleeting -glimpse of his face. They gained an impression of an individual with a -large, flat nose and square jaw. - -“Ever see him before?” Jack whispered. - -“Only in that car,” Ken replied. “He’s a tough looking egg. He might -give us a rough time if he catches us trailing him.” - -To be on the safe side, the two fell farther back. It was well that they -took the precaution, for unexpectedly, the man paused and glanced back -into the darkness. - -Ken and Jack froze. They remained motionless, and after a moment, the -stranger went on again. - -“Wow! That was a close call,” Jack muttered. “We’ll have to be more -careful than ever now.” - -“Where’s this bird going anyhow?” Ken demanded. - -His interest had heightened, for the one they followed, had left the -winding cemetery road. Walking fast, he cut through the trees, avoiding -the area where tombstones had been erected. - -“Evidently, he doesn’t come here to visit any of the graves,” Jack -observed. - -To avoid losing sight of the stranger, the Explorers quickened their own -pace. Suddenly, Ken placed a restraining hand on Jack’s arm. They both -halted. - -Ahead, only dimly visible, they could see that the one they pursued, had -halted beside a wooden barrier fence. - -For an instant, they thought that the man intended to climb over. - -Instead, he walked along the barrier for a short distance. Then, -squatting down, he began to dig in the soft earth. - -“What’s he doing?” Ken muttered in astonishment. - -“Looking for something that’s been buried, I’ll bet!” - -As the two watched, the man suddenly ceased digging. Apparently -satisfied, he replaced the thin layer of dirt he had removed, and -covered the area with leaves. - -Then, he started back through the woods the way he had come. Ken and -Jack barely had time to secret themselves behind trees before he passed -them. - -“He’s going back to his car now,” Jack predicted, after the man had -disappeared in the darkness. “What do you make of it, Ken?” - -“He’s been here several times before. We know that. Let’s see what’s -under those leaves.” - -Going on to the fence, the Explorers quickly cleared a small area to -locate the spot where the stranger had dug. - -Jack removed a little dirt with his bare hands. “Wish I had a shovel or -a spade!” he complained. - -“Maybe that fellow has a pet buried here,” Ken suggested. - -Jack straightened up, knocking dirt from his hands. “You would shatter -the illusion!” he accused. “I was figuring on bringing up a box of gold. -Enough to take us to Colombia!” - -“Whatever is planted here is down deep,” Ken said. “We can’t bring it up -without some tools.” - -“Let’s trot home then and get ’em.” - -“It’s late, Jack. Anyway, why not cut the other fellows in on the fun?” - -“The Explorers?” - -“Sure, why keep a good thing like this to ourselves? War in particular -would get a big boot out of digging up something—even if it proves to be -only a dead cat!” - -“Okay,” Jack agreed reluctantly, “but maybe whatever is buried won’t be -here by tomorrow. We’re taking a chance.” - -“Not a very big one. We know that bird comes at night ever so often. It -strikes me, he doesn’t come to dig anything up, but only to make certain -it’s still here.” - -“Could be,” Jack agreed. “A treasure, maybe! Or loot from a robbery!” - -“In that case we should notify the police.” - -“Why don’t we find out what’s here first,” Jack proposed. “As you say, -it may prove to be a buried cat or nothing of importance. We’d be the -laughing stock of Belton in that case.” - -“It won’t do any harm to wait a day,” Ken willingly agreed. “If anything -is buried here, it’s been under ground for a long while.” - -“Let’s get the fellows together tomorrow,” Jack proposed. “Say, I have -an idea!” - -“Spill it, boy.” - -“Let’s invite ’em all to a hike, and advise ’em to bring spades. Then -we’ll bring ’em here, and see what’s what.” - -“Sounds all right to me,” Ken nodded, replacing dirt over the area -disturbed. “I’ll leave it to you to get in touch with the fellows.” - -Carefully, the two Explorers removed all evidence of their digging work. -Before leaving the area, they covered the ground with leaves. - -When they reached the cemetery road a few minutes later, the parked car -was gone. - -“I’m sure glad I jotted down that driver’s license number,” Jack -remarked, as he and Ken walked on toward their homes. “Who knows? It may -come in handy.” - -The discovery of mysterious activity in the cemetery deeply interested -both Scouts. Eager to learn if anything valuable had been buried by the -fence, they lost no time in contacting the other members of the Rovers -unit. - -However, to make the hike more alluring, they refused to pass out even a -hint of what might be in store. Jack not only telephoned Warwick, Willie -and Bob, but also called Mr. Livingston. The Scout leader said -regretfully that he would be tied up at his office and could not -accompany them on the afternoon hike. - -“We’re not going far anyhow,” Jack assured him. “If anything develops, -I’ll get in touch with you right away.” - -By pre-arrangement, the Rovers met at the entranceway to the cemetery -the following afternoon at 3:30 p.m. Ken and Jack were to have the -remainder of the day and the evening to themselves, for it was not a -date on which they were assigned to the observation tower. - -“Why did you ask us to meet you here?” War demanded, as he joined the -waiting group. Following instruction, he had brought a spade. “Want me -to dig a grave or something?” - -“Your own!” Jack retorted. “Everyone here? Where’s Bob?” - -“Coming up the street now,” Ken reported. “Look at the size of that -knapsack he’s carrying! Filled with food, I’ll warrant.” - -“He probably figures we’re going on a three-day hike,” Jack chuckled. - -“How far are we going?” Willie demanded curiously. “A couple of miles?” - -“Oh, about a thousand yards, more or less,” Ken returned carelessly. - -“A thousand yards!” Willie fairly shrieked. “You call that a hike?” - -“And why did you tell us to bring spades?” War asked. “What’s up, -anyhow?” - -“We’re going to do a little digging,” Jack said with a grin. “Come on, -let’s get at it.” - -He and Ken guided the other three through the cemetery to the barrier -fence adjoining the automobile plant. - -“X marks the spot,” Ken chuckled, indicating the area he and Jack had -investigated the previous night. “Dig, slaves!” - -“What’s this all about?” Willie probed. “Why all the mystery?” - -“Yeah, and what are we expected to bring up? Oil?” demanded War. “Not a -spadeful will I turn over until you tell us what we’re supposed to -find.” - -With a laugh, Jack related the manner in which he and Ken had followed -the mysterious stranger on the previous night. - -“Oh, so it’s that fellow in the old car!” War scoffed. “You’ve been -talking about him for a month, Jack. So finally you make something of -it!” - -“Jack may have been smarter than the rest of us,” Ken said soberly. -“After watching that bird last night, we’re convinced something has been -buried here.” - -“And you want to cut us in on the hard digging?” War joked. - -“That’s the general idea,” Ken grinned. “Get busy! I’ll post myself down -by the road to watch for that car driver. He’s not likely to show up -here at this time of day, but it’s well to be alert.” - -“If you see anyone coming, whistle twice,” Jack advised. - -“Okay. If you hit anything interesting, give the same signal. I want to -be on hand when the chest of gold is raised.” - -“Gold,” War murmured with relish. “Pieces of eight! Say, wouldn’t it be -swell if we would dig up money! We could make that trip to Colombia!” - -“Oh, be your age!” Jack scoffed. “If money has been buried here, just -remember it belongs to someone else. Not us. Here, give me that spade.” - -“Not much,” War insisted, starting to dig. “This is my pleasure.” - -For ten minutes, the Explorers clustered about as their chum dug -steadily. The ground was relatively soft, encouraging them to believe -that it had been disturbed not many weeks earlier. - -“Careful!” Jack suddenly warned War. “You’ve struck something.” - -He bent down to examine the metal object which protruded. It appeared to -be the handle to a kettle or other heavy container. However, it was so -deeply embedded, that even with Bob’s help, he could not raise it. - -“Dig some more,” he advised War. “Be careful though.” - -“Ken ought to be here,” Willie remarked, gazing toward the cemetery -road. “Shall I call him?” - -“Go ahead,” Jack nodded. “I think we’ve hit the treasure or whatever it -is.” - -Willie wet his fingers and blew two shrill blasts. Promptly, an answer -was received. A few minutes later, Ken came running up. - -“Find anything?” he demanded breathlessly. - -By this time, War had removed more dirt. “An iron kettle,” he reported, -resting for a moment on his spade. “Loaded to the brim with emeralds!” - -“You’ve been thinking of emeralds ever since that one came for Mr. -Livingston!” Ken laughed. “What is in the kettle?” - -“We don’t know yet,” War admitted. “Being nice guys, we waited for you -before we peeked.” - -“Let’s not wait any longer,” Jack urged impatiently. “Remember, we have -no guard now, and time’s slipping by pretty fast.” - -“Yeah,” agreed Willie. “The owner of this little kettle may come back. -So let’s lift ’er out.” - -“First, we’ll see what’s inside,” Jack insisted. - -The lid of the kettle had been wired down. With the aid of a Scout -knife, he was able to untwist it. As the other Explorers huddled -expectantly about the hole, he slowly and ceremoniously raised the -cover. - -A sudden silence ensued, to be followed by a howl of disappointment. - -The kettle contained several pint milk bottles filled with a colorless -liquid. - -“Gold! Emeralds!” Willie warbled. “Yeah!” - -“Nothing but water,” War added in disgust. “All that work for nothing! -Jack, you and Ken certainly were taken for a ride this time!” - -Ken had bent down again to sniff at the liquid in one of the bottles. -Straightening, he gazed wide-eyed at his chums. - -“This stuff isn’t water,” he told them tersely. “It’s too heavy. -Furthermore, it has a peculiar odor.” - -“What is it, if it isn’t water?” asked War. He started to pick up one of -the containers. Ken seized his arm, shoving him back. - -“Hey, what’s the idea?” War demanded indignantly. - -“Don’t touch that stuff!” - -“Why not?” - -“Because it’s nitro-glycerin! At least I think it is.” - -“Nitro,” War echoed, looking scared. - -“There’s enough to blow us all to Kingdom Come! We’re lucky we haven’t -set it off with the careless way we’ve been digging.” - -“Let’s get out of here fast!” War said, starting away. - -“We can’t just go off and leave the stuff,” Jack protested. “It’s too -dangerous.” - -“There’s only one thing to do,” Ken advised. “Two of us will have to -remain here on guard. The rest can go for the police.” - -No one spoke for a moment. All the Explorers had a healthy respect for -nitro-glycerin, a powerful explosive. Under certain conditions, even a -slight jar would be sufficient to set it off. If the liquid still were -active, there was quantity enough to destroy the nearby automobile -plant. - -“I’ll stay,” Jack quickly volunteered. - -“I’m sticking too,” insisted Willie. “No, don’t argue. There’s no time -to waste.” - -“Right,” Jack grimly agreed. He turned to Ken. - -“Take War and Bob and hot-foot it to the nearest telephone. Willie and I -will stand guard, but we have no craving to meet the Angels. So tell -those cops to step on it!” - - - - - Chapter 4 - A SURPRISE CACHE - - -Left to themselves, Willie and Jack took up the vigil near the kettle of -fluid believed to be nitro-glycerin. - -“If this stuff is still active, it’s a miracle it hasn’t been set off,” -Jack remarked, pacing nervously along the fence. “Why, there’s enough -explosive here to blow that automobile plant to smithers.” - -“Us too, Jack.” - -“Sure. Nitro’s mighty tricky stuff. I hope Ken, War and Bob get those -cops here in a hurry.” - -Scarcely ten minutes had elapsed when Willie thought he heard a car on -the nearby cemetery road. As they listened intently, it halted some -distance away and the motor was switched off. - -“That can’t be a police car,” Jack decided, becoming worried. “Ken would -have brought the cops closer. Anyway, the fellows haven’t had time -enough to get help here.” - -“It might be that bird in the ancient auto coming back again.” - -“Exactly what I was thinking,” Jack agreed. Scanning the nearby trees, -he noticed a cluster of dense bushes which offered a fairly promising -hiding place. - -As he was considering the possibility of seeking refuge in an emergency, -Willie suddenly exclaimed: “Jack, someone is coming this way from the -road!” - -“And it’s that same fellow!” Jack observed, pulling his friend toward -the bushes. “Quick! He hasn’t seen us.” - -The two Scouts took cover. Although the screen of foliage was a thin, -unsatisfactory one, the stranger who approached, seemed too intent upon -his thoughts to glance in that direction. - -Jack and Willie obtained a clear view of the man. He was about -forty-five years of age, short and carelessly dressed in working -clothes. A billed cap was pulled low over his eyes. - -“Sure he’s the same one who’s been coming here so often?” Willie -whispered. “If he isn’t, we’ll have to warn him not to get near that -kettle.” - -“He’s the same one,” Jack answered grimly. “He’s going straight to the -fence too.” - -Just then, the stranger, noticing that dirt had been disturbed by the -barrier, stopped short. He uttered a muffled exclamation, and then went -on. - -The Scouts saw him bend down to gaze at the exposed kettle, and -carefully raise the lid. - -“That’s his nitro!” Jack asserted. “It’s live stuff too! See how careful -he is?” - -The stranger turned unexpectedly, surveying the area with alert eyes. -Jack and Willie remained motionless. - -But the workman had noticed footprints in the soft earth near the fence. -His gaze followed an indistinct shoe pattern directly to the clump of -bushes. - -Almost before the two realized that they had been detected, he whipped -out an automatic. - -“Come out o’ there!” he ordered, moving slowly forward. “With your hands -up!” - -Jack and Willie silently obeyed. One glimpse directly into the face of -the sullen stranger convinced them that he would tolerate no delay. His -dark eyes had a wild look which unnerved them more than the barrel of -the automatic. - -“What are you boys doing here?” the stranger demanded harshly. - -“Why, n-nothing,” Willie answered. - -“You dug up that kettle by the fence, stupid!” - -“What if we did?” Willie retorted. “Nothing in it anyhow, except water.” - -“Water!” the one with the revolver echoed. “You’re lucky to be alive!” - -“Then it’s nitro?” Jack asked quietly. “Why did you bury it by the -fence?” - -“What should I have done with it? Carry it around in my pocket? I’d like -to get rid of the stuff, but how?” - -“Dump it in the creek,” suggested Willie. “There’s one running through -the cemetery.” - -“You are stupid!” the stranger accused. “Don’t you know nitro is heavier -than water? It would sink to the bottom and form a layer.” - -“Notify the police,” advised Jack. “They’ll know what to do.” - -The workman glared at him. “Sure,” he said sarcastically, “they’ll know -what to do all right! You kids give me a pain! You never should have -come poking around here. That stuff would have been okay if you’d left -it alone. Now I’m in a spot.” - -“How’d you get the nitro in the first place?” Willie questioned. - -The stranger did not reply. His face twisted with worry, he ordered the -Scouts to start walking toward the roadway. - -“Where you taking us?” Jack asked, moving as slowly as he dared. - -He could sense the man’s uncertainty, and was stalling for time. If only -Ken, War, Bob and the police would arrive! - -“I don’t know what to do with you,” the stranger admitted. “If I let you -go, you’d blab about the nitro. I’ve got to move it, but where, I don’t -know.” - -“Why don’t we talk this over?” Jack suggested. “Maybe we can work out -something.” - -“Yeah? What? I don’t trust you.” Scowling, the stranger paused as he -came to a cemetery bench. He sat down, but kept his automatic trained on -the two Scouts who remained standing. - -“If you’re afraid to go to the police, why not let us do it for you?” -Jack proposed. - -The workman looked momentarily interested, but shook his head. “No soap. -The nitro would be traced to me. Besides, I may have a use for that soup -later on. It’s valuable stuff—too valuable to be thrown away.” - -“Dangerous though,” Jack suggested, lowering his hands. - -“Keep ’em up,” the stranger ordered sharply. “No tricks!” - -Jack continued to talk, though he scarcely heard his own words. From the -roadway he had caught the hum of a motor. A police car perhaps? If so, -the officers had avoided using a siren, which would have been a dead -give-away. - -“What was that?” the stranger asked suspiciously. - -“Car going through the cemetery,” Jack answered with a shrug. “You sure -are nervous.” - -“You would be too, if you’d nursemaided ten pints of nitro for six -months! I can’t sleep nights for worrying about it.” - -“So that’s why you’ve kept coming back here so often?” Willie inquired. -He could hear a slight rustle of leaves and thought that someone must be -moving afoot through the trees. - -“Sure,” the man admitted. “I had to make certain the stuff was okay. It -would have been too, if you kids had kept away. I could wring your -necks!” - -“What are you going to do with us?” Jack asked, trying desperately to -hold the full attention of the stranger. - -By this time, he and Willie had glimpsed Ken, War and Bob walking near -the fence. The man with the revolver could not see them, for he sat with -his back to the approaching Scouts. - -Jack and Willie were certain a car had stopped closeby in the cemetery, -but there was no sign of the police. They were worried too, lest at any -moment their three chums might betray their presence. If only they would -catch on to the situation! - -Deliberately, Jack began to argue in a louder tone, hoping his voice -would carry to the fence. To his relief, he saw Ken turn to gaze toward -the bench. Quickly, he shifted his own gaze lest his intense interest -alert his captor. - -Moments passed. Then as Jack and Willie remained with hands raised, they -heard a soft rustle of leaves. Their friends were stealing up behind the -park bench! - -“I’ve got to take you with me,” the stranger suddenly announced, his -mind made up. “Get going! To the car!” - -Jack and Willie turned as if to obey. At that moment, as their captor -started to arise, the other Scouts closed in from behind. - -Before the man could resist, they overturned the bench, toppling him to -the ground. The automatic was discharged harmlessly into the air. Jack -seized and held the man’s arm. - -Overwhelmed by numbers, the stranger found himself powerless to move. -Ken, Bob and Willie used the overturned bench to hold him pinned to the -earth. - -“Quick! Get the police!” Ken urged. “Their car is down the road. We came -on ahead.” - -But there was no need for anyone to seek assistance. The revolver shot -had brought the police on a run. A moment later they came up to take -charge of the captive. Unprotesting, he allowed them to lock handcuffs -onto his wrists. - -“Good work, boys!” one of the officers praised. “Do you know this guy -you’ve nailed?” - -The Scouts admitted that they had no idea as to his identity. - -“He’s Blackie Williams, an expert safe cracker,” they were informed. “He -did a long stretch at the state penitentiary. Got out about a year and a -half ago.” - -The prisoner was escorted to the police car. While he remained under -guard, one of the officers went with the Scouts to inspect the cache of -nitro-glycerin. - -“This is the real stuff,” the policeman announced after a brief -examination of the liquid in the kettle. “There’s enough here to blow up -the cemetery.” - -“Still active?” Jack questioned. - -“It probably is. This stuff is too tricky to be moved by anyone except a -nitro expert. You Scouts were lucky you weren’t blown to bits.” - -“I guess so,” Jack admitted ruefully. “We had no idea what was in the -kettle when we started digging. Luckily, our spade never jarred the -container.” - -“It’s going to be a job getting rid of that nitro,” the policeman said. -“The important thing now is to bottle up this area, so no one gets hurt. -You boys willing to help?” - -“Sure,” Warwick agreed eagerly. - -“Then post yourselves along the cemetery road,” the policeman -instructed. “Don’t let anyone in. If that nitro should let loose, this -whole place would go up in one loud bang!” - - - - - Chapter 5 - HEROES ALL! - - -Within an hour after the capture of Blackie Williams, the Belton -newspapers carried front page accounts of the nitro-glycerin discovery. -Photographers, reporters and hundreds of curious persons swarmed to the -cemetery area. - -Working under direction of police, the Scouts guarded entrance roads -until relieved of duty. Reporters interviewed them and photographers -insisted that they pose for action shots. To their intense -embarrassment, townsfolk chose to regard them as heroes. - -“Shucks, we didn’t do much,” Ken protested. “If anyone deserves credit, -Jack does. He had that first hunch about Blackie Williams.” - -A policeman informed the Scouts that an out-of-town explosives expert -would be called in to set off a controlled explosion. - -“We’ve talked to Blackie, and there’s no question the stuff is active,” -he told Jack. “Too dangerous to move. It seems he stole it seven months -ago from an explosives plant. Once he got his hands on it, he realized -he had more than he could use in twenty years. So he had to get rid of -it.” - -The Scouts were on hand the following day when a nitro-glycerin expert -arrived to inspect the kettle of fluid. He told police the explosive -could not be safely moved and that it must be detonated. Preparations -went forward for the big blast. - -Under the direction of Bradley Graham, an expert, sod and screenings -were placed atop the cache to control the explosion. A two-pound -dynamite charge, activated by a battery-powered switch, then was set up. - -When all was in readiness, great crowds jammed the streets, approaching -as close as police would allow. Only newspaper reporters and Scouts were -permitted within the roped off area. All were warned to hit the ground -face downward at the moment of the explosion. - -The signal was given. Mr. Graham pulled a switch. But for a moment, -nothing happened. - -“It’s a dud—” War muttered. - -His words were drowned by a mighty explosion which rocked the earth. -Dirt and crushed stone flew high into the air. - -“A dud, eh?” said Jack laughing, wiping dust from his clothes as he got -quickly to his feet. - -After an interval, the Scouts were permitted to inspect the great crater -which had been made. The hole was fully fifteen feet across and nearly -five feet deep. - -“I guess a little knowledge comes in handy,” Bob remarked in awe. “It’s -sure lucky we recognized that stuff as nitro.” - -The Scouts thought no more of the incident. Therefore, it came as a -distinct surprise, when on the following day, they received word that a -recognition dinner was to be given in their honor. Explorers Post 21 -members were instructed to present themselves at the Belton Hotel at six -o’clock on Friday night. - -“Do we have to go?” Willie asked Mr. Livingston in alarm. - -“I would,” the Scout leader advised. “The mayor and the president of the -auto plant are giving the dinner. You boys performed a fine service, so -it’s only right that Belton should show appreciation.” - -Their consciences at ease, the Scouts pressed their green Explorers’ -uniforms and at the designated hour presented themselves at the hotel. -Two hundred businessmen and their wives had turned out to honor the -boys. - -The dinner was excellent and high praise was bestowed upon the Scouts. -As a climax, the mayor arose to announce that citizens of Belton City -wished to show their appreciation in a more material way. In behalf of -the entire Post, he handed Jack a check for $900. - -Jack glued his eyes on the bit of paper, too overcome to speak. He felt -Ken nudge him. - -“Say something, you lug!” his chum urged. - -“In behalf of my fellow Explorers—” Jack began, “I want to say that -we’re most grateful.” He laughed and dropped the formality. “Oh, heck! -We only did what every Scout is supposed to do—his duty. We didn’t want -pay.” - -“Of course, you didn’t, Jack,” responded the mayor. “Nevertheless, we -feel that the Scouts performed a great service. Had it not been for your -alertness, the automobile plant might have been destroyed. So take the -check and spend it as you wish—a vacation trip or new furniture for your -club room.” - -“Yes, sir,” Jack murmured, grinning. “We’ll manage to spend it all -right!” - -After the gathering had broken up, the Explorers joined Mr. Livingston -to discuss their good fortune. Jack turned the check over to the Scout -leader, who said he would deposit it at the bank the first thing the -following morning. - -“What a night it’s been!” Willie remarked blissfully. “With all this -dough, we really can have a bang-up trip to Minnesota—if we go.” - -The Scouts gazed speculatively at Mr. Livingston. Since the arrival of -the letter and emerald from his friend in Colombia, he had not even -mentioned the subject again. Had he given up all thought of making the -trip, they wondered? - -“Fellows,” Mr. Livingston said abruptly, “I hadn’t intended to spill -this just yet, but I may as well. I’ve accepted Appleby Corning’s offer. -I hope to leave for Colombia within three weeks.” - -No one replied for a moment. The information was most disappointing. - -Ken was the first to find tongue. “Why, that’s fine,” he said in a -hollow tone. “We’ll miss you, but it’s a splendid opportunity. Post 21 -won’t be the same without you, but we’ll get along somehow.” - -“Who said anything about getting along without me?” Mr. Livingston -demanded with a broad smile. - -“You don’t mean you’re taking us with you!” cried War, his freckled face -crinkling into lines of delight. - -“That’s the general idea. I cabled my friend, and received a reply this -morning. He said to bring you fellows along.” - -“But the cost?” Jack interposed anxiously. - -“That’s the rub,” admitted the Scout leader. “Appleby isn’t too well -off. He’s offered though, to pay all the plane fares, round trip. All -other expenses of the trip would have to be met by us.” - -“Would nine hundred dollars do it?” War asked eagerly. - -“It might.” - -“We have another hundred or so we’ve saved for the Minnesota trip,” -added Willie. “I’m for shooting the works!” - -“Until the mayor presented the check tonight, I couldn’t see how the -trip might be financed,” Mr. Livingston admitted. “But with plane fare -furnished, I think we could get along. Once we’re in Colombia, Mr. -Corning will put us up at the Last Chance mine. So we’ll have no living -expenses there. Naturally, we’ll need a little extra money for -emergencies.” - -“When do we start?” War chortled. “Why wait three weeks?” - -“There’s a little item of school for one thing,” Mr. Livingston reminded -him. “Also, your parents must consent. Talk the matter over with them -and report to me tomorrow.” - -By the following day, all the Scouts with exception of Bob, had obtained -permission to make the journey. His parents felt that he was too young -to attempt such a long trip. Instead, they were taking him with them on -a motor tour to California. - -“Honestly, I don’t mind too much,” Bob cheerfully informed his friends. -“I’m not a softie, but those tales you told about being held captive by -Indians in Peru left me rather cold. I’m partial to a nice bed and three -square meals a day.” - -“This is a different sort of trip,” Jack said. “We don’t expect to -become mixed up in an intrigue over Inca gold.” - -“It may be emeralds this time,” Bob predicted. “Something’s brewing or -Mr. Corning wouldn’t have sent for Hap.” - -“You’re probably right,” Jack agreed with a grin. “Trouble certainly has -developed at the Last Chance mine. And it’s a cinch we’re going to be in -the thick of it!” - - - - - Chapter 6 - A COMPANY AGENT - - -“This must be the place. A filthy looking little office.” - -Mr. Livingston had paused before a doorway on a shadeless, rather -depressing back street of Cartagena. Only a moment before, a carriage -had deposited the Scout leader and the four Explorers at an address -where they hoped to obtain information concerning Appleby Corning. - -The day was uncomfortably warm. Since arriving eighteen hours earlier at -the Caribbean port, the Scouts had waited expectantly at their hotel. - -No word had come from Mr. Livingston’s friend, the mining engineer, who -had promised to meet and personally escort them to the Last Chance mine -above Emerald Valley in the eastern Andes. - -Learning that the company which controlled the emerald mine, had a -Cartagena as well as a Bogota office, the Scouts finally had set out to -find the former. - -“This is the company office all right,” Jack Hartwell confirmed, -consulting an address scribbled in his notebook. - -“In we go,” the Scout leader urged. - -He led the way into the untidy quarters of the Bolton Mining Company -offices. The outside room in which the Explorers found themselves was -both deserted and dusty. Old magazines and mining journals cluttered the -tables and chairs. - -“No one here,” Warwick remarked uneasily. - -Ken, however, crossed the room to an inner doorway which opened into -another office. - -“I beg your pardon,” he said apologetically. “Good morning.” - -The words were addressed to a man, who sat half-hidden behind a -battered, roll-top desk. He wore no coat or necktie and had not shaved -that day. - -Seeing Ken in the doorway, the agent’s feet came down from the desk -where they had been resting. His mouth dropped open to expose unclean, -broken teeth. - -“Good morning,” Ken repeated pleasantly. “Are you the agent for the -Bolton Mining Company?” - -“That’s me,” the man growled. “Who are you? What do you want?” - -Unprepared for such an indifferent reception, Ken stepped aside so that -Mr. Livingston and the other Scouts could enter. The company agent -regarded them with obvious annoyance. - -“Well, what d’you want?” he demanded again as no one spoke. - -“My name is George Livingston,” the Scout leader introduced himself. -“You probably know why I am here.” - -“Never heard of you.” - -Somewhat taken aback by the agent’s blunt reply, Mr. Livingston -introduced Ken, Jack, Willie and Warwick. The mining company man merely -stared at them with complete lack of interest. - -“You are Ferd Baronni?” Mr. Livingston inquired, as the agent failed to -introduce himself. He had been informed at the hotel as to the company -representative’s name. - -“That’s right. You got business with me?” - -“Appleby Corning didn’t tell you we were coming to Colombia?” - -“I ain’t seen Corning in three months. And if I don’t see him for -another three, it will be soon enough!” - -Mr. Livingston ignored the remark. “Mr. Corning agreed to meet us here,” -he told the agent. “It seems there’s something wrong at the Last Chance -mine, and he wanted us to help him out.” - -“There’s always trouble at the mine,” Ferd Baronni growled. He eyed the -Scout leader suspiciously. “What did he send word to you for?” - -“Mr. Corning didn’t explain. He merely forwarded plane fares and asked -us to come.” - -“Corning paid your way here? I always knew that guy was half crazy and -this proves it! What does he figure you can do to get the mine on a -paying basis? You an engineer, huh?” - -“No, I’m a Boy Scout leader.” - -The agent’s thin lips parted in a hard, mirthless smile. “You’ll be a -big help!” he said sarcastically. - -“Sure! You’ll never be able to stand the climate at the Last Chance. -It’s a lot colder than Bogota. I advise you to climb back on a plane and -return to the States.” - -“We’re asking for information, not advice,” Mr. Livingston said -pleasantly. “Do you know when Mr. Corning is likely to get here?” - -“You know more about it than I do,” the agent shrugged. - -“You are the representative of the company,” Mr. Livingston reminded -him. - -“Sure, but Corning’s comings and goings ain’t none of my affair. It’s my -job to ship out the emeralds. Lately, there ain’t been any to ship.” The -agent smiled in grim satisfaction. “If you want it straight, your friend -has fallen down on the job. He came here talking big—oh, he was going to -clean up the mess at the Last Chance—get the cooperation of the workers, -and open up a big vein! What’s he done? Failed like they all do.” - -“You’ve handled company affairs for quite a while, I take it?” the Scout -leader questioned. - -“Twelve years. Part of the time I’m at the Bogota office.” - -“Tell us a little about the Last Chance mine,” Mr. Livingston urged. - -“Nothing to tell. Emerald mining is a government monopoly here, but an -American outfit got a concession. The best emeralds in the world are -found in Colombia.” For the first time, since the Scouts had met him, -Mr. Baronni showed enthusiasm. “The Last Chance has been worked off and -on before the coming of the Spaniards. But the mine’s playing out. Since -your friend Corning took over, production has dropped alarmingly. Any -day now I expect to get word from the company to close down completely.” - -“Sounds rather discouraging,” Mr. Livingston commented. “What seems to -be the trouble?” - -“Corning doesn’t know how to handle the Indians. They steal him blind. -Another thing, the mine is playing out. It’s up to him to find another -vein of emeralds, and find it quick. The former engineer should have -been left in charge.” - -Mr. Livingston eyed the agent thoughtfully, but made no comment. It had -been apparent from the first, that Ferd Baronni had no love for Appleby -Corning. - -“Want to see some emeralds?” the agent invited, pulling himself -reluctantly from a swivel chair. - -From an old-fashioned safe, he removed a cigar box. Almost reverently, -he fingered a handful of large emeralds contained within. One which he -offered Mr. Livingston was soft to the touch, very dark in color and had -smoldering fire. - -Another, somewhat smaller, was a shade lighter. Instead of having a -subdued glow, it seemed to blaze with flame. - -“Now this one’s a first quality emerald,” the agent informed the awed -group. “We ain’t getting many of ’em any more from the Last Chance.” - -“You say the mine is likely to close down?” Mr. Livingston questioned. - -“Any day now. Then the workers will drift off to find work elsewhere. -Once a mine shuts down, vegetation takes over. That’s how so many -once-rich veins have been lost.” - -“Mr. Corning didn’t tell you we were coming?” - -“Not a word.” - -“Our cables I think, came through here. Or perhaps they were sent by way -of Santa Marta.” - -“That’s the big banana shipping port. Corning has friends there. Your -message to him still may be there uncollected.” - -“But he knew we were coming,” Mr. Livingston said in a worried voice. -“He promised to meet us here at Cartagena.” - -“Sure it wasn’t Santa Marta or Bogota?” - -“Of course not. We wouldn’t make a mistake as stupid as that. How can we -get word to him?” - -“No way,” the agent replied indifferently. “When Corning gets around to -it, if he ain’t too busy, he may drop down to Santa Marta. Or maybe to -Bogota. Lately, he’s been sending his emeralds to the office there—when -he has any to send, which ain’t often.” - -“Can’t we get word to the mine?” - -“There’s no railroad. Only a mule track. My advice is to see Cartagena -and if he doesn’t show up in a few days, take a boat back to the -States.” - -The agent’s advice was most discouraging to the Scouts. After talking -with Baronni for a while longer, they gloomily returned to their hotel -to think over the situation. - -“I can’t believe Appleby would let us down,” Mr. Livingston told the -Explorers. “He’ll get word to us soon. Meanwhile, we may as well do a -little sightseeing.” - -“We haven’t any too much cash,” Ben reminded the group. “In making our -plans, we figured on Mr. Corning putting us up at the mine. If we run a -fancy hotel bill here for a week or so, it will make quite a dent in our -funds.” - -“Appleby will show up within a couple of days,” Mr. Livingston insisted. -“Let’s not worry about it.” - -With time heavy upon their hands, the four Explorers thoroughly explored -the delightful port of Cartagena. They visited the old reservoir, the -ancient walls, the harbor and the fine residential section. - -But after three days of leisurely sightseeing, the Scouts wearied of the -quiet old city. Each morning they called upon Ferd Baronni to ask if any -word had been received from Appleby Corning. Each day, the answer was in -the negative. - -“Better forget about the Last Chance mine,” the agent advised them -gruffly. “You can catch a boat tomorrow for the States. After that, -there won’t be another for a week.” - -Mr. Livingston shook his head. “Mr. Corning sent for us. I’m unwilling -to return without at least making an effort to contact him.” - -“Suit yourself,” the agent shrugged. “You got a long wait ahead -probably.” - -“We can’t afford to lose any more time. I’ve practically decided to go -on to the Bogota office.” - -Baronni straightened in his swivel chair. “Some company officials live -there, but the office is closed most of the time,” he informed the Scout -leader. “If you’re dead set on pulling out of here, you’d have a better -chance of learning about your friend at Santa Marta.” - -“Very well. How do we get there? Can you help us, or shall we make -arrangements ourselves?” - -Ferd Baronni gazed steadily at Mr. Livingston a moment. “I’ll make the -arrangements, if you’re determined to go,” he said. “I got a friend who -runs a sled boat between here and Calamar. When you get there you can -take a boat.” - -“Fine!” - -“Be at the dock tomorrow at seven,” the agent advised, writing an -address on a slip of paper. - -The Scouts thanked him for his trouble, and went back to the hotel to -pack. Their spirits soared at the prospect of leaving Cartagena. At -dinner however, Jack noticed that Mr. Livingston was unusually quiet. - -“Worried?” he inquired. - -“Not exactly.” - -“You’re afraid we may not find Mr. Corning at Santa Marta?” Jack -guessed. - -“The thought does bother me. It’s a little out of our way in going to -the mine. Another thing—” - -“What’s that?” Jack asked as the Scout leader hesitated. - -“I’m borrowing trouble, I guess. But I can’t help wishing I hadn’t -allowed Ferd Baronni to make our travel arrangements. He seemed too -eager to do it.” - -“You don’t trust him?” - -“Not entirely,” Mr. Livingston admitted. “He dislikes Appleby Corning. -Furthermore, he’s resented our mission here.” - -“I noticed that. We could cancel the arrangements.” - -The Scout leader considered for a moment, then shook his head. “No, -we’ll let them stand,” he decided. “I’m ashamed of my suspicions. The -sled-boat trip should prove to be an interesting diversion. I’m looking -forward to it.” - - - - - Chapter 7 - TOIL AND TROUBLE - - -Mr. Livingston and the Explorers presented themselves at the dock -promptly at seven o’clock the following morning. - -They were to proceed by way of a natural channel connecting the -Magdalena River with the sea. The propeller boat in which they were to -ride already was waiting. - -“Queer looking contraption,” Ken remarked upon inspecting it. - -The sea-sled was approximately thirty feet in length, motor-powered, and -with curious runners. A canopy was provided as protection from the sun, -and there were comfortable wicker chairs. - -“Are we ready to start?” Mr. Livingston inquired cheerfully after the -luggage had been placed aboard. - -“Not yet,” the operator answered. - -He was a young Colombian, dark-haired and with an extremely nervous -manner. - -The Scouts took their places in the sled-boat and waited. Fifteen -minutes passed, and finally a half hour. - -“Why the delay?” Jack finally asked, walking over to the boat operator. - -“Waiting for another passenger,” the man answered curtly. “Don’t bother -me.” - -“What sort of service is this, anyhow?” Willie grumbled. “This late -passenger must be a mighty important guy!” - -Another twenty minutes elapsed while the Scouts grew increasingly -impatient. - -Finally, the one for whom they waited, arrived at the dock. A handsome -woman of forty, dressed in a white linen suit, came hurriedly to the -sled-boat. Porters carried her luggage, and a number of boxes. - -“Gosh, she must be the wife of an official or something!” Warwick -whispered to Jack. “She had her nerve holding us up nearly an hour!” - -“Quiet!” the other warned him. “You want her to hear?” - -The woman spoke briefly with the operator of the sled-boat, whose name -the Scouts now knew to be Haredia. They conversed so rapidly in Spanish -that Jack could not understand, despite some knowledge of the language. -However, he saw the pair glance twice in the direction of the boat, and -had an uneasy feeling that the Scout party was under discussion. - -Presently, the woman came aboard, accepting the chair which Mr. -Livingston offered her. She scrutinized each of the Scouts and sat down -without mentioning her name. - -“I’m George Livingston,” the Scout leader introduced himself, intending -to be friendly. - -A roar of the powerful boat motor drowned out his words. The woman -merely inclined her head slightly in acknowledgement of the introduction -and made no answer. - -The Scouts settled back into their chairs expectantly. A great fountain -of spray was thrown up as the boat glided smoothly over the water on her -long runners. - -“This is great!” War cried, thoroughly enjoying himself. “Just like a -toboggan!” - -From the bay, the boat shot out into the open Caribbean sea and -presently slowed down to enter a passageway leading to a marshy lake. - -The sled continued to skim along between banks dense with tropical -growth. Jack stole a glance at the woman passenger. She showed no -interest in the scenery, and in fact, appeared bored. From her -indifference, he concluded that she had made the trip on prior occasions -and that the experience no longer interested her. - -Without slackening speed, the sled raced on past villages of thatched -huts. Only when they reached a great marsh, did the operator throttle -the motor. - -Anxiously, he studied the many bays and inlets which were heavily -clogged with water-hyacinths. - -“What’s wrong now?” Ken murmured, as Haredia tried first one and then -another of the openings. - -“He’s searching for a passageway through,” Mr. Livingston explained. “I -hope we don’t clog the propeller.” - -As the sled proceeded, the way became more difficult. Hyacinths were -floating everywhere in dense masses. - -“I’ll bet we’ve taken the wrong channel,” Willie muttered. “Haredia -should turn back before we’re hemmed in.” - -“He never will,” Ken replied. “Not that bird!” - -For no reason that the Scouts could explain, they had taken a dislike to -the operator of the sled boat. Haredia had not been hostile, but he had -coldly ignored them. Though he had handled the boat skillfully enough in -open water, it seemed to them that now that the going had become harder, -he was abandoning all caution. - -“We’re getting into those hyacinths deeper and deeper,” Jack remarked -uneasily. “Why don’t we turn back?” - -Glancing over his shoulder, he was rather dismayed to see an almost -solid meadow of water plants behind the boat. - -“It would be easy to get lost in this mess,” he remarked. “But I suppose -Haredia knows what he’s doing.” - -The sled kept stubbornly on, its laboring engines cutting a passage. - -Then suddenly the motor set up a frightful clatter and the boat began to -move in jerks. - -“We’ve done it now!” Jack exclaimed. “The motor’s shot!” - -Mr. Livingston left his chair and went over to see what he could do to -help. Haredia, nervous and perspiring, brushed aside his offer. - -“Don’t bother me now!” he rasped. “We’ll get out of this!” - -“We will, if you use your head,” the Scout leader replied. “But you -can’t keep on without ruining the motor. It sounds to me as if the -clutch has slipped.” - -“What do you expect me to do?” Haredia demanded savagely. “Fix it here?” - -“Isn’t there a place where we can put in for repairs?” - -“We’ll do better to go on, if we can find the channel.” - -“We’re lost then?” - -“Not lost,” Haredia insisted irritably. “With the motor running right, I -could find the channel in time.” - -“Can’t we pole out of this?” - -“It will be hard work,” the operator tried to discourage him. - -Nevertheless, he brought out the long poles and the Scouts took turns -shoving the heavy boat backwards through the thick, choking mass. A hot -sun beat upon them, causing perspiration to run down their foreheads and -legs. - -As they toiled, the woman passenger showed little interest. Remaining -under the shade of the canopy, she fanned herself and calmly read a -magazine. - -The Scouts began to feel annoyed as the sun rose higher and the poling -became harder. They expected no help from their fellow passenger, but -her utter indifference to their toil rather nettled them. - -As for Haredia, he divided his time between steering the craft and -smoking cigarettes. Not once did he grasp a pole to exert any physical -effort. - -Getting out of the worst of the hyacinth net, the Scouts tried several -inlets which offered promise. None led to open water. - -Haredia was able to move the boat slowly now by means of the crippled -motor. But stretches of clear going were few and far between. For the -greater part of the time, the Scouts were forced to pole. Their hands -became blistered and their backs sore. - -By dint of exhausting work, they finally brought the boat to an area of -sparse hyacinth growth. Three passages opened before them. Haredia -steered toward one of them. - -“Let’s take the other opening,” Jack proposed. “It looks less clogged -with plants.” - -Haredia acted as if he had not heard. Jack repeated the suggestion. -Still there was no response. The other Scouts had stopped poling, -allowing the boat to drift. - -Haredia started to turn on the disabled motor. - -“Wait!” Jack said tersely. “Let’s talk this over. You admit you’re -lost.” - -“We will find the passage in time.” - -“But one looks the same as another.” Jack went on. “It’s just a process -of elimination—trying them one at a time?” - -“That is right, Senor.” - -“Then let’s try the other passage first.” - -Haredia glowered at Jack. “This one is better,” he insisted. - -The woman passenger had laid aside her magazine. She spoke firmly. -“Haredia is right. We must follow his advice.” - -Jack knew he was beaten. Actually, in appearance, there was little -choice between the passageways. He was ready to give in to Haredia’s -wishes when Ken nudged him and pointed. - -A native in a dugout canoe had just emerged from another inlet. - -“He should be able to guide us to a village if we can make him -understand!” Ken asserted. “Let’s give him a yodel!” - -To the obvious displeasure of both the woman and Haredia, Jack shouted -to the native. He came readily, gazing in awe at the crippled boat. - -Haredia spoke rapidly to him. Jack caught a few of the words and the -native’s answer. - -“He says we’re to take this passage,” Haredia translated, pointing to -the one he had favored. - -Jack’s eyes smoldered. “Sorry,” he said coldly, “but I happen to -understand a little Spanish. You didn’t ask him how to reach the nearest -village. You said something about the weather.” - -“I’ve had enough of this!” Haredia said furiously. “Maybe the Senor -would like to take charge?” - -Jack glanced questioningly at Mr. Livingston. - -“Thanks, we will,” the Scout leader replied. Quietly, he instructed -Jack: “Try to make the native understand that we want him to guide us to -the nearest village or plantation. Tell him we’ll pay well for the -service.” - - - - - Chapter 8 - DELAY - - -When Haredia understood that Mr. Livingston and the Scouts were -determined to question the native, his attitude abruptly changed. He -spoke again to the man in the dugout, who nodded and gestured in the -direction Jack had suggested that they take. - -“This Indian will guide us,” Haredia informed the passengers. “He says -we are to follow him. With your permission, senor, I will do so.” - -In an insolent manner, the boat operator bowed to Mr. Livingston. - -“It seems we were right about the passageway,” the Scout leader replied. -“How far is the nearest village?” - -“There is a plantation on about a quarter of a mile,” Haredia returned. - -“Then we will go there.” - -Aided by the racking motor, the sled boat moved by spurts through the -hyacinths. The Indian, naked to his waist, paddled ahead, indicating -every turn in the maze. - -Gradually, the mat of entangling hyacinths thinned out and they saw the -main channel ahead. - -“This looks more like it,” Jack sighed, putting away the poles. - -The disabled motor presently brought them to the wharf of a large -plantation. While Haredia and Mr. Livingston attended to getting -repairs, the Scouts sat in the shade and sipped cool drinks. - -“I can’t figure Haredia,” Willie remarked, swatting an insect. “Was he -trying to pull a fast one on us, or not?” - -“It’s easy enough to lose one’s way in a field of hyacinths,” War -returned. “We can’t blame him for that, although one would think he’d -know the route.” - -“He was stubborn about wanting to take that other inlet,” Willie went on -reflectively. “If we’d followed his advice, we’d be poling yet!” - -“I wouldn’t have thought too much about it, except that he clearly -didn’t want that native to guide us here,” contributed Ken. “I’m glad -Happy insisted upon staying at the dock while repairs are being made.” - -“Hap won’t let him pull anything,” Jack declared confidently. Draining -his glass of limeade he arose and stretched his legs. “Guess I’ll amble -down to the wharf to see how the work’s going. Maybe I can help.” - -Bored by inactivity, Ken decided to accompany him. Leaving Willie and -War to finish their drinks, the two sauntered down to the wharf where -the sea sled had been raised out of water. - -“Wonder what became of our female passenger?” Jack remarked. - -“Oh, she went to the plantation house,” Ken answered indifferently. “I -hope she stays there too. She’s a cool number.” - -“Learn her name?” - -“Not yet, but I aim to,” Ken announced. “Maybe this is my chance now.” - -Haredia was coming up the path, eating a sandwich of sardines. He would -have avoided the pair had not Ken stopped him. - -“How’s the work coming along?” - -“All right,” the boatman told him briefly. “The clutch is fixed.” - -“Then we’ll be starting soon?” - -“The rudder is bent.” - -“Oh, that’s bad,” Ken commented. “How long will we be held here?” - -Haredia shrugged. “Who knows?” he asked. “Maybe an hour. Maybe three.” - -“It’s a bit hard on the lady,” Ken commented, seeing an opening. “By the -way, what’s her name?” - -“I would not know,” Haredia returned stiffly. - -“You and she seemed well acquainted.” - -“The Senora has traveled on my sled boat once before.” - -“But you don’t know her name?” - -“I do not ask as many questions as the American Scouts,” the boatman -retorted with an unpleasant smile. “You will pardon me now? I have an -errand.” - -He passed them and went on up the path to the thatched roof plantation -house. - -“That was telling us, I guess,” Jack laughed shortly. “We were being -rather inquisitive.” - -“It’s unfriendly not to give one’s name. Anyway, you can bet little -Haredia knows who she is, but he’s keeping it dark.” - -“Why would he do that, Ken?” - -“I dunno, Jack. Maybe she’s the wife of a big shot.” - -“Even so, would that be any reason for keeping her name a secret? She -knows Haredia well. What’s more, she supported him when he deliberately -chose the wrong route.” - -“That may have been a natural mistake. He’s supposed to know his -business, while we’re unfamiliar with the waterways.” - -“Sure,” Jack acknowledged, “but I didn’t like the way they kept looking -at each other, as if they were pulling some trick. Haredia can’t be -trusted.” - -“If he ever gets us to the Magdalena, we’ll be free of him.” - -“I hope so.” Jack frowned thoughtfully. “For the life of me, I can’t see -why he’d try to delay us. But that’s what he seems to have done.” - -“We may have misjudged him.” - -“Don’t forget Ken, Ferd Baronni made the arrangements for our trip.” - -“You’re saying Baronni may have messed up our journey on purpose?” - -“It hits me that way, Ken. I’ll admit though, I can’t figure out any -logical reason he’d have for not wanting us to go on to find Appleby -Corning.” - -The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Mr. Livingston. He -reported that repairs on the sled boat should be completed in another -hour or two. The delay, however, would put them a day behind in their -schedule. - -The Scout leader was inclined to brush aside Jack’s theory that Haredia -and Ferd Baronni might have conspired together. - -“I doubt it,” he replied. “Haredia is an irresponsible fellow with an -ugly disposition. He took a dislike to our party and is being most -uncooperative. I question though, that he and the company agent have any -close connection.” - -“Haredia tried to delay us by choosing the wrong passageway,” Jack -pointed out. - -“His attitude, I think, resulted from inefficiency. He was unwilling to -admit a mistake.” - -No more was said, for just then the boatman sauntered back from the -plantation house. Mr. Livingston joined him and they returned together -to the wharf. - -Jack and Ken watched the repair work for awhile, but there was nothing -they could do to help. The intense heat presently drove them to shade. - -As they flicked mosquitoes, Mr. Ferendez, the genial plantation owner, -came up with Warwick and Willie. The three struck up a friendly -conversation. - -“Mr. Ferendez has been telling us about Santa Marta,” Willie asserted, -munching a banana. “He says it’s situated on a good harbor, and has -weekly steamers to New York and New Orleans.” - -“It’s a big banana center, isn’t it?” Ken remarked to make conversation. - -“Exports have increased enormously,” Mr. Ferendez told him. “You should -have an interesting visit there.” - -“Oh, we’re not on a pleasure trip,” War disclosed. “The fact is, we’re -on our way to the Last Chance mine, and are going by way of Santa -Marta.” - -“The Last Chance mine! You’re heading into the mountains?” - -Jack and Ken were flashing War warning signals, considering it unwise to -reveal their plans, even to a friendly stranger. The younger Scout, -however, failed to take the hint. - -“To Emerald Valley,” he went on. “Appleby Corning, the engineer at the -mine, sent for us. He was supposed to meet us at Cartagena, but didn’t. -So we’re going on to the mine.” - -“But why go by way of Santa Marta?” the plantation owner asked with a -puzzled frown. “Bogota is considered the gateway.” - -“We thought we might run into Mr. Corning at Santa Marta. He’s supposed -to have friends there.” - -The plantation owner made no comment. His very silence, however, -troubled the Scouts. - -“Do you know Mr. Corning?” Jack finally inquired. - -“I’ve heard of him, but he seldom travels this way. I understand he’s -been kept very busy at the mine.” - -“Trouble there?” questioned Willie. - -The planter smiled. “So long as I can remember, there’s been trouble at -the Last Chance. Wherever you find emeralds, you’ll find intrigue and -grief. If you’re going there, I advise you to be careful.” - -“Careful?” echoed Jack. - -“The mule trail to the mine is dangerous. That section of country, you -know, is overrun with bandits. Carlos in particular, has a reputation -for holding up mule trains.” - -“We’re hoping Mr. Corning will meet us at Santa Marta,” War said. “Or at -least send word.” - -“By the way, what became of the former engineer at the Last Chance?” Ken -inquired thoughtfully. “Did he return to the States?” - -The planter revealed his astonishment. “The engineer’s wife could answer -that question better than I,” he replied. - -“His wife?” Ken repeated. “Where would we meet her?” - -“You already have,” the planter answered in amusement. - -“You don’t mean that woman passenger on the sea sled!” Jack exclaimed -incredulously. “The one who didn’t tell us her name!” - -“She is Mrs. McClellan Rhodes, wife of the engineer. Her first name is -Rosie.” - -“Ye fishes!” Willie yipped in sudden apprehension. “You don’t suppose -she’s going to the mine too!” - -“I wouldn’t know,” replied the planter. “Rosie didn’t say. But if she is -heading for Emerald Valley and the mountains, her husband must now be at -the mine. And in that event, your friend, Mr. Corning, had better be -alert!” - -Disturbed by the planter’s remarks, Jack and his friends tried to learn -more. Mr. Ferendez could tell them very little. - -He related that he had met McClellan Rhodes and his wife only once -before, at Bogota. At that time they were mingling in society, living -high. - -“Rhodes didn’t attend to his duties at the mine, I was told,” Mr. -Ferendez reported. “According to rumor, he was replaced because of -inefficiency. Under Appleby Corning, the mine has improved. But -apparently, there’s dissatisfaction among the emerald miners.” - -“You think Rhodes may have something to do with it?” inquired Willie. - -“Oh, he’d like to get his old job back,” the planter returned. “No -question about that. He and his wife made a good thing of it.” - -“Where is Rhodes now?” asked Ken. - -“You’ll have to ask his wife,” the planter responded, inclining his head -toward the path. “She’s coming now.” - -The Scouts had no intention of questioning Mrs. Rhodes. It annoyed them -though, that they had not learned her identity earlier. - -“What stupes we’ve been,” Willie remarked after the woman had passed -them on her way to the wharf. “We talked about the mine and our plans in -front of her! She just kept her lips buttoned and listened!” - -“She didn’t learn much from us,” Jack replied. - -“She knows who we are, and where we’re going.” - -“There’s no mystery about that, Willie. Now that we’ve learned she’s -Mrs. Rhodes, we can be careful.” - -Just then, Mr. Livingston called the Scouts, beckoning them to the -water’s edge. - -“We’re ready to shove off,” he announced. “With luck, we may reach -Calamar tonight.” - -Once more the Scouts took their places in the boat. The halt seemingly -had improved Haredia’s disposition for he appeared almost cheerful as -the craft again sped through the waterway. - -Mrs. Rhodes paid no attention to the Scouts. Even when War, in an -attempt to be friendly, pointed out an unusual bird, she merely nodded. - -Night came on. Banana groves and mango trees lost detail, merging into -an indistinct shoreline. No longer could the Explorers see the -thatched-roof huts as their craft raced along. - -Everyone was relieved when at last the boat reached the wide Magdalena -river, and ultimately Calamar. - -“We’ll stay here tonight,” Mr. Livingston announced. “Tomorrow we’ll -proceed by boat.” - -As their craft made dock, the Scouts stiffly arose and gathered their -luggage. Willie tried to help Mrs. Rhodes, but she ignored his hand as -she stepped ashore. - -“Goodbye ma’am,” he mumbled politely. - -“Goodbye?” she repeated, with the faintest trace of a smile. “Oh, I -rather think we shall meet again.” - -“At Santa Marta?” - -“There or elsewhere.” With a hard, mirthless laugh, Mrs. Rhodes turned -and walked away. - - - - - Chapter 9 - OFF COURSE - - -For the next few days, the Scouts saw no more of Mrs. Rhodes. Upon their -arrival at the banana port of Santa Marta, they were disturbed to learn -that Mr. Corning had failed to send any message for them. - -“There’s been a mix-up somehow,” Mr. Livingston said, deeply worried. -“Appleby couldn’t have received word from me, or he’d have met us.” - -“What’ll we do now?” Jack asked. “Go on to the mine?” - -“If we don’t hear from Appleby within a day or two, it’s all we can do, -Jack. Our money won’t stretch too far.” - -That night the Scouts ran into Mrs. Rhodes in the hotel dining room. -They saw her again the next day at breakfast, and later at a large -banana plantation which they visited. - -“Say, is she trailing us, do you think?” Jack speculated, noting the -woman’s presence among a throng of tourists at one of the banana sheds. - -“What gave you that idea?” Ken scoffed. - -“Well, she showed up at our hotel, didn’t she? And she’s more or less -been around ever since.” - -“Santa Marta’s small, Jack.” - -“Sure, I know. I wouldn’t think anything of it if I didn’t know she’s -the wife of that deposed engineer. But War told me she was quizzing him -this morning after breakfast.” - -“What sort of questions did she ask, Jack?” - -“Well, it seems she was trying to find out if we were dead set on going -on to the mine.” - -“What’s so suspicious about that?” Ken asked, turning his head away as -the woman under discussion glanced in his direction. “It might be -natural curiosity.” - -“Maybe,” Jack conceded, “only Mrs. Rhodes doesn’t hit me as the curious -type. When she asks a question, she’s after information.” - -“What did War tell her?” - -“Nothing. He figured she was pumping him, so he gave her double talk.” - -The two Explorers forgot Mrs. Rhodes as a guide appeared to conduct them -through the banana groves. Somewhat to their relief, the woman did not -join the sightseeing party. - -Grassy lanes intersected the plantations, stretching as far as the -Scouts could see. The giant plants were spaced fifteen feet apart, and -rose to a height of nearly forty. Except for the droning, monotonous -voice of the guide, a great stillness prevailed. - -“Gosh, what a forest of ’em!” War murmured in awe. “A fellow could get -lost here!” - -“Don’t go wandering around,” Jack warned him. “Stick close to the -guide.” - -The Scouts kept together on the main cart road and in the lanes which -seemed to stretch endlessly. With keen interest, they watched the -cutting of green bananas. - -Workers went in twos, a cutter and a backer, equipped with a long -pointed stick and a sharp machete. - -The cutter would stick the banana plant below the bunch, so that it -toppled slowly down within reach of the backer, who promptly shouldered -it. - -With swift strokes of the sharp machete, the cutter then severed the -bunch from the plant. Off trotted the backer with his heavy burden, to -deposit it along the card road. Bunches were protected from the sun with -green banana leaves. - -Wearying of the guide’s lengthy description of how bananas were -harvested, Jack and War returned to the cart road to await the -sightseeing party there. - -Seating themselves on a mat of cut banana leaves, they watched as a -worker with a cart gathered the deposited bunches and rattled off out of -sight. - -War became absorbed in watching tiny lizards which darted everywhere. -“Say, isn’t it about time our gang got back here?” he demanded -impatiently. - -He arose and Jack trailed after him. But when they peered down the long -row of banana plants where their party had been, no one was to be seen. - -“Where’d everyone go?” Jack asked in alarm. - -“They must have gone into another row. A good joke on us! We’d better -find ’em.” - -Walking quickly along the cart road, the two Scouts looked down one long -green lane after another. Their friends were nowhere to be seen. - -“How’d they get away so fast?” Jack murmured, annoyed at himself for -having missed the group. - -“We sat by the roadside a lot longer than we realized, I guess.” - -“Well, we’re not really lost,” Jack asserted. “We can follow this cart -road back to the shed.” - -“Sure,” War agreed, “but we may not hit the right shed without a lot of -hunting. Hey, listen! I think I hear someone talking!” - -Pausing, the two became attentive to the sounds about them. A humming -bird whirred by and there came the throaty croak of a frog from a nearby -irrigation ditch. - -“I don’t hear anyone—” Jack began, only to check himself. “Yes, I do,” -he corrected. - -The inaudible words reached his ears only as an indistinct, blurred flow -of speech. - -“That must be our guide!” he exclaimed. “Catch the direction, War?” - -“This way,” his companion directed, starting down one of the grassy -lanes. - -“Hold on,” Jack called, but War, impulsive as always, paid no heed. - -Reluctantly, the older Scout hastened to catch up with his friend. - -War, finding he had made a mistake in entering a deserted row, cut -through to an adjoining lane. - -“Hey, wait!” Jack called, thoroughly annoyed. - -Even then, War did not pay attention to the command, if indeed he heard -it. Now far ahead of his friend, he kept moving from row to row, trying -to follow the elusive murmur of voices. - -Finally, perspiring heavily, he halted to catch his breath and listen -again. Jack then caught up with him. - -“Listen, you!” he exclaimed. “What’s the big idea? Where do you think -you’re going?” - -“To find our gang. I thought they’d be in this row.” - -“You’ve chased through a half dozen of ’em. I can’t even hear voices -now.” - -War listened a moment. “Neither can I,” he acknowledged uneasily. “I -guess we’ve missed our party.” - -“We’ll have to get back to the cart road and make for the shed.” - -“I guess so,” War agreed, crestfallen. - -They started back through the lane, trying to retrace the way they had -come. Rows of arching banana plants marched endlessly. - -“I’m all mixed,” War presently confessed. “Shouldn’t we be coming to the -cart road?” - -“It seems to me we’ve walked far enough.” - -“Maybe this row we’re following doesn’t intersect the road where we came -in,” War said, struck by a sudden, unpleasant recollection. “Before we -started out this morning, I was looking at a map that hung in the main -shed.” - -“Yeah?” - -“Some of the rows bisect at right angles. But at one point, the road -curves around. The rows at that place, just go straight on.” - -“How far, War?” - -“Why, it looked as if some of them extended the length of the -plantation—miles.” - -“Gosh! You think we’ve hit one of those rows, War?” - -“I’m afraid of it. We’ve walked a long distance now.” - -Jack paused, his eyebrows pulling together in a worried frown. - -“Are we lost?” War asked, nervously wiping perspiration from his -forehead. - -Jack grinned reassuringly. “Not lost,” he corrected. “I don’t like that -word.” - -“Temporarily off course?” - -“That’s better, War. Now let’s sit down a minute and think this thing -through. There must be an easy way out of this fruit garden, and we’ll -find it.” - - - - - Chapter 10 - A BANANA PLANTATION - - -Jack and War were more annoyed at themselves than alarmed by their -situation. - -Common sense told them that although the plantation was an extensive -one, they eventually would reach a loading shed where directions could -be obtained. The worst they would suffer would be inconvenience and -delay. - -However, they realized that by this time their friends would have missed -them. Their failure to be on hand would prevent the others from -returning to the hotel for lunch. - -“I’m starving too,” War announced with chagrin. “Let’s get out of this -steam bath!” - -“Now just sit still and think for a change!” Jack scolded him. “I’m not -blaming you, because I was equally at fault. But if we’d used our heads, -instead of chasing off in pursuit of a voice, we wouldn’t be here now.” - -“What’ll we do? Sit and wait for someone to find us?” - -“We could, but it would waste a lot of time. The bananas in this -particular row are only half developed. So I imagine a cutter won’t be -coming this way for days or weeks.” - -“Meanwhile, we survive on raw lizards and green bananas—” - -“Try to be serious, War. We’re bound to cause Hap and the gang a lot of -trouble if we don’t find the group fast.” - -“What can we do except start walking?” - -“The point is, we’ve got to figure out a sensible route—just moving from -row to row at random won’t get us to the cart road unless we’re lucky.” - -“Can’t we retrace our way? We can follow our own prints, I reckon. But -it will take an age.” - -“In the end it probably will save time,” Jack declared, getting up from -the mat of banana leaves. “If we miss our own trail, we still have the -sun to guide us. It was at our back when we started this way.” - -Determinedly, the Scouts returned the route they had come. Memory of -small, almost unnoticed things, now aided them. Jack recalled a pile of -dried banana plant leaves they had passed just after changing rows. War -remembered seeing the rusty, broken blade of a discarded machete. - -Nevertheless, a full half hour elapsed before the two Explorers finally -emerged at the narrow cart road. No one was in sight. - -“We’re still lost—off course, I mean,” War said in discouragement. “What -do we do now that we’re back where we started?” - -“Try to find a loading shed,” Jack decided. “No use chasing through the -banana rows searching for our party. By this time, Hap and the fellows -probably have gone back to the entrance gate.” - -Uncertain which direction to go, the Scouts stood a moment in the -blazing sun. Just then an empty oxen cart rattled down the road. - -“Here comes our private limousine!” War chuckled. “Let’s hitch a ride.” - -As the cart jogged by, the Scouts hailed the driver. He understood no -English, but Jack in halting Spanish succeeded in conveying the idea -that they wanted to ride to the loading shed. The workman motioned for -them to climb in. - -The floor of the cart was padded with the thick fiber of old banana -stalks. Jack and War sat in the back, swinging their legs over the edge. -The vehicle bounced along, stopping at intervals to pick up bananas. - -“You reckon he understood your Spanish, Jack?” War asked as the trip -dragged on. “Maybe we’ll spend the afternoon bouncing along over this -road.” - -“Maybe,” the other agreed philosophically. “Isn’t it better than -walking?” - -“Sure. Only I’d like to get out of here fast.” - -“Take it easy, War,” Jack grinned. “We’ll roll in after our driver picks -up a few more bananas. Patience, my lad!” - -As they jounced along, the Scouts kept an alert watch for their missing -friends. But in the long plant rows, they saw only occasional workmen. - -Presently, the little cart, now two-quarters filled with banana bunches, -bounced over a log bridge which spanned a ditch. Seeing the big loading -shed and a railroad siding beyond, the Scouts leaped off their perch. - -“Thanks for the ride,” Jack called to the cart driver. “_Gracias, -Senor._” - -The workman responded with a friendly wave of his hand. - -Wilted by the noonday heat, Jack and War walked toward the shed -adjoining the railroad tracks. Through the open door they could see rows -of green banana bunches stacked ready for shipment to the boat dock. - -“I’m thirsty,” War announced, wetting his lips. “Let’s see if we can -find some drinking water. I could go for a nice iced cocoanut!” - -“You won’t find it here,” Jack rejoined. “Or an ice cream soda either.” - -At the doorway of the banana shed, he abruptly halted, his attention -fixing upon two persons who were inside. - -“See who’s here!” he whispered to War. - -Mrs. McClellan Rhodes stood inside, her back to the door. She was -talking earnestly to a man whom the Scouts instantly recognized as Ferd -Baronni. - -“How did he get here?” War muttered. - -Jack shook his head, as he tried to catch a few words of the -conversation. Baronni was speaking hurriedly and with emphasis. - -“After you left, I got nervous,” he told the woman. “This man Livingston -and his boys may make trouble if they go on to the mine. It was a -mistake to let them come this far.” - -“I’m beginning to think so myself,” Mrs. Rhodes replied. “No good can -result from their going on. They must be discouraged.” - -“I’ll leave it to you,” the mining company agent went on. “I’m pulling -out—going back to Cartagena within the hour. Good luck.” - -“I’ll handle everything,” Mrs. Rhodes promised. “Leave it to me.” - -They shook hands and Baronni started toward the door. Jack and War -barely had time to duck back behind the building before he emerged and -walked rapidly away. - -Making no comment upon the alarming conversation they had overheard, the -Scouts waited five minutes. Then, casually they sauntered into the -banana shed. - -Seeing them, Mrs. Rhodes looked startled. “Have you been here long?” she -inquired with a show of friendliness. - -“Not long,” Jack answered. - -“We lost our party and have been wandering around through the rows,” War -added. “Have you seen Mr. Livingston?” - -“No, I haven’t. Not since early this morning.” - -“Didn’t we see someone leave the shed a few minutes ago?” Jack inquired. - -Mrs. Rhodes shot a quick look at him as if to read any hidden meaning -behind his words. The Scout’s expression of innocence reassured her. - -“Only one of the workmen,” she replied indifferently. “I’m waiting for -the banana train.” - -The woman’s deliberate lie made Jack and War more than ever suspicious. -Wisely, however, they did not show their true feelings. - -War picked up a discarded banana and began to strip the peelings. - -“Have one?” he invited, offering another to Mrs. Rhodes. - -She drew back with a gesture of distaste. “I can’t bear bananas!” - -“I suppose one would get tired of them,” commented Jack politely. “Still -you find this plantation interesting enough to visit?” - -The woman shrugged. “Why not?” she returned. “A friend of my husband’s -is a foreman here.” - -Jack was quite certain that Mrs. Rhodes again was lying. He believed -that she had come to the plantation either to keep the Scout party under -surveillance or to meet Ferd Baronni. - -It seemed reasonable to believe, however, that the latter had journeyed -to Santa Marta on sudden impulse, and had sought the woman after -learning that she was absent from her hotel. Their close association -deeply worried him. Why were the pair so determined to prevent the Scout -party from reaching the Last Chance mine? - -As if reading his thoughts, Mrs. Rhodes questioned abruptly: “You’re -still planning on your trip to the emerald mine?” - -“That’s our intention, unless we hear from Appleby Corning.” - -“You’ll find the trip most uncomfortable,” Mrs. Rhodes said, fanning -herself with a green banana leaf. “There is no road. Only a trail. The -temperature extremes—intense heat in the valleys, and freezing cold in -the mountains, is most trying.” - -“We don’t mind hardships,” Jack replied, amused by the woman’s attempt -to discourage them. “We’re used to them.” - -“I’m sure you are,” the woman returned. “Well, if I can’t persuade you -to give up the trip, let me advise you to leave your valuables behind.” - -“Bandits?” Jack asked. - -“One in particular. Carlos has been terrorizing the mountainside, -robbing the pack trains and making travel most precarious.” - -“You are not afraid to make the journey, Ma’am?” - -Mrs. Rhodes returned Jack’s steady gaze. “No, I have no fear,” she -responded briefly. “I have lived many years in Colombia.” - -“What takes you to the mine?” War asked rather abruptly. “Your husband -isn’t there any more, is he?” - -The question plainly annoyed Mrs. Rhodes. She dropped the banana leaf -and moved quickly to the shed door. - -“The train is coming now,” she announced. “After the bananas are loaded, -we can ride to the main gate. I should imagine that you will find the -rest of your party waiting there.” - -Jack and War made no further attempt to question the woman. During the -loading of the car, she moved some distance away, coldly ignoring them. - -“I thought she’d make more effort to try to convince us we shouldn’t go -on to the mine,” War remarked as they watched the last of the loading. -“I guess she realizes it’s useless.” - -“Don’t be too sure of that,” Jack said grimly. “Mrs. Rhodes is a clever -woman. She’ll try again.” - -“Why do you figure she and that company agent are so bent on keeping us -away from the mine?” - -“I wish I knew,” Jack returned thoughtfully. “Something is stirring -there, that’s certain. Appleby Corning said he was in trouble when he -wrote Mr. Livingston. It may be he’s mixed up in some mess the Rhodes’ -have been cooking. I’ll be relieved when we manage to get in touch with -him.” - -A toot of the engine informed the Scouts that the banana car was about -to move out. They swung aboard and rode to the main gate. There, as Mrs. -Rhodes had predicted, Mr. Livingston and the other Scouts anxiously -awaited them. - -Enroute back to the hotel, Jack and War related the conversation they -had overheard in the banana shed. Mr. Livingston was gravely concerned, -and unable to understand why Ferd Baronni had trailed the party to Santa -Marta. - -“I distrusted that company agent at the start,” he admitted. “Now I’m -more than ever convinced that he’s no friend of Appleby’s. If only Mr. -Corning would get in touch with us, some of this fog might clear.” - -The Scouts reached the hotel and headed for the dining room for a late -lunch. As they crossed the lobby, the clerk signalled Mr. Livingston. - -“A wire for you,” he said, thrusting an envelope into the Scout leader’s -hand. - -Quickly, Mr. Livingston read the enclosed message. His face became a -puzzle. - -“Anything wrong?” Ken inquired anxiously. - -“Plenty,” Mr. Livingston replied, offering the message for the others to -read. “This is from Appleby. He says an unusual situation has developed -at the mine. We’re instructed to return to Cartagena.” - - - - - Chapter 11 - HITTING THE TRAIL - - -“Return to Cartagena!” Ken exclaimed after he had reread the message -delivered to Mr. Livingston. “Of all the miserable luck, this is the -worst!” - -“I thought we were headed for the emerald mine,” Willie added, sunk in -gloom. “Why did Corning send for us anyway, if he doesn’t want us here?” - -Mr. Livingston was unable to explain the strange communication. The -failure of the mining engineer to meet his party had worried him more -than he had confessed to the Scouts. - -“Hey, before we start packing, let me put in my two cents worth,” spoke -up Jack. “How did Corning know we were at this hotel?” - -“That’s right!” Ken exclaimed, startled by the implication of the -other’s question. “Maybe the message is phony!” - -“Sent by Mrs. Rhodes or Ferd Baronni,” suggested Warwick. “Jack and I -know they’re up to something! They don’t want us to go on to the mine.” - -“What’s more, Mrs. Rhodes promised the company agent she’d take care of -the matter,” Jack went on. “Before we act hastily, shouldn’t we try to -check on this message?” - -“I’ll do it myself,” Mr. Livingston offered. “Wait here for me.” - -For nearly two hours the Scout leader was absent from the hotel. When -finally he rejoined the Explorers, his face was grave. - -“Learn anything?” War eagerly greeted him as he entered the bedroom -where the Scouts awaited him. - -“I did. The message, supposedly from Appleby, was delivered to the hotel -by a boy, but it never came from the telegraph communications office.” - -“Then Mr. Corning couldn’t have sent it?” questioned Ken. - -“I’m fairly certain he didn’t. The message must be a fake.” - -“Any idea who sent it?” asked Jack. - -“An idea, yes. But no proof. We couldn’t trace the message.” - -“I take it, we’ll not obey the instructions,” Jack remarked, well -pleased by the investigation. - -“No, I’m more than ever in favor of pushing on to the mine above Emerald -Valley. We can’t get there soon enough to please me. I have a feeling -Appleby didn’t meet us because he’s in bad trouble.” - -“How soon can we get out of here?” asked Ken quietly. - -“We can catch a plane to Bogota in an hour. I’ve already booked -reservations.” - -“Any chance Mr. Corning may show up here after we leave?” speculated -Willie, quickly starting to gather his scattered belongings. - -Mr. Livingston replied that the possibility seemed a remote one. “Except -for the enjoyment we’ve had in seeing the banana plantations, I think it -was a mistake to come here,” he admitted. - -“You believe Ferd Baronni deliberately threw us off the track?” - -“I’m afraid so, Willie. For some reason, he doesn’t want us to go on to -the mine—possibly for fear of what we may learn. This trip to Santa -Marta, I suspect, was only to keep us occupied.” - -“Then if we waited a month, you don’t think Mr. Corning ever would show -up here?” - -“That’s my slant. I’ve been unable to locate any of those close friends -Appleby was supposed to have here. To be on the safe side, I’ll leave a -letter for him here at the hotel. Now pack your duds, fellows. We -haven’t much time.” - -The plane flight to Bogota proved an uneventful but thrilling experience -for the Scouts. Accustomed as they were to air travel, they were awed -nevertheless, by breath-taking views of the vast Magdalena valley, -forests of deep green, and the great ranges of the Andes which divided -the land into isolated plateaus and valleys. - -At the capital city, the party lingered half a day before taking a bus -to a little Colombian village high in the cool hills. During their brief -stay in Bogota, Jack and Mr. Livingston twice visited the mining company -office. The official in charge, they learned, had absented himself on a -week’s holiday. - -“We can’t wait for him,” Mr. Livingston decided. “We’re going on to the -mine.” - -Late the next morning, the bus deposited them in the chilly little -village which served as a take-off point for the mine. The trail which -the Scouts were to follow wound sharply upward toward a line of rugged -mountain peaks and a narrow pass. Somewhere beyond, lay the Last Chance -mine. - -Their lagging spirits revived by rolls and hot spiced chocolate, the -Scouts set about making arrangements for mules to take them up the -zigzag trail to their destination. - -From their Indian guide, Jose, Mr. Livingston learned that Appleby -Corning had not been seen in the village for many weeks. His absence had -occasioned no alarm, for the engineer usually remained secluded at the -mine for months at a time. - -“Senora come here today,” the guide reported. - -“Senora?” Mr. Livingston repeated in surprise. “What Senora, Jose?” - -“The Senora that go on to mine. Wife of engineer there.” - -“Corning has no wife to my knowledge,” Mr. Livingston replied. “You -don’t mean the wife of McClellan Rhodes?” - -“_Si, Senor._” The little guide pulled his _ruana_ more tightly about -his shoulders as protection from the chill wind. “She leave on trail at -dawn. Join husband there.” - -The information that Mrs. Rhodes had gone ahead of them was most -disconcerting to the Scouts. Mr. Livingston was especially troubled to -learn that the deposed engineer might be at the mine. - -“This may explain though, why Appleby didn’t meet us,” he told the -Explorers. “With McClellan Rhodes on the scene, he might hesitate to -leave, even for a few days.” - -“Mrs. Rhodes sure must have traveled like a house afire to get here -ahead of us,” Willie remarked thoughtfully. Turning to Jose, he -inquired: “So went on to the mine? Not alone?” - -“No, _Senor_, with a guide. Senora know trail well. Travel light. Shoot -straight like a man. Good traveler.” - -“I hope you’re mistaken about her going to the mine to join her -husband,” Mr. Livingston said, frowning. “Rhodes shouldn’t be there. At -least it was my understanding that Corning sent him packing when he took -over.” - -“Senora go to be with husband,” the guide repeated. “At emerald mine -changes come fast. Today one engineer—tomorrow another.” - -The Indian’s information increased Mr. Livingston’s eagerness to be -away. He urged that the loading of the animals be hastened. - -After numerous and vexing delays, the Scout party finally set off single -file into the hills. Considerable equipment had to be taken, for the -Explorers repeatedly had been warned that they must expect extremes of -heat and cold, often within an eight or ten mile stretch of trail. - -“Odd that a road never was built to the mine,” Willie remarked as he -trudged along. - -“Not so odd,” Jack returned. “The government never has been eager to -make the mining area accessible. Emeralds are too easily stolen.” - -“That’s right,” Mr. Livingston backed him up. “About the only equipment -needed for emerald mining is a strong back, a pick axe and a crowbar. -Laborers are kept under contract and during the period of their service, -not permitted to leave the area. That’s to prevent theft of emeralds.” - -“I’d like to find an emerald while we’re at the mine,” War remarked -eagerly. “A great big one!” - -The others laughed. “Don’t worry,” Jack teased him. “If you do find one, -you won’t be allowed to walk off with it.” - -“For that matter, the size of an emerald isn’t as important as its shape -and color,” Mr. Livingston added. - -Before the Scouts had been long on the steep, winding trail, they noted -evidence that Mrs. Rhodes, traveling fast, was well ahead of them. At a -spring they came upon her heel marks, and Willie picked up a lacy -handkerchief with the letter “R” embroidered in one corner. - -“It’s Mrs. Rhodes, all right,” he asserted gloomily. “I’d hoped Jose was -wrong.” - -“She’s making better time than we are,” Jack nodded in chagrin. - -Skirting outthrusts of rock, the Scouts continued to follow a fairly -well outlined trail. As the sun rose higher, they could see sharp peaks -with caps of snow outlined against the blue sky. Climbing above the -desolate little farms to a world of chilly isolation, they met no one. -Higher and higher they struggled, marveling anew at the remarkable -stamina of the woman ahead. - -“You got to hand it to her,” Willie admitted grudgingly. “She’s tough.” - -“Don’t waste any sympathy or admiration,” Jack advised. “That old gal -has a grim purpose that is driving her on.” - -“Oh, I wouldn’t trust her as far as I could toss a stick,” Willie -answered quickly. “The mere fact that she’s going to the mine makes me -suspicious.” - -“If it’s true her husband is at Emerald Valley, that’ll make two of ’em -to gang up on us,” interposed War soberly. “I guess Appleby Corning will -be glad to see us arrive. He may be in a spot.” - -Descending into a valley area where the trail was nearly obliterated by -dense foliage and creepers, the Scouts encountered rain. It let up by -late afternoon. Nevertheless, Mr. Livingston decided to camp early. - -War and Willie soon had a fire going which enabled them to dry out other -wood for use during the night. Damp clothing was hung on a quickly -constructed rack near the heat. - -By the time supper was ready, everyone felt quite comfortable. Jack and -the guide looked after the pack animals, while the other Scouts cleaned -up the camp for the night. - -Returning to the fire, Jack stood for a moment with his back to the -flames. The night had closed in dark and with a hint of more rain. - -“Y’know, I’ve had an uneasy feeling the last hour or so,” he confessed -in a low voice. - -Ken, busy laying out his eiderdown sleeping bag, quickly raised his -head. “Uneasy?” he repeated. “About going on to the mine, you mean?” - -Jack kept his voice low. “It’s not that, Ken. I’ve had an odd feeling -that someone has been trailing us, even before we made camp.” - -He expected Ken to laugh, but the other accepted his remark seriously. - -“I’ve had the same feeling, Jack. The foliage is so dense here that one -gets that closed in sensation. But who would follow us? Not Mrs. -Rhodes?” - -“No, she couldn’t have doubled back because there’s no other trail.” - -“I’ve thought several times in the last hour that I’ve heard a rustling -among the foliage, Jack. Wild animals probably. All the same, I think -I’ll look around.” - -“I already have, Ken. No sign of anyone.” - -“We’re just being jittery.” - -“Maybe,” Jack agreed, not completely convinced. “We’d better keep a good -fire going tonight, just in case.” - -Feeding the dying flames with another cut log, he started into the tent. -Just then he was startled by a slight rustling of leaves almost directly -behind. He and Ken both turned swiftly. Their pulses began to pound. - -Against the dark foliage, a man stood clearly outlined. He was armed. As -they stood frozen, he spoke a sharp command in Spanish, and came slowly -toward them. - - - - - Chapter 12 - CARLOS THE BANDIT - - -Jack and Ken did not understand the words, but the meaning was clear -enough. - -The smiling, hard-faced man who confronted them was a bandit. - -Before they could make any response to his command, he fired a shot. The -bullet nipped into the dirt at Jack’s feet. - -Thus warned that the grizzled little man was not one with whom to -trifle, the two Scouts quickly raised their hands. - -The shot had brought War, Willie and Jose out of the shelter. They too -were instantly covered and forced to line up with their faces to a tree. - -The bandit kept up a patter of Spanish which only Jose could understand. -Shaking with fear, he interpreted for the others. - -“The bandit is Carlos, who long has terrorized the hills,” he told them -nervously. “He says he will not harm anyone, if his commands are obeyed. -We are to turn over all money and watches. If we refuse, he shoot to -kill!” - -Willie and War began to empty their pockets. Jack and Ken were more -deliberate. Their delay brought an exclamation of impatience from the -bandit. - -Carlos gazed sharply about the camp, evidently aware that only five -persons were accounted for. What had become of Mr. Livingston, Jack -wondered. He remembered that the Scout leader had slipped away from camp -for a moment to bring in more fire wood. Surely, he must have been -alerted by the firing of a shot! - -Carlos swiftly scooped up the money and watches which the Scouts -reluctantly turned over. But before he could stuff the loot into the -pouch he carried at his belt, there came a sharp command from the -darkness behind the bandit. - -“Hands up or I’ll shoot!” - -The voice was Mr. Livingston’s! The Scouts knew that their leader was -unarmed. Carlos, however, had no such knowledge. - -Startled, he whirled around and fired blindly into the darkness. - -In that instant, when the man’s attention was diverted from the captives -by the fire, Jack and Ken acted together. - -Lunging forward, they tackled the bandit below the knees. He went down, -and in the brief but fierce struggle, they succeeded in knocking the -weapon from his hand. - -With the agility of a jungle cat, Carlos squirmed from Jack’s grasp. -Slipping back into the foliage, he was swallowed by the darkness. - -Jack groped and finally found the lost weapon. He started in pursuit. - -“Let him go,” ordered Mr. Livingston, who had emerged into the circle of -flickering firelight. “We can’t possibly overtake him, and it’s risky to -try. He’ll have a horse tethered somewhere near.” - -As the Scouts listened, they heard the bold bandit’s retreating -footsteps. Then all became silent in the forest. - -“What if he comes back later, maybe with some of his followers?” War -asked anxiously. - -“We have his gun, so I don’t think he’ll be back tonight,” Mr. -Livingston replied. “Good work, Jack! I thought you and Ken would react -as you did! Any of our stuff missing?” - -The Scouts took careful inventory. In his haste to escape, the bandit -had left behind all the cash and jewelry. - -“I doubt Carlos will try another raid tonight, knowing we’ll be on the -alert,” Mr. Livingston commented. “All the same, we’ll set up a guard.” - -The incident was more disturbing to Jose than to the Scouts. For hours -after the bandit had gone, he huddled in his blanket, his back to a -tree, fearfully watching the shadows. - -In broken English, he related to the Explorers that Carlos was well -known for his cruelty and bold ways. Somewhere in the hills he -maintained a hide-out with a few faithful but disreputable followers. -The Colombian government had placed a price upon his head. But no one -ever had claimed the reward. Year after year, the bandit continued to -swoop down on luckless travelers. Three times in the past year he -reportedly had made valuable hauls of emeralds which were being taken -out of the mine for shipment. - -Despite Jose’s fears, no more was heard that night from the bandit. The -Scouts slept well, and as soon as the sun came up, were on their way. - -For several hours they pushed on, keeping an alert watch for Carlos. At -times, they imagined they heard a soft rustling of the foliage along the -trail, but they saw no one. Jack had kept the bandit’s automatic as a -souvenir, disregarding Jose’s advice to discard it. - -“You keep gun—Carlos come back for it,” the guide predicted grimly. - -“Let him,” Jack returned cheerfully. “Next time I’ll be more alert.” - -By noon, the party had reached a low ridge. As they rested briefly, Jose -pointed out a forested valley and a fast-moving river. - -“Last Chance mine,” he informed the group. “We be there in next hour.” - -“The mine is very old?” Mr. Livingston inquired. - -“_Si, Senor._ It was worked before the Spanish Conquest and many times -lost. When the mine close, workers move away—jungle close in. Mine have -many names.” - -“The Last Chance sounds pretty modern,” the Scout leader remarked with a -smile. - -“Senor Corning give it that name when he come,” Jose explained. - -“I can imagine why,” Mr. Livingston remarked to Jack. “He figured that -if he didn’t make good here, the mine might be closed again. At least -the company which employs him would lose its government lease.” - -“With Carlos hovering around ready to swoop down, I shouldn’t think -mining would be very profitable,” Ken contributed. “That old boy is a -pest! Maybe Mr. Corning sent for us to help him get rid of the hill -bandits.” - -“I doubt it,” the Scout leader rejoined. “Corning would know how to deal -with Carlos. No, I’m afraid the trouble is more serious than that.” - -Eager to reach the mine, the party went on, working through vines which -had overgrown the trail. After a wearisome struggle, they emerged onto a -wider path which showed evidence of recent use. - -Finally, they came out into a clearing which offered a view of the mine. -Spread before them at the edge of a gorge were a cluster of wooden -buildings with thatched roofs. The largest, and most sturdily -constructed, they took to be the main office. - -Weary and footsore, the arrivals left Jose in charge of the animals, and -tramped into the central building. Their approach had been observed by -native workmen. Yet, there had been no one to welcome them. - -“Corning may be sick,” Mr. Livingston remarked anxiously. - -He and the Scouts found themselves in an untidy two-room office, -furnished with a couch, a desk, a safe and a filing cabinet. As they -gazed about, a tall, lean man with dark moustache came in through the -door they had just entered. - -“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” he greeted them, politely but without a -flicker of a smile. “Anything I can do for you?” - -“We’re looking for the engineer in charge,” Mr. Livingston said after a -moment of silence. - -“Speaking.” - -“Appleby Corning, I should have said,” the Scout leader corrected -himself. - -“Corning no longer is in charge here.” - -“Not in charge?” Mr. Livingston responded, startled. “There must be some -mistake.” - -“No mistake, I assure you.” - -“Is Mr. Corning ill?” - -“I wouldn’t know,” the man replied somewhat indifferently. “He’s not -here. The last time I saw him was six months ago.” - -“Six months!” the Scout leader exclaimed. “Impossible! Why, I’ve had -letters from him and a couple of cables since then.” - -“Of that I wouldn’t know, Mr.—” - -“Livingston,” the Scout official supplied. “Excuse me for not -introducing myself and the other members of my party. Seeing you instead -of my friend, rather gave me a jolt.” - -“I can imagine,” the other rejoined coldly. “I’m McClellan Rhodes.” - -“I guessed it,” Mr. Livingston returned. “You say you’re in charge here? -The company reassigned you?” - -The engineer gazed at the Scout official with defiant, unwavering eyes. -“I took charge when I found everything going to the dogs here,” he -informed the group. “Someone had to do it, you understand. If I had -waited to get authority from the company, the workers would have been -gone, and the mine stripped.” - -“Where is Mr. Corning?” - -“I wish I knew.” - -“When did you take over here?” Mr. Livingston demanded. His voice was -sharper than he meant it to be. - -“About ten days ago.” - -“Mr. Corning wasn’t here when you came?” - -“He was not. As I told you, I found everything in a mess—workers -preparing to pull out. I stepped in to save the mine for the owners.” - -“What became of my friend?” - -“I’ve told you I don’t know,” the engineer replied, no longer hiding his -impatience. “I have important work to do now, and can’t answer any more -questions. Corning, I think, is dead. That’s all I can tell you.” - - - - - Chapter 13 - THE EMERALD PIT - - -“Just a minute, please,” Mr. Livingston interposed as the mining -engineer started to leave the office. “We’ve come a long distance to see -Appleby Corning. I feel I must know more about his strange -disappearance.” - -Rhodes halted in the doorway, scowling. “I’m busy,” he replied -pointedly. “As I told you, work isn’t progressing as it should. Whenever -I turn my back, those confounded Indians lean on their tools, instead of -working.” - -“We won’t keep you long,” Mr. Livingston returned in a quiet voice. -“Just tell us what became of Mr. Corning.” - -“I don’t know,” the engineer retorted in exasperation. “I thought I made -that clear.” - -“Why do you say he’s probably dead.” - -“Because he’s a captive of Carlos.” - -“The bandit!” - -“So I assume. I’d heard repeated reports that the mine was being badly -managed. I came here to see if I could help. Lucky I did too. I found -everything in chaos. Bandits, led by Carlos, had dropped down on the -camp twelve hours earlier. They’d robbed the safe of emeralds and taken -Corning captive.” - -“How long ago was that?” Mr. Livingston asked. - -“Ten days ago.” - -“What attempt have you made to trace Appleby?” - -“None.” - -“None?” The Scout leader repeated sharply. - -“It’s useless,” the engineer informed him. “You don’t know this country. -Carlos is a devil. It would take a small army to blast him out of his -hide-out.” - -“He didn’t seem such a bold demon when we brushed into him,” Jack -drawled, entering the conversation. “In fact, he turned tail and ran -like a coward.” - -Rhodes turned to stare intently at the youth. “You encountered Carlos?” -he demanded. “Where?” - -“On the trail. He was alone.” - -“He tried to rob us,” contributed Ken, “but we were fortunate enough to -elude him.” - -“Carlos doesn’t usually operate alone,” Rhodes informed the group. “You -were lucky he didn’t shoot you at sight.” - -“If we’d known that he had taken Mr. Corning captive, we’d have pursued -him,” Mr. Livingston said. “Where is his hide-out?” - -“Oh, he has half a dozen of them back in the hills,” the mining engineer -returned vaguely. “He moves from one to another. A reward has been -placed on his head, but no one ever collects.” - -“You say you’ve made no effort to try to find Corning?” - -“That’s right,” Rhodes retorted, “and I don’t like your tone, Mister. -You know what these mountain trails are like.” - -“We do.” - -“I can’t send natives to look for him. They wouldn’t venture a step. As -for myself, it would be folly to leave the mine. My first duty is to the -operators.” - -“So nothing is to be done?” - -“I didn’t put it that way,” Mr. Rhodes returned, his eyes flashing. “If -your friend is still alive—which I seriously doubt—there will be a -ransom demand in time. It will be prohibitive, of course. Whether or not -it is met, will be up to the mine operators, not to me.” - -“I’m not satisfied to sit and wait, Mr. Rhodes. Appleby and I were close -friends. Something must be done.” - -“Then you do it!” the engineer snapped. He started to leave the office, -then paused again. “I’ll put you up here for a day or so, if you’re not -too particular about your accommodations,” he told the group. “One of -the men will show you to your quarters as soon as the place has been -fumigated.” - -“Fumigated?” Mr. Livingston’s eyebrows jerked upward. “For insects, you -mean?” - -“Not exactly. The last occupant died of some unknown disease that’s been -knocking the natives off like flies.” - -“In that case, we’ll use our sleeping bags and remain out-of-doors,” Mr. -Livingston stated. “We have our canvas shelters.” - -“Suit yourself,” the engineer shrugged. “The nights here get pretty cold -though. After a couple of days, I think you’ll be hitting the trail.” - -No one made a reply. The engineer hesitated a moment, and then without -saying more, went out of the building. The Scouts saw him descend a -series of roughly hewn stone steps into a pit where a dozen natives were -at work. - -Mr. Livingston made certain that no one loitered near the office, before -he spoke. Then he said: “The situation is a lot worse than I expected.” - -“Rhodes may be lying!” Ken asserted. - -“Do you think Appleby Corning really is dead?” War asked anxiously. - -“Something has happened to him, that’s evident,” the Scout leader -replied. “I was afraid of it when he didn’t meet us or send word.” - -“All the same, there’s something fishy about Rhodes’ story,” Jack -insisted. “Why would he show up here at exactly the right moment to -check on the mine? Wasn’t he discharged?” - -“That was my understanding, Jack. Corning didn’t write very much, you -know.” - -“The natural thing after being discharged would be to clear out,” Jack -went on. “Rhodes apparently didn’t do that. He hung around, waiting for -a chance to move in.” - -“And maybe he created that chance!” suggested Willie. “Maybe he did away -with Corning himself! I’ll bet the tale about Carlos swooping down here -is a phony!” - -“It might be,” Mr. Livingston conceded. “That part should be easy to -check, if we can talk with the natives. Some of them must speak a little -English.” - -“Rhodes has moved in here to further his own interests, and he doesn’t -give a hoot what became of Appleby Corning,” Willie expanded his theory. -“It’s to his advantage not to have him found.” - -“That’s so,” agreed Jack. “Getting rid of Corning may have been part of -a well-planned scheme. If it’s true that Rhodes came here only ten days -ago, it’s unlikely he’d have had time to get word to his wife.” - -“Yet she knew he was in charge here days ago!” Ken exclaimed. -“Otherwise, she wouldn’t have made the trip.” - -“I’m terribly afraid Appleby has been the victim of treachery,” Mr. -Livingston nodded. “We’ve got to learn what became of him, and not -depend on Rhodes’ word either.” - -“We might drive him into a corner, and try to force the truth out of -him,” War proposed. - -The others vetoed his suggestion. “That wouldn’t get us anywhere,” Mr. -Livingston objected. “Rhodes controls the natives here. His word is -law.” - -“Can’t we organize search parties?” Willie asked. - -“In this jungle growth?” Jack caught him up. “It would be worse than -looking for a needle in a haystack! Without a clue as to Carlos’ -hide-out, we’d lose ourselves, and never find Corning.” - -“That’s the way it looks to me,” Mr. Livingston admitted. “Another -thing, I’m not fully convinced that my friend was seized by bandits. Our -first job is to confirm that fact.” - -“Rhodes won’t do anything to help us,” Ken said. “Where do we start?” - -“While you fellows get settled, I’ll amble around to see what I can -learn,” Jack offered. - -Once outside the office building, curiosity led him toward the V-shaped -pit where stocky Indians labored with crowbar and pick. A vein of beryl -lay exposed. - -With infinite skill, the laborers shattered the rock, taking care not to -smash the calcite or the emeralds. Eagerly, Rhodes examined the exposed -gems. But the take did not satisfy him. With an exclamation of rage, he -struck one of the workers in the face. - -The fellow stumbled backward against the rocks. A small object rolled -from his gnarled hand. Only then did Jack realize that Rhodes’ anger had -been caused by the native’s thievery. - -The engineer seized the gem and dropped it into his leather pouch. His -gaze fell upon Jack who stood watching. - -“Get out of here!” he ordered harshly. “No one is allowed near the vein -except the workmen! Believe me, I have enough trouble watching them. -They steal me blind!” - -“You or the company?” Jack asked, irked by the engineer’s unwarranted -attack. - -“The company,” Rhodes corrected himself. “Every gem taken from this mine -is accounted for, I assure you. But the vein’s playing out. A new pit -must be opened, or the mine soon will close down.” - -Jack made no reply for his eyes were on the fallen workman. The fellow -had no shoes, his trousers were ragged, and his shirt torn. It was his -gaze however, that held the Scout’s attention. The man was eyeing Rhodes -with a deep, smoldering hatred. - -The engineer himself became aware of the expression. Ignoring Jack for -the moment, he strode over and bestowed a savage kick upon the fallen -one. - -“Thieving leech!” he berated him. “Stupid, stealing fool!” - -His wrath expended, the engineer again turned upon Jack. - -“Didn’t I ask you to get out of here?” he asked coldly but with his -voice now carefully controlled. “No one is allowed in the pit. It’s a -company rule.” - -“I’m sorry,” Jack apologized. “I’ll leave. You needn’t worry, though, -about any of the Scouts taking your emeralds.” - -“No?” The engineer flashed an amused smile. “Son, if you’re here long -enough, you may find their lure irresistible. Many a murder has been -committed for an emerald—here at this mine too.” - -“Appleby Corning being the latest victim?” - -“Carlos has preyed upon this mine for years,” Rhodes replied, not -answering Jack’s question directly. “He’s a bad actor.” - -“Why doesn’t someone clean out his gang?” - -“This isn’t the United States,” Rhodes retorted. “The authorities can’t -be bothered. Now will you move out and stop asking so many questions? -You hinder me.” - -Jack nodded and climbed out of the pit, but not before he had made -careful note of the fallen workman. He would remember the face. Later, -if he approached the matter right, the man might talk. - -Leaving the pit, he sought his companions, who had pitched their tents -in a sheltered area some distance from the huts. - -“Learn anything, Jack?” Ken accosted him as he came up. - -“Not yet. Rhodes drove me out of the mine.” - -“We took a look at that hut Rhodes assigned to us,” Willie informed him -in disgust. “It’s the worst looking hole in the place. We figure he -wanted to make it as tough as possible for us.” - -“Where’s Mrs. Rhodes?” - -“She’s moved into the best place in the diggings, with her husband.” Ken -pointed to a well-built frame structure near the main office. “That must -have been where Appleby Corning lived.” - -“I wish we could look through his papers,” Mr. Livingston said. “We -might run into something that would help.” - -“What sort of clue?” Jack questioned, staring thoughtfully toward the -hut. - -“I don’t actually know, Jack. But there’s more to this raid and -kidnapping than Rhodes has told us.” - -“Maybe we can get in and look around.” - -“Not now at any rate,” Mr. Livingston rejected his proposal. “Mrs. -Rhodes is in there. We saw her go in a few minutes ago.” - -“She knows we’re here, but she just ignores us,” added War. “Suits me -fine.” - -Leaving Jose, War and Willie to unpack the equipment, the other three -started toward the office. Enroute, Jack told of the beating Rhodes had -inflicted upon the peon. - -“It doesn’t surprise me,” Mr. Livingston commented. “Rhodes is a brute!” - -“The man was trying to steal an emerald,” Jack admitted. “Obviously, he -hates Rhodes and probably would like to get even. I’ll talk to him at -the first opportunity.” - -“You may not get anything,” Mr. Livingston advised. “Jose might have -better luck. At least, he could draw the fellow out better, and Rhodes -wouldn’t be suspicious if he saw them together.” - -“I never thought of Jose!” Jack exclaimed. “That’s the ticket!” - -The three had reached the little office on the rise of land. An outer -door stood open to the breeze. Jack was surprised to see that Rhodes had -left the pit and now was inside the building. - -His back was to the approaching trio. He had squatted before the big -safe, and deftly was turning the dials. - -Involuntarily, the three halted, alerted by the engineer’s tense -attitude. Why, they wondered, did he act so furtively, as if engaged in -a dishonest act? - -The big safe door swung open. Rhodes reached in and drew out a long, -cardboard box. Dipping in his hand, he lifted out a fistful of green -emeralds. - -Gloatingly, as a miser would gaze at his hoard of gold, he fondled the -gems. The watchers saw him compare some of the larger emeralds with -those taken from his leather pouch. - -“There’s something fishy about this!” Jack muttered. “Didn’t he tell us -that ten days ago, Carlos broke into the safe and took all the emeralds? -Why, that handful must represent weeks of digging!” - -His voice, though scarcely above a whisper, had carried inside the -building. - -Startled, Rhodes suddenly straightened. Seeing the three just outside -the door, he thrust all the gems back into the box and hurriedly locked -the safe. - - - - - Chapter 14 - A BRIBE OFFER - - -“I was just putting away the emeralds that were brought up this -morning,” McClellan Rhodes remarked as Mr. Livingston and the two Scouts -tramped into the office. - -“Quite a haul?” inquired the Scout leader. - -“Fair.” Reluctant to discuss the subject of emeralds, the mining -engineer dismissed the matter. “You’ve pitched your tent, I see,” he -remarked. “Well, you can take your meals with my wife and me for today. -I’d advise an early start in the morning.” - -“We hadn’t planned on leaving,” Mr. Livingston told him. - -“No?” Rhodes voice was sharp. “I don’t like to seem inhospitable, but -visitors aren’t particularly welcome here at the mine. No facilities, -you know.” - -“We don’t mind roughing it.” - -“You can’t stay,” Rhodes said shortly. “Your presence here would -interfere with the work. If it’s worry about Corning that is holding -you, let me say again, there is absolutely nothing you can do. In time, -there may be a ransom demand—probably in emeralds.” - -“But didn’t you tell us earlier today that Carlos stripped the safe?” -Jack interposed. - -There was a moment of strained silence, and the engineer’s dark eyes -glinted with suppressed anger. But his voice was carefully controlled -when he replied: - -“That’s right. Since then, we’ve dug a few more. I just finished washing -them in a bath of hydrochloric acid.” - -Jack let the remark go unchallenged. He was convinced however, that the -man was lying. Since he had left him in the pit, there had been -insufficient time to clean the day’s gleaning of emeralds. Yet the -cardboard box, replaced in the safe, had contained at least a double -handful of fine specimens. - -“Please tell me everything you know about the bandit raid,” Mr. -Livingston urged, seating himself on a high stool. - -“Nothing to tell. When I arrived here, the workers were preparing to -pull out. They told me Carlos and his men had swooped down the night -before, terrorizing the camp. Your friend Corning was caught by surprise -and taken prisoner. The bandits made him open the safe. They took the -emeralds and a little cash and rode off.” - -“Odd they’d burden themselves with Corning,” Mr. Livingston commented. -“Especially after they got what they wanted.” - -“Carlos doesn’t miss any bets. He’ll make a ransom demand.” - -“Earlier today you said you were convinced Corning is dead,” Ken -reminded him. “Now you’re pretty sure he’s being held prisoner?” - -“What are you trying to do? Mix me up?” Rhodes shot at him. “I told you -I think your friend is dead, and I’ll stick by it. But if he’s still -alive, there will be a ransom demand. Do I make myself clear?” - -“Perfectly,” Ken drawled. “I don’t mean to be inquisitive, but to help -us get the picture, would you mind telling us why the mine operators -hired Corning in the first place?” - -“I’ll be glad to, because it was a mistake, and they realize it now. -Until Corning took over, I’d been in charge here for nearly three years. -Emerald production began to drop during the last six months or so. That -wasn’t my fault. The vein’s played out.” - -“Then it was because production had fallen off that Corning was assigned -here?” Mr. Livingston inquired. - -“That was behind it,” Rhodes admitted with a scowl. “Corning’s a big -talker. He sold himself and ran me down—convinced the operators that the -miners weren’t being handled right, and that I—” - -“Yes?” the Scout leader prompted as Rhodes ended in mid-sentence. - -“Nothing,” the engineer said shortly. “That’s all there was to it. -Corning took over here and things went to the dogs fast. He had a wild -theory that he could find the old mine that was worked at the time of -the Spanish Conquest. He spent a lot of his time searching for it, and -even had some of the natives helping him. Production fell off more than -ever.” - -“Corning didn’t find the rich vein?” Mr. Livingston questioned to keep -the other talking. - -“What do you think? That old mine has been lost for centuries, and it -will stay hidden for years to come.” - -“Corning always was a methodical sort of fellow,” Mr. Livingston said -thoughtfully. “If he searched for that old vein, he must have done it -systematically. He’d have left a record of his work too.” - -“He did make a map.” - -“A map?” Jack interposed eagerly. “May we see it?” - -“It’s worthless.” - -“Anyway, may we see it?” Jack insisted. - -“It’s in the safe, and I haven’t time to get it out now,” Mr. Rhodes -said, looking at his wrist watch. “I must get back to the pit.” - -Making certain that the safe door was locked, the engineer abruptly -quitted the office. - -“That talk about the map certainly made him pull out in a hurry,” Ken -remarked when they were alone. “What do you think, Hap?” - -“That he was lying again,” Mr. Livingston answered. “I can’t believe he -has the slightest concern about Appleby Corning’s welfare.” - -“And how was it that he just happened to arrive here at the opportune -time to take over the mine for the owners?” Jack added. “Fishy!” - -Ken had moved to the desk, an old fashioned roll top affair. It was -locked. On top of a bookcase devoted to mining journals and books on -mineralogy were numerous specimens of rock, an Indian bow and arrow and -other trinkets. - -Noticing several sheets of paper thrust into one of the books, he -examined them. All were blank, evidently having been used as a page -marker. - -Inspired by Ken’s activity, Jack also searched the room for possible -clues, even peering behind the safe. - -“If Corning left any papers behind, they’re locked in the desk,” he -concluded. “Rhodes wouldn’t be dumb enough to leave anything kicking -around.” - -“He might at the house where Corning lived,” Ken suggested. “Naturally, -he wouldn’t figure we’d do any searching there.” - -“How can we?” Jack demanded. “Not with Mrs. Rhodes camped on the spot.” - -“She can’t stay there forever. Maybe, if we watch our chance—” - -“I don’t know,” Mr. Livingston demurred. “It’s a risky thing to do and -not to my liking.” - -“We’re not dealing with honorable people,” Jack reminded him. “Shouldn’t -we try to learn the truth about what happened here?” - -“Go ahead,” Mr. Livingston reluctantly consented. “I can’t see, though, -that we’re likely to come upon anything that will help us trace -Corning.” - -“We could go for the authorities,” Ken proposed. “Wouldn’t they organize -a search party?” - -“Possibly, Ken. But from what I’ve been told, the authorities don’t -concern themselves very much with the activities of Carlos. He’s a law -unto himself.” - -“How about setting off by ourselves?” Ken asked. - -“I’m afraid Rhodes told us the truth when he said the country hereabouts -is impossible. Once we left the trail, we’d have to hack our way foot by -foot. We’d have no chance of reaching Carlos’ hide-out without a guide. -And who knows the way?” - -“What’s more,” Ken added, “if we did succeed in finding it, we’d be no -match for Carlos and his armed followers. They’d make short work of us.” - -“Then what’s to be done?” Jack asked in discouragement. “Give up? Return -to Bogota or Cartagena?” - -“I’ve thought it over, and I intend to stay here at the mine for a day -or two at least,” Mr. Livingston told him. “I’m not convinced that -Corning is dead. If there should be a ransom demand, I want to be on -hand when it comes.” - -“Will Rhodes let us stay, do you think?” Jack questioned doubtfully. - -“He may become quite unpleasant,” Mr. Livingston admitted. “We’ll ignore -his hints to leave, and see what happens. Circulate a bit, meanwhile, -and see what information you can pick up. I’ll do likewise.” - -Quitting the little office, the three went out into the bright sunlight. -Jack noted that Mrs. Rhodes was seated in the screened porch of -Corning’s former dwelling. Although she appeared to be reading a -magazine, he noticed that her gaze followed the trio. - -Workmen were coming up out of the mine pit, to eat their lunch. The man -whom McClellan Rhodes had abused, sat down with his back to a rock and -began munching a cold tortilla. Jack sauntered over to speak to him. - -Before he had spoken more than a phrase of halting Spanish, he heard -heavy steps behind him. Turning, he saw Rhodes bearing down upon him. - -“You are not to talk to the workmen,” he told Jack harshly. “A company -rule.” - -“Seems to me you have a lot of ’em around here,” Jack growled. “I was -only passing the time of day.” - -“It makes no difference. You know my orders. Stay out of the pit, and -away from the miners.” - -“Okay,” Jack agreed, deciding to make no issue of the matter. - -He ambled down to the edge of a deep but swift flowing stream some -distance from the camp but within the cleared area. A log bridge, made -by felling a tall tree, spanned the torrent. He started to cross, but -had taken scarcely three steps on the precarious footing when Rhodes -again descended upon him. - -“Hey, you!” the engineer shouted. - -Startled, Jack nearly lost his balance. Retreating to shore, he waited -for Rhodes to come up. - -“Stay in camp!” the engineer ordered. “Don’t go wandering around.” - -“I merely intended to cross the stream,” Jack replied, nettled. “I hope -I have better sense than to go roaming the wilds without leaving a -trail.” - -“No one is allowed across the river.” - -“Then why the bridge? Decoration?” - -Mr. Rhodes coldly ignored the question. “My wife has lunch ready,” he -said. “She’s an excellent cook and I trust you’ll enjoy her cooking -during your brief stay here. You will join us?” - -“Thanks,” Jack responded, feeling at a disadvantage. “But we don’t want -to put you to any trouble, or your wife.” - -“No trouble,” the engineer said shortly. “Come along.” - -Jack fell into step. As they left the river, Rhodes relaxed somewhat and -talked cheerfully of a recent visit he had made to the coast. - -“You don’t trust me, do you?” he abruptly asked the Scout. - -The unexpected question caught Jack off guard. At a loss for a reply, he -began to stammer. - -“You have me all wrong,” the engineer went on. “Maybe I seem abrupt, but -this is rough country, and one can’t be too careful. Worried about -Corning?” - -“Naturally.” - -“Believe me, if anything can be done, I’ll do it,” Rhodes assured him. -“The point I’m trying to make is this, you can’t help him by remaining -here. You’ll only hinder my work.” - -“It’s for Mr. Livingston to decide what we do.” - -“So I gathered.” The engineer eyed Jack shrewdly. “But your opinion -carries weight with him. I saw that right away. Now if you and the other -boys were to talk to him, you could make him see how foolish it is to -remain here. I’ll make it worth your while.” - -“How do you mean?” - -Rhodes drew a small emerald from his pocket. In the sunlight it shown -with a deep fire. - -“Notice the color,” he directed. “A perfect gem. You like it?” - -“Who wouldn’t?” - -“Feel it—roll it in your hand,” Rhodes urged, closing Jack’s fingers -over the gem. “Now all you need to do is convince Mr. Livingston to -leave here by tomorrow morning. Do that and this emerald is yours!” - - - - - Chapter 15 - MAP OF A MINE - - -Annoyed by the attempted bribe, Jack returned the emerald to the mining -engineer. - -“No, thanks,” he said. “Sorry, you can’t buy me. Seems you’re mighty -eager to get us away from here.” - -“No such thing.” Rhodes replaced the gem in a pouch which Jack noticed -contained even larger emeralds. “Visitors interfere with the work. I was -willing to make it worth your while to leave—that’s all.” - -“I doubt Mr. Livingston will pull out while his friend is held captive -by bandits. Odd isn’t it, that there’s been no ransom demand in so many -days?” - -“Nothing odd about it,” Rhodes retorted. “Corning’s probably dead. -Carlos is without heart, cruel and vicious.” - -“Why not organize a party and track him down?” - -“He’d elude us. No, the only thing to do is to be patient and see what -develops.” - -Jack made no reply, although Rhodes’ views displeased him. He had tried -to hide his anger at being offered a bribe. Nevertheless, he was more -than ever convinced that Rhodes wanted to get the Scouts away from the -mine to prevent them from learning important facts about Corning’s -kidnapping. - -Thinking it over, he decided to make his own investigation by talking to -some of the miners. No opportunity presented itself, however. Whenever -he approached a workman, Rhodes quickly arrived upon the scene. - -Biding his time, Jack waited until nightfall. Then, slipping away from -the Scout tent, he stole to the thatched roof shack of Phillipe, the man -Rhodes had struck. - -A soft tap on the door brought the miner to the door. Suspiciously, he -gazed at Jack. - -“_Amigo_—friend,” Jack assured him. In halting Spanish he asked to be -admitted. - -The man allowed him to enter the barren hovel. Laboriously, Jack tried -to make him understand that he sought information about Mr. Corning. - -“Bandits come, _Senor_,” the miner informed him with gestures. “They -ride off with _Senor_ Corning.” - -“And the emeralds?” - -“No, _Senor_. Carlos get nothing. _Senor_ Corning refuse to open safe.” - -“That’s funny,” Jack remarked, half to himself. “Rhodes told us Carlos -cleaned out the safe. He must have lied.” - -“_Senor_ Rhodes lie about many things,” Phillipe muttered. “Old mine—” - -The words froze on his lips. Unnoticed, Rhodes had approached and now -stood, feet astride, in the open doorway. - -Coldly, he addressed Jack. “I figured I’d find you here. Trying to stir -trouble among my workers?” - -“No such thing,” Jack denied. - -“Go to your quarters and remain there for the night! Must I remind you, -this is an emerald mining camp and that regulations must be rigid.” - -Jack held his tongue, knowing that opposition most certainly would -result in a beating for Phillipe. He left with the engineer, separating -from him at the cottage. Going on to the Scout camp, he was surprised to -find his friends in earnest conversation. - -“Say, Jack,” War greeted him. “Did you take that gun—the one we snatched -from Carlos?” - -“Haven’t touched it,” Jack rejoined. “You’ll find it under my sleeping -bag.” - -“Someone’s swiped it,” War informed him. “Rhodes probably! We saw him -poking his nose into the tent before supper. I’ll bet he took it to make -sure we don’t start anything!” - -“Let’s demand it back!” Willie urged. - -“No use,” Mr. Livingston advised. “He’d only deny he took it. Besides, -maybe we’re better off without that weapon. Loaded guns do cause -accidents.” - -Dismissing the matter of the lost revolver, Jack told the group of his -talk with Phillipe. - -“Corning was kidnapped, all right,” he declared. “But why did Rhodes lie -about the emeralds? Apparently, Carlos didn’t steal them, because -Corning wouldn’t open the safe.” - -“That needn’t have stopped him,” Mr. Livingston pointed out. “He could -have blown it quite easily.” - -“Seemingly, emeralds weren’t Carlos’ main objective. He must have -swooped down here with the deliberate intention of taking Corning -captive. For ransom?” - -“He’s made no demand as yet,” Mr. Livingston commented. “Furthermore, -those emeralds in the safe would be worth far more than he could expect -to get in a cash demand.” - -“The whole deal looks phony,” Jack said. “Rhodes knows more than he’s -telling, and he’s afraid I’ll find out something by talking to the -miners. That’s why he watches me so closely.” - -“I’d like to look over Corning’s papers,” Mr. Livingston said -thoughtfully. “If ever he searched for an old mine, I’m sure he would -have left a record of his work.” - -“We could ask Rhodes to let us look over his things.” - -“I did, this afternoon, Jack. He denied me access to the office file.” - -“Why not look without his permission?” - -“I don’t like to do that, Jack.” - -“We’re dealing with a guy who has no scruples,” Jack pointed out. -“Anyway, let’s breeze him again. Maybe if we bear down hard, he’ll let -us go through Corning’s papers.” - -“We can try,” Mr. Livingston agreed. - -Leaving the other Scouts behind, the pair walked to the office. The -building was lighted with two gasoline lamps, but upon entering, they -found no one there. - -“Rhodes is at the house, I guess,” the Scout leader said. - -“Then this may be our chance,” Jack suggested. His gaze fastened upon -the filing cabinet. “Why not?” - -“It’s probably locked.” - -“Probably,” Jack agreed. He tried the wooden drawer, and to his -surprise, it pulled open. - -Stuffed into the back of the file were samples of rock and a bottle of -chemical. Manila folders were stacked in the front, each neatly labeled. -However, nearly all were empty of papers. - -“Rhodes must have cleaned out about everything,” Jack commented. -“Nothing here apparently, except routine letters.” - -He pulled out a second drawer, entirely empty except for a long roll of -heavy paper, tied with cord. Impelled by curiosity, he untied the knot -and spread out the sheet. - -“Why, it’s a map!” he exclaimed. “A map of an emerald mine!” - -“This one?” Mr. Livingston demanded. Getting up, he went to the desk to -peer over Jack’s shoulder. - -The map was roughly drawn, but to scale. Even a casual glance convinced -the two that it was not a representation of the Last Chance mining -operation. - -“It seems to be located across the stream,” Jack said, his interest -growing. “In the densely forested area. You don’t suppose—” - -“That it might be a drawing of the old lost Spanish mine?” supplied Mr. -Livingston. “It could be, Jack!” - -“The mine seems to be situated south of here,” Jack went on, studying -the markings intently. “Some of these lines have been erased and -re-drawn.” - -“The map can’t have too much value, or it wouldn’t have been left out of -the safe,” Mr. Livingston replied. “The legend appears to be in -Corning’s handwriting, but I’m sure some of the writing isn’t his.” - -As the two poured over the drawings, they were startled to hear -approaching footsteps. Quickly, Jack thrust the map back into the filing -cabinet drawer. - -Scarcely had he closed it than the door was flung open. But it was not -McClellan Rhodes who stood there, but Willie. - -“Come quick!” he urged the pair. - -“What’s doing?” Mr. Livingston asked alertly. “Anyone hurt?” - -Willie shook his head. “War and I were taking a little walk down the -trail before turning in for the night. We saw something mighty queer! We -want you both to see it too! Come right away or it may be too late!” - - - - - Chapter 16 - SIGNALS - - -Taking time only to replace the map in the filing cabinet, Jack and Mr. -Livingston followed War and Willie outside the office. - -“What’s this all about?” Jack demanded. - -“You’ll see,” Willie promised, leading the way down the trail. - -The night was dark, with only a sliver of a moon to light the path. -Though the Scouts had flashlights, they avoided using them. - -The mountain mist swirled about them as they crept through a tunnel of -trees to an outcropping of rock which gave an unobstructed view. Below, -but invisible, lay the valley. - -“Why did you fellows bring us here?” Jack demanded, as Willie and War -paused. “What is there to see?” - -“Wait,” War advised. - -Even as he spoke, Mr. Livingston and Jack were startled to catch the -flash of a light. It appeared to come from another rock almost level -with them, jutting out from the mountain side. - -The beam went on and off in a series of flashes. - -“Code!” Jack muttered. - -“It’s code, all right,” Willie agreed, “but not Morse. Nothing you can -read.” - -As the four watched, there was an answering series of flashes from -below. The light signals seemed to come from a level of perhaps a third -of the distance to the valley. - -“What does it mean?” Jack demanded. “Who is signaling?” - -“Rhodes at this end,” War informed him. “Willie and I learned that much -before we came to the office.” - -“There are no houses down there—nothing but trail,” Mr. Livingston said. -“Can it be—” - -“That he’s signaling Carlos, the bandit?” War supplied eagerly. “That’s -the way Willie and I doped it out.” - -“I was thinking of that possibility,” Mr. Livingston admitted. “Rhodes -isn’t bothered by Corning’s disappearance. I’m sure of that. He may have -plotted it, though I hate to think so.” - -“He’d do anything to stay at the mine as engineer,” Willie said grimly. -“He isn’t making the slightest effort to trace Mr. Corning.” - -“It seems that way to me,” Mr. Livingston nodded. “Of course, unless the -authorities will undertake a search, there’s not much that can be done.” - -“Rhodes must know the hide-out of those bandits,” Jack asserted. “Shall -we breeze him now?” - -“No, let’s not let him know that we saw him signaling,” the Scout leader -decided after a slight hesitation. “He’d tell us nothing. We’ll learn -far more by appearing dumb, and keeping an alert watch.” - -After the signaling had ceased, the Scouts waited until Rhodes had -returned to his cottage. Then rejoining Ken at their own camp, they -discussed the strange flashes. - -Reluctantly, the Scouts agreed with Mr. Livingston that it would be -folly to set off into wild country in search of a bandit camp. - -“With more definite information, we may be able to get the authorities -to step in,” the Scout leader suggested. “I propose that we disregard -Rhodes’ order to leave, and stay here a few days longer to see what we -can learn.” - -“If Rhodes was signaling Carlos, it’s a cinch he plotted Mr. Corning’s -kidnapping,” Jack speculated. “But how can we prove it?” - -When no one answered, he abruptly arose from the fire. “Phillipe may be -our answer,” he asserted. “I’m going to try once more to talk to him.” - -Pulling on a heavy jacket, he swung down a dark path toward the miner’s -hut. - -He had walked only a short distance when a figure suddenly emerged from -the shadows. Rhodes stood there, blocking the trail. - -“Out rather late, aren’t you?” the engineer asked. - -“Just taking a walk,” Jack muttered. - -“Better walk back to your camp.” - -Jack hesitated, ready to give argument. But he recalled Mr. Livingston’s -advice that it would be wise to make a show of cooperation. - -“Okay,” he agreed, turning around. “This mountain air is too chilly for -comfort anyway.” - -“It’s unsafe to go wandering around after dark,” Rhodes continued, -walking with Jack. “Someone might misjudge your motives and take a shot -at you.” - -“You go about though?” - -“That’s different,” the engineer answered. “I’m armed and the miners -know me.” - -He walked with Jack to the camp, and there left him. - -“It’s useless,” Jack reported his failure to the other Scouts. “Rhodes -will have this camp watched all night.” - -“We may as well turn in,” Mr. Livingston advised. “Something may develop -tomorrow.” - -The Scouts spent a comfortable night in their sleeping bags. As they -were cleaning up the next morning, Rhodes strode down the path. His -quick glance noted that no preparation had been made for departure. - -“You’ll be pulling out soon?” he demanded. - -“Hadn’t figured on it,” Mr. Livingston replied. - -“I told you yesterday that you can’t remain here. Company rules.” - -“We’re not leaving until we learn if my friend is still alive.” - -“You can’t do him any good by staying here,” Rhodes said, his eyes -narrowing. “Return to Bogota. If there is a ransom demand, I’ll notify -you at once.” - -“We plan to stay another day or so.” - -“Impossible!” - -“Why is it impossible? What reason do you have for wanting us to leave -at once?” - -“Why, no reason,” the engineer replied. “I told you it’s a company rule. -You refuse to leave?” - -“I’m afraid so.” - -“I’ll have you driven out!” Rhodes exclaimed, losing his temper. “I’ll -show you who is in charge here. I’ll—” - -His tirade was interrupted by the arrival of Phillipe. The miner’s grimy -face was pale beneath his broad, floppy hat. - -“Come quick, _Senor_!” he urged. - -“Trouble in the pit?” - -“_Si, Senor_, the men refuse to dig. They say it is not safe—danger of a -slide.” - -“That’s rot! There’s no danger!” Rhodes fumed. “I’ll have a look.” - -Temporarily forgetting his feud with the Scouts, he went quickly with -Phillipe. Curious to learn what was happening, Mr. Livingston and the -Explorers followed. - -Miners had clustered at the top of the pit, chattering excitedly in -their own tongue. As Rhodes came up, they showed him a crack which had -developed in the rock wall above the big hole. - -“It’s nothing,” Rhodes assured them. “Back to your digging!” - -The miners sullenly refused to budge. Rhodes whipped out a revolver. - -“There is no danger!” he shouted. “Get back to work!” - -Unwillingly, the miners picked up their tools and slowly descended into -the pit. Rhodes remained above, his revolver held in readiness. - -Mechanically, the miners worked, now and then raising their eyes -fearfully to the towering rock above them. As their crowbars failed to -dislodge even powdery dust from above, they relaxed somewhat. - -Presently a pocket of emeralds was uncovered. In great excitement, -Rhodes rushed down to examine the gems. All were small and of poor -color. - -“This vein is playing out!” he exclaimed wrathfully. - -Pocketing the gems, he started to climb the rough rock steps. Watching -from above, the Scouts saw him halt to re-examine the emeralds. - -“Rhodes seems determined to get everything he can from this pit without -loss of time,” Mr. Livingston remarked in a low tone. - -Jack nodded. He had raised his eyes to the wall of rock above the -engineer. Suddenly he was struck with horror! A new crack, much deeper -than the other, had formed. - -Even as he gazed in sick fascination, it widened and moved horizontally, -like a runner in a silk stocking. - -Jarred to a realization of the danger, he shouted a hoarse warning to -the engineer below. - -“A slide! Run for your life!” - -Rhodes heard, but he seemed rooted to where he stood. As he jerked his -eyes up to stare at the towering wall, the rock began to move. - -With a choked, terrified cry, the engineer leaped wildly up the steps. -For a moment, it appeared that he might make it safely. - -The great main mass of rock and dirt fell behind him, sending up a cloud -of dust. But Rhodes was caught by the edge of the slide. A huge rock -felled him. - -Clawing and fighting, he was buried beneath the debris. - - - - - Chapter 17 - AN EARTH SLIDE - - -Even before the dust from the slide had cleared away, Mr. Livingston and -the Scouts were frantically at work. Descending into the pit, they -organized the miners and themselves seized shovels. - -Rhodes’ left arm and his cap lay exposed. In a matter of minutes, they -had freed him from the tomb of earth and rock. - -Badly battered and unconscious, the engineer nevertheless still -breathed. - -On an improvised stretcher, Rhodes was carried to the cottage. His wife, -meeting the procession, gazed at the prone figure, and uttered an -agonized shriek. Becoming calm after a moment, she bade the Scouts carry -her husband into the bedroom. - -“How badly is he hurt?” she asked anxiously. - -“We don’t know yet,” Mr. Livingston told her. “He’s lucky though, to be -alive. How far is the nearest doctor?” - -“Bogota.” - -“Then we’ll have to do what we can for him ourselves. Get hot water and -bandages. Antiseptic. Pain drugs if you have them.” - -Mrs. Rhodes hastened to obey the orders. Though the Scouts never had -admired the woman, they now found themselves feeling very sorry for her. -In the emergency, she worked efficiently and did not allow herself to -become emotional. - -Getting the engineer undressed and into bed, the Explorers examined him -for serious injury. Aside from innumerable scratches and cuts from -fallen rock, the right arm was broken and he had a deep gash across his -thigh. - -Mr. Livingston set the arm expertly and treated the wounds. Rhodes’ -breathing had become steadier, but he did not regain consciousness. - -“I’m worried,” the Scout leader confessed to the Scouts who anxiously -hovered near. “He should be coming around unless he has a skull injury.” - -“Should we send to Bogota for a doctor?” Ken suggested. - -“That would take more than a week, round trip. By that time, Rhodes -either will be much better, or beyond help, I’m afraid. We can send -Jose, but I’m doubtful that it will do any good.” - -Leaving Mr. Livingston and Jack with the patient, the others sought -their guide. He readily agreed to go for a doctor, promising to return -as quickly as possible to the mine. - -“When you reach the village, report Appleby Corning’s absence,” Ken -urged. “Ask the authorities to send a search party.” - -“_Si, Senor_,” Jose nodded. - -He mounted a mule and rode away from the mine, never to be seen by the -Scouts again. An irresponsible fellow, he pocketed the money they gave -him, and once well away from the area, promptly forgot the mission on -which he had been sent. - -Left with Rhodes, Jack and Mr. Livingston remained anxiously by the -bedside. The patient tossed and jerked restlessly, but his occasional -mutterings encouraged them to believe that he might yet recover -consciousness. - -Mrs. Rhodes was in the kitchen when the engineer’s eyes opened for a -moment. He stared blankly into Jack’s face, but without recognition. - -“Corning—” he muttered, his voice bitter with hatred. “I’ll get you—I’ll -get you!” - -As Mr. Livingston moved from the window to join Jack at the bedside, the -engineer again lapsed into silence. The Scout leader stood watching him. - -“He’s coming around, I think,” he told Jack. “While he may be out of his -head for awhile, this is an encouraging sign.” - -Within a few minutes, the patient became so restless that he had to be -restrained to keep him from flinging off the bed covers. - -“Don’t try to stop me!” he muttered. “I’m going back to the mine—Corning -can’t take over in my place—I’ll get him for it!” - -“You are at the mine,” Mr. Livingston told him patiently. “Relax.” - -Rhodes fell back on the pillow, but only for a moment. A crafty smile -overspread his pallid face. - -“Carlos, you’re a wicked _bandido_,” he chuckled, “but so very stupid! -Now you will do as I tell you, we both will profit—at the expense of -Senor Corning, who hates us both!” - -As Jack and Mr. Livingston bent low to catch the almost inaudible -mutterings, Mrs. Rhodes came in with a pitcher of water. She caught the -mumbled word “Corning” and stiffened alertly. - -“My husband is conscious?” she demanded. “Why didn’t you call me at -once?” - -“There seemed no need,” Mr. Livingston replied. “He’s coming around, but -he’s not himself yet.” - -“What did he say?” - -“Something about Corning and the bandit, Carlos.” - -Mrs. Rhodes laughed nervously. “His mind is wandering. Why, he doesn’t -even know Carlos!” Setting the pitcher on the stand, she turned again to -the pair by the bedside. “I’ll take over now, thank you.” - -“We don’t mind staying,” Jack said. “You may need us if he turns -restless again.” - -“If I do, I’ll call. I prefer to be alone with my husband.” - -“Very well,” Mr. Livingston agreed, with a nod to Jack. “If you want us, -we’ll be in our tent.” - -Once well away from the cottage, the two discussed the abrupt dismissal. - -“She was afraid her husband would spill something,” Jack declared. - -“We might have learned a few things if we could have stayed,” Mr. -Livingston agreed. “This convinces me Rhodes knows only too well what -became of Corning. It was no casual kidnapping.” - -“I’ll bet Rhodes paid Carlos to pull off that raid!” Jack replied. “He -probably knows where Corning is held.” - -“He may. But Rhodes’ position here would be most insecure should Corning -escape and return.” - -“So you figure if Rhodes planned the kidnapping, he’d want to see to it -that your friend never got back?” - -Mr. Livingston nodded soberly. “I’d think Corning already is out of the -picture except for one thing.” - -“What’s that, Hap?” - -“Carlos is a sly, treacherous fellow. Clever enough to realize that -alive, Corning could be a financial asset.” - -“He could blackmail Rhodes!” - -“Yes, Jack, I figure if Carlos is wholly unscrupulous, that’s what he -may do. So I half expect a ransom demand, but upon Rhodes—not the mine -owners.” - -“That’s why you’ve been waiting here?” - -“Partially. I’m hoping Carlos presently will show his hand. If we can -get a clue, he may lead us to the hide-out.” - -“With Rhodes laid up, the situation has changed!” Jack chuckled. “He -won’t be sending us away today!” - -“No, and we’ll have a chance to talk to Phillipe. Let’s do it now.” - -The miner was not at his hut. However, they found him at the mine. No -work was being done. Tons of rock and dirt had fallen into the pit, and -must be moved before emeralds again could be mined. Disinterested, the -men sat about, smoking and talking. From the general tone of the -conversation, the Scouts gathered that no one grieved because of Rhodes’ -accident. - -Drawing Phillipe aside, Mr. Livingston and Jack questioned him again as -to the bandit raid. The miner repeated his previous story. He talked -more freely however, and nodded wisely when Jack hinted that the -kidnapping might have been plotted by Rhodes. - -“I can’t understand why Rhodes is so keen on being in charge here,” Mr. -Livingston went on. “The vein of emeralds seems to be playing out. At -least, that’s what we’ve been told.” - -“It is true, Senor. But greater riches not far from here.” - -“You’re speaking of the lost Spanish mine?” the Scout leader interposed -alertly. “We saw a map in Rhodes’ office.” - -“Senor Corning spend many weeks searching for mine. He make big mistake -in telling Senor Rhodes.” - -“So that’s why Rhodes was so eager to get back here!” Mr. Livingston -exclaimed. “At last I begin to see the picture!” - -“_Si_, Senor, he find it by following Senor Corning’s map. Then he -change map, so no one else find mine!” - -“That explains why Rhodes left the map lying around so carelessly,” Jack -commented. “He figured that if anyone tried to use it, they’d be mixed -up.” - -“Phillipe, who besides Mr. Corning and Rhodes knows the location of the -old Spanish mine?” - -“No one, Senor.” - -“No one?” - -“Only me, Senor. I follow Senor Rhodes across river, into wilderness. -Learn secret.” - -“Phillipe, could you take us to this mine?” - -“Very difficult trip, Senor.” - -“But you could guide us there?” - -“_Si, Senor._” - -“We’ll make it worth your while. How far is the mine from here?” - -“Not far, Senor, but way hard.” - -“How soon can we start?” Mr. Livingston urged. - -“Tomorrow morning,” Phillipe said reluctantly. - -It was obvious he had no zest for the adventure. - -“Not sooner?” - -“No, Senor. Trip very long. Bad to be on trail over night.” - -“To be on the safe side, we’ll take a tent and light camping equipment,” -Mr. Livingston decided. “Jack, only you and Ken are to go with us. -Phillipe, be ready at dawn, and tell no one where we are going.” - -“Senor Rhodes make trouble if he finds out!” the miner warned. - -“Rhodes needn’t know about this little trip,” Mr. Livingston answered. -“Anyway, he’s in no condition right now to ask any questions.” - -Preparations rapidly went forward for the next day’s expedition. - -“If all goes well, we should be back here by tomorrow night,” Mr. -Livingston told Willie and War. “Once I’ve learned the location of the -lost mine, I’ll have a leverage over Rhodes. I think then, if he regains -his sense, I can force him to tell me the truth about Corning.” - -“Rhodes is coming around all right,” Willie reported. “I was up to the -cottage a few minutes ago. He was sitting up in bed, guzzling soup.” - -“The man has the constitution of an ox,” Mr. Livingston replied. “I’m -not worried about him. He’ll come through in fine shape.” - -“We’ll have to work fast while he’s laid up,” asserted Jack. “Once he -begins to regain his strength, he’ll start tightening up on us.” - -That night, Mr. Livingston and the Scouts revisited the engineer. Very -much himself again, he was in an ugly mood. Not even thanking them for -their efforts in saving his life, he said gruffly: - -“My wife tells me you’re packing your stuff. Leaving?” - -“Only for a day,” Mr. Livingston returned. - -“You’re not crazy enough to venture out into the bush in search of your -friend?” - -“Would that be crazy?” Mr. Livingston countered. - -“It sure would! I tell you that if you’ll wait, there may be a ransom -demand.” Sudden suspicion shone in Rhodes’ dark eyes. “Say, maybe this -excursion of yours doesn’t concern your friend!” - -Mr. Livingston made no answer. He and the Scouts already were turning -toward the door. - -“Just a minute!” the engineer called sharply. With an effort, he half -pulled himself from the bed. “If you have anything else in mind, I’m -warning you to lay off or it may cost you your lives! I’m ordering you -to stay here in camp!” - -Mr. Livingston smiled. “First you order us to leave. Now you order us to -stay. Can’t you make up your mind?” - -“You’re taking advantage of me while I’m flat on my back!” Rhodes -snarled. “Oh, you’re not fooling me one bit. I may be cooped up here, -but I’m not stupid. I know what you’re about. And I’m giving you a last -warning! Stay in camp, or you’ll regret it!” - -Mr. Livingston and the Scouts did not hear the final threat. Leaving the -man to his tirade, they quietly closed the bedroom door and left the -cottage. - - - - - Chapter 18 - DISASTER - - -When the Scout party, led by Phillipe, slipped out of camp shortly after -dawn the next morning, they saw Rhodes at the cottage window. - -He sat in a big chair, wrapped in blankets. Obviously, he had posted -himself there to watch, and was well aware of their intention. - -“We’re not fooling him one bit,” remarked Ken. “I’ll bet a cent he’ll -have one of his men keep track of us. He’d stop us if he could.” - -Once well away from the mining camp, the Scouts doubled back to the -river. The stream, fed by recent rains higher in the mountains, raced as -fast as a mill stream. - -Phillipe guided the party to a log bridge crossing. There Ken, Jack and -Mr. Livingston parted with the other Scouts. - -“Return to camp and wait for us,” the Scout leader instructed Willie and -Warwick. “We’ll make a fast trip to see what we can discover.” - -“Rhodes probably won’t be able to get out of the cottage,” Jack added. -“But if he does, keep an eye on him. Especially watch to see if he -flashes any more of those mysterious signals.” - -“Sure,” Willie promised. “How long will you be gone?” - -“If all goes well, we should be back in camp by nightfall. But don’t -worry if we’re delayed. The going will be rough, and the trip may take -longer than we expect.” - -Crossing the narrow, log bridge, Phillipe and the three explorers lost -themselves in the dense vegetation. For hours, they hacked their way -through tough creepers, and at times were compelled to chop down small -saplings. - -By noon, as the party rested and ate a cold lunch, it was difficult for -the Scouts to maintain their customary good cheer. Although accustomed -to hard, outdoor work, the boys suffered from strained muscles and -aching backs. - -“We’re making about a mile every two hours,” Ken calculated gloomily. -“Maybe less. Phillipe, are you sure you’re taking us the right way?” - -“This the way,” the miner replied. “Trail very bad.” - -After resting, the Scouts forced themselves to continue, though they had -long ago lost zest for the adventure. - -Phillipe seemed to know exactly where he was headed, yet as the day wore -on, the Explorers began to lose faith that he ever could lead them to -the lost Spanish mine. Then, the little miner seemed to become less -certain. They saw him studying the ridges with puzzled eyes, and -occasionally shaking his head as if confused. - -“Phillipe doesn’t know where he’s going,” Ken said to Jack as the party -made another halt. “The vegetation has closed in since he saw that mine. -This trip was a mistake.” - -Phillipe would not admit confusion. But after another hour of hard labor -had brought them to a relatively clear area overlooking the river, he -had to admit defeat. - -“Very sorry, Senor,” he apologized to Mr. Livingston. - -Phillipe’s regret was so genuine that the Scouts could not believe that -he had betrayed them deliberately. His intentions, undoubtedly, had been -good. Given several days to search, they might find the lost mine. But -in the present circumstance, the quest must be abandoned. - -“Wish we’d followed directions on that map,” Willie remarked -regretfully. - -“The result would have been the same,” Mr. Livingston declared. “I’m -sure the markings were altered. We’ll rest awhile and start back.” - -Anxiously, the Scouts noted how fast the sun was lowering. The return -trip, of course, would be much easier. Even so, it would be nightfall -before they reached the Last Chance mine. - -After resting for awhile, Jack arose to hack at the rocks with a pick. -Among the fragments were a few tiny green specks. But there was no fire -in them. - -“We must be close to the old vein,” he remarked. “Too bad we can’t camp -and try again tomorrow.” - -He gazed questioningly at Mr. Livingston. The Scout leader hesitated, -then shook his head. - -“I wish we could find that old mine, Jack. But time is running out on -us. We must get back to camp and devote all our energy to finding Mr. -Corning, if he still is alive.” - -“How we going to do it?” Ken asked in despair. “Rhodes may have the -answer, but he won’t help us. As you pointed out, Hap, it’s hopeless to -undertake a search in this wild country unless one has a definite clue.” - -“The clues, I’m afraid, never will be forthcoming. Our only one—those -flashing signals—aren’t much to go on.” - -“Then what’s the program?” Jack questioned. - -“When I get back to camp, we’ll start for the village to notify the -authorities. They may organize a search, though I haven’t much hope.” - -“Rhodes is the key to the whole situation,” Ken insisted. “If only we -could force him to talk—” - -“That’s a forlorn hope too, I’m afraid,” the Scout leader answered. “If -we’d found this old mine, we might have used our knowledge as a -leverage. Having failed, I don’t see what we can do.” - -After hacking awhile at the outcropping of rock, Jack walked down to the -river’s edge. Foam was back-washing against the boulders and the current -was very swift. - -He stood there a moment, fascinated by the speed of the wild torrent. -Intending to rejoin his friends, he chose a way different from the one -he had come. Soon he regretted it, finding himself in a mat of dense -vegetation. - -As he hacked a path, he felt his footing give beneath him. Unexpectedly, -the floor of creepers dissolved. - -Down he plunged, uttering a terrified shriek as he fell! - -Jack struck solid earth some distance below. Stunned by the suddenness -of the fall as well as the impact, he lay for a moment, unable to move. - -Then gingerly, he sat up. No bones had been broken. He felt for his -flashlight and was relieved to discover it intact. - -The beam of light disclosed that he had fallen into a cave-like hole -perhaps ten feet below the surface of the ridge above. - -Slowly, Jack pulled himself to an upright position, discovering that he -could stand without stooping. It was then that he made an exciting -discovery. - -The ceiling overhead had a distinct curve! - -“This looks like part of an old tunnel!” he thought in elation. - -Before Jack could investigate further, he heard a shout from above. - -Mr. Livingston peered down through the narrow opening, calling -anxiously: - -“Jack, are you hurt?” - -“Hardly a scratch,” the Scout replied with a chuckle. “This is a deep -hole though, and I can’t get out by myself.” - -“Stay where you are,” Mr. Livingston directed. “We’ll get a rope and -haul you up.” - -“Don’t be in too big a hurry, Hap. I want to look around a bit while I’m -here. It appears to me that I’ve fallen into a tunnel.” - -“A tunnel, Jack? What makes you think so?” The tone of Mr. Livingston’s -voice plainly disclosed that the information had startled him. - -“This is no cave. The walls have been hewn, and the ceiling is arched.” - -“It may be the lost mine!” - -“I suspect so,” Jack agreed cheerfully. “While you’re getting that rope, -I’ll see what I can learn.” - -Venturing forward, the youth flashed his light over one of the side -walls. Distinctly, he could make out ancient pick marks. - -That the tunnel was an old one he no longer had the slightest doubt. Mr. -Livingston had told him that the Spaniards, being amateurs at mining, -had used the tunnel method in their quest for emeralds. - -Focusing his beam ahead of him, he walked until his way was blocked by -earth and debris. Unable to proceed farther, he returned to find his -friends anxiously lowering a knotted rope through the opening. - -“It’s the lost mine!” Jack reported jubilantly. “I’m sure of it!” - -“Bring up a handful of emeralds,” Ken shouted with a laugh. - -“Toss down a pick and I’ll try!” - -“There’s no time for exploration,” Mr. Livingston objected. “We’re -mighty lucky to have found the mine!” - -“It may not be the one Corning mapped,” Ken commented. “It looks like an -old Spanish tunnel though.” - -“This mine same one Senor Corning find,” Phillipe asserted. “Senor -Rhodes later on cover vein with earth and rock to hide it and keep gems -safe.” - -“That debris certainly looked as if it might have been piled on -deliberately,” Jack informed the group above. “Lower a pick and I’ll -find out.” - -Persuaded against his better judgment, Mr. Livingston lowered the -requested tool. Phillipe also went down by means of the rope. - -He and Jack removed some of the loose debris, exposing a streak of rock, -narrow but with a well-defined green color. - -“We strike vein,” Phillipe said, resting for a moment from his labors. -“If emeralds form, they big ones I think.” - -On they labored, taking turns with pick and crowbar. Above, Mr. -Livingston and Ken warned them that the day fast was waning. - -“We’ve found the mine and that’s the important thing.” the Scout leader -called down impatiently. “We’ll mark it well, and hope we can return. -Now we must leave or we’ll never reach camp tonight.” - -Deep in the earth, Jack and Phillipe scarcely heard. In a fever of -excitement, they sensed that they were on the verge of a great -discovery. - -Phillipe struck again with his bar, using infinite skill. The sharp -point split the rock neatly, exposing a section of dark green beryl. -Embedded in it were several large, well-formed emeralds. - -Phillipe sucked in his breath. “Senor,” he murmured, “Great wealth is -here! A fortune!” - -Jack scooped out the emeralds, examining them in the beam of the -flashlight. All were perfect gems, dark green, with a deep smoldering -fire. - -“Senor, you hold great riches in your hand,” Phillipe whispered. - -“Appleby Corning’s ransom perhaps.” Hypnotized by the warm glow of the -gems, Jack turned them over and over in his palm. - -He was brought from his reverie by an echoing shout from above. - -“Jack!” It was Mr. Livingston who called. “Get up here! It’s late.” - -“Coming,” Jack replied. - -Swiftly he and Phillipe recovered the vein with earth and by means of -the rope climbed out of the tunnel. - -“Gosh, do you realize how late it is?” Ken greeted them. - -“Does it matter?” Jack asked, still in a land of enchantment. “We found -the mine, didn’t we? And look at this!” He flashed the handful of -emeralds. - -In awe, the others examined the treasure. - -“They’re first quality gems, or I’m no judge,” Mr. Livingston asserted. -“No wonder Rhodes wants to reestablish himself here.” - -“You think he knows the value of the vein?” Jack asked. - -“He must. I believe it was because of this vein that he went to so much -trouble to set himself up in Corning’s place. He’s kept the knowledge -from the miners and probably from company officials, hoping to profit -personally!” - -“We’ll spike his little game,” Jack chuckled. - -“We may,” Mr. Livingston nodded. “The important thing now is to get back -to camp.” - -“Fast,” Ken added, with an uneasy glance at the lowering sun. “We can’t -possibly make it by dark now.” - -Before starting back, the Scouts carefully disguised the hole through -which Jack had fallen, marking the locality. The work completed, they -shouldered their packs and started off at a fast pace. - -Though the return trip was much easier, darkness soon overtook them. -Doggedly they followed the stream which rushed over the rocks in a -foaming, angry torrent. - -Unwilling to waste even a moment, the party did not pause to prepare -supper. Aching in every muscle, the Scouts nevertheless kept moving. - -“Shouldn’t we be coming to the log bridge?” Ken complained after a -while. - -“Seems like it,” Jack said, halting to shift his pack. “Around this next -bend, I think.” - -Realization that the long trek was nearing its end gave the four renewed -strength. On they went through the darkness. The night air was cold and -very still, and the only sound that of the rushing torrent. - -Phillipe, who was a little ahead of the other three, abruptly halted. He -uttered a grunt of surprise and dismay. - -“What’s wrong?” Mr. Livingston demanded. - -Receiving no answer, he and the Scouts pressed quickly on. - -They came upon Phillipe standing on the rocks, staring at the racing -stream. For a moment, they could not comprehend the reason for his dead -silence. - -“Say, isn’t this the place where we crossed this morning?” Jack finally -asked, noting several vaguely familiar landmarks. - -Phillipe inclined his head. “Same place.” - -“But it can’t be!” burst out Ken. “There’s no bridge!” - -“Bridge gone. Swept away.” - -No one spoke as the full import of Phillipe’s words soaked in. - -“Gone,” Jack finally echoed in a faint voice. “That means—” - -“We stay here,” Phillipe said, sinking wearily down on a flat rock. -“There is no other bridge—no way to cross.” - - - - - Chapter 19 - A RACING STREAM - - -The situation, though alarming, did not dismay Mr. Livingston or the two -Scouts. Knowing that the washed-out log bridge was not far from the -mining camp, they reasoned that Willie and War soon would become aware -of their plight. - -“We’re stranded here for awhile, that’s certain,” Mr. Livingston -commented, staring at the foaming waters. “It won’t be easy to build -another bridge across that span.” - -“Assuming that Rhodes will assign his men to the task,” added Ken -gloomily. “He’ll probably be tickled pink that we’re bottled up here.” - -“Queer that bridge went out just when it did,” muttered Jack. “It seemed -sturdy and secure early this morning when we passed over. Guess the -current must be even stronger than we figured.” - -For an hour, the Scouts took turns flashing signals with their lights. -The distant mining camp was completely blocked from view by trees and -rocks. They had little hope that the flashes would be seen, but did -think that War and Willie, alarmed by their long absence, might venture -toward the river to investigate. - -“We’re bushed,” Mr. Livingston declared, after the effort to attract -attention had proved futile. “Let’s try to sleep. In the morning, we can -find a way to get help or to rescue ourselves.” - -Following Phillipe’s example, Ken and Jack sought shelter. The night was -bitterly cold. Nevertheless, in their thickly lined sleeping bags, they -spent fairly comfortable hours. - -When they awakened at dawn, Mr. Livingston had the fire built, and was -preparing a hot breakfast. - -Stretching their cramped limbs, Jack and Ken went down to the river to -wash. - -As they bent down to dash the icy water on their faces, the torrent -rushed past, foaming and hissing. - -“This stream is plenty swift,” Ken remarked. “Too deep to wade across, -and a fellow couldn’t hope to swim it, either.” - -“Rapids and whirlpools below here,” Jack reminded him. “Rhodes told me -that. He probably was telling the truth too.” - -“It’s darn funny War and Willie don’t take any interest in what became -of us,” Ken went on, scanning the rugged shoreline. “Wouldn’t you think -they’d see the smoke from our fire?” - -“Probably not up yet,” Jack rejoined with forced cheer. “You know how -War is—with no one to pull him out of bed, he’d sleep until noon.” - -“Even so, he and Willie must have realized that something went wrong -with our plans. Common sense would tell ’em we’re in trouble.” - -“Maybe not, Ken. You remember, Mr. Livingston told them we might be gone -over night.” - -“What bothers me, is how are they going to help us even after they -discover our situation? One can’t build a bridge in five minutes.” - -“We’ll have to risk a raft probably.” - -“And maybe be swept down into the whirlpool. No thanks!” - -The two Explorers rejoined Mr. Livingston and Phillipe, who were dishing -up breakfast. The meal revived everyone’s spirits. - -“What’s the plan?” Jack questioned the Scout leader. - -“We’ll send up some smoke signals,” Mr. Livingston advised. “That should -draw attention to our plight.” - -The morning was clear and windless. Knowing that a column of smoke would -rise high, the Scouts were hopeful that despite the rim of mountain -peaks, it would be visible at the mining camp. - -“War and Willie will soon know we’re in trouble,” Ken asserted, starting -to gather an armful of dry twigs. - -Jack already was accumulating a pile of green leaves and had dampened a -blanket at the stream. - -With everything in readiness, the group built up their fire and when it -was burning briskly, threw on the leaves. A heavy column of smoke arose. - -After a moment, Jack and Ken interrupted the smoke by means of the -blanket. Over and over they flashed a distress signal. - -“We should be getting a reply soon now,” Jack asserted, anxiously -scanning the sky in the direction of the mining camp. - -For fifteen minutes, the Scouts kept up the signals. Then, as the smoke -column faded away, they continued to watch for a response. None came. - -“Our signals must have been seen at the camp,” Mr. Livingston declared. -“I can’t understand it. What’s happened to War and Willie?” - -More disturbed than at any time since they had found themselves -stranded, the Scout leader went down to the stream’s edge. He studied -the swift current and then directed attention to the spot where the log -bridge had washed out. Only a few broken wires remained. These he -carefully examined. - -“This bridge didn’t wash out,” he told Jack, who had followed him over -the slippery rocks. - -“It was weakened deliberately?” - -“Looks that way, Jack.” Mr. Livingston showed him where the wires had -been snipped with a cutter. - -“Rhodes?” - -“I’d guess so. He may be on his feet by this time, or he could have -ordered his men to let the bridge go.” - -“Willie and War wouldn’t have stood for that.” - -“Not if they could have prevented it. But they haven’t answered our -smoke signals. I’m afraid they may be in trouble too.” - -“It might suit Rhodes very well to have us stranded on this side of the -river.” - -“We know he didn’t swallow our story about looking for Appleby Corning,” -Mr. Livingston nodded. “He must have suspected we were searching for the -old mine. Now he intends to keep us stranded until he and his wife can -get away.” - -“We’re stranded, all right,” Jack muttered, staring at the boiling -waters. “No big trees close by, even if we could fell one and cross on -its trunk.” - -“We can’t stay here much longer,” Mr. Livingston said. “Willie and War -may need us as much as we need them. We’ve got to get back to camp!” - -“A raft?” - -“It’s our best bet, I think. We’re all good swimmers, with exception of -Phillipe. The current is swift, but I think we can make it.” - -The Scouts set to work, pegging out a rounded shape, somewhat smaller -than a waterproof tarp included in their equipment. This accomplished, -they used dry twigs and small pieces of wood to fill in between the -pegs, and lashed it all firmly together with stout twine. - -Next, they built a floor of webbed sticks and then removed the pegs. -Finally the bundle was slid onto the waterproof tarp which was lashed -securely in place around the circle. As the last step, they attached a -long rope. - -“Not a bad little raft,” Jack declared, surveying the finished job. “She -should carry one of us at a time without trouble.” - -Mr. Livingston offered to go first, but the others would not have it so. -Jack insisted that he was the strongest swimmer, and after some -argument, the Scout leader reluctantly agreed that he might make the -initial trip. Phillipe, meanwhile, had hacked out a crude paddle. - -With Ken and Mr. Livingston holding an end of the rope, Jack settled -himself firmly on the circular tarp raft, and shoved off. - -The fast current caught the craft, whirling it. For a minute, Jack was -afraid he was going under. Icy water splashed over his legs. The awkward -craft twisted and turned in the grasp of the racing stream. - -Paddling desperately, he regained control. Without disaster, he reached -the opposite shore, though some distance down stream. Ken, Phillipe and -Mr. Livingston promptly pulled the raft back to their side of the shore. -The Scout leader next made the trip across, followed by Ken. - -Phillipe, desperately afraid of the racing water, had to be coaxed -before he too attempted the stream. - -All went well until the miner was close to shore. Then unexpectedly, the -make-shift paddle snapped, leaving him with a useless stub of wood. - -A gasp of horror escaped his lips as the current viciously seized the -little craft. - -“Throw the rope!” shouted Jack, running along the jagged rocks at the -stream’s edge. - -Paralyzed with fear, Phillipe sat frozen. He fancied he could hear the -roar of rapids below and was certain he would be swept to his doom. - -“Throw the rope!” Jack yelled again. “Quick!” - -Recovering from paralysis, Phillipe suddenly hurled the free end toward -shore. His throw was powerful. To the relief of the Scouts, the rope -fell on the rocks, and they were able to seize it. Fighting the current, -they slowly pulled the raft to safety. - -Dripping wet and shivering from terror, Phillipe stumbled out onto -shore. - -“_Gracias Senors_,” he mumbled, collapsing in a shivering heap. “You -save my life!” - -“We may have saved you a wild ride down the canyon,” Jack conceded as he -salvaged the water-soaked tarp. “This rope is badly frayed. A few more -hard jerks against the sharp rocks and it would have been cut in half.” - -After wringing out their damp clothes, the Scouts started for the mining -camp. Passing the locked, deserted office, they went on to the tent -area. - -“No fire,” Ken observed from a distance. “No one around, either.” - -Slightly in advance of the others, he went quickly to the tent occupied -by Willie and War. Everything was in order. But no one was there. - -Meanwhile, Jack and Mr. Livingston had been looking around outside. The -fire, they noted in alarm, had been dead many hours. - -“Where are they?” Jack demanded. “What’s happened to War and Willie?” - -“Rhodes must know!” Mr. Livingston asserted, his voice grim. “Come on -fellows! We’re going to have a show-down with him right now!” - - - - - Chapter 20 - THE MISSING SCOUTS - - -The Scouts found the mining engineer at the cottage, breakfasting with -his wife. Though somewhat pale, Rhodes looked much better, and was able -to be about. His right arm remained in a splint, but he managed his -coffee cup fairly well with his left one. - -As the three came to the screen door, the engineer’s first look of -shocked surprise revealed very plainly that he had not expected their -return so soon. - -Quickly recovering, however, he invited them in. “Have some coffee?” he -offered with more cordiality than usual. - -“No, thanks,” Mr. Livingston spoke shortly. “We’re here to learn what -became of War and Willie.” - -“Don’t ask me,” the engineer shrugged. “I haven’t seen them since they -left camp last night.” - -“They didn’t start for Bogota?” - -“I wouldn’t know.” - -“It’s not like them to start off anywhere without leaving word. Which -way did they go?” - -“Down the valley.” - -“Then they couldn’t have gone off in search of us,” Ken replied. The -remark slipped out before he considered how it would be taken. - -Rhodes regarded him steadily as he reached for another muffin. - -“So you didn’t go off in quest of your friend, Corning after all?” the -engineer inquired in a soft, faintly amused tone. - -“You know very well where we went!” Jack accused, losing his temper. -“You thought you’d arrange things too so we wouldn’t get back until it -suited your convenience!” - -“I don’t know what you’re talking about, young man. Suppose you -explain.” - -“Gladly. You weakened the log bridge so it washed out, leaving us -stranded on the other side of the river!” - -“And what were you doing over there?” the engineer questioned -insolently. “Searching for your friend Corning, I suppose?” - -Mr. Livingston had seated himself at the breakfast table, opposite -Rhodes and his wife. - -“We’re not trying to hide anything,” he informed the engineer quietly. -“Frankly, we were trying to find the old Spanish emerald mine that -Corning came upon some months ago.” - -Rhodes laughed unpleasantly. “I suspected as much,” he said. “Every -greenhorn that comes to Colombia falls for those romantic tales about -lost mines. Corning was as big a sucker as anyone. But he never found -the mine.” - -“You’re sure?” Mr. Livingston questioned. - -“Of course, I am. He fell heir to an old map when he took over here. But -it was worthless. If the Spaniards ever mined in this area, the emeralds -are pretty well gone, except in this pit we’re working now. Any day it -will play out. Then the mine is finished and should be closed.” - -“What do you say to this?” Carelessly, Mr. Livingston dropped a large -emerald on the table. - -Both Rhodes and his wife gasped as they saw the handsome green stone. In -the morning sunlight, it burned with a rich fire and appeared flawless. - -Carefully, the engineer examined the gem. For a long moment, he did not -speak. - -“Well?” the Scout leader prompted. - -“So you found the old mine after all?” Rhodes returned, his eyes -glittering. “Or shall we say you were guided there? You never could have -come upon it by your own efforts.” - -“At any rate, we have discovered the mine—apparently, a rich one. The -Last Chance should take on new life now.” - -“That remains to be seen. One emerald doesn’t make a mine, you know. -I’ll send this sample to Bogota to be assayed. Meanwhile, I’ll put the -men over there, opening up a new pit.” - -Ken and Jack were rather dismayed at Rhodes’ proposal that he keep the -emerald. To their surprise, Mr. Livingston appeared to fall in with the -suggestion. - -“How soon can the emerald be taken to the Bogota office?” he inquired. - -“My wife had planned to return there today or tomorrow. She can take the -gem.” - -“You’re not afraid to have her travel alone with a valuable stone? She -might meet Carlos.” - -“I have no fear of him,” Mrs. Rhodes spoke up quickly. “Anyway, I have a -means of carrying the gem—” - -“You’ll start early tomorrow,” her husband interrupted, deliberately -cutting her off. - -“I’ll have one of my boys go along,” Mr. Livingston said, off hand. -“Corning’s disappearance must be reported to the authorities.” - -“My wife can take care of it.” - -“I’d prefer to have a Scout along. Besides, your wife should have -someone with her on the trail.” - -Rhodes started to protest, then seemed to think better of it. “Suit -yourself,” he shrugged. - -“About Willie and War,” the Scout leader resumed. “You’ll send out a -searching party?” - -“No, I can’t!” Rhodes snapped. “We’re running a mine—not a kindergarten. -I didn’t ask you and your party to come here! You’ve interfered with -operations!” - -“We did discover the old mine, don’t forget.” - -“Oh, that! You didn’t make such an important discovery. I’ve always -known—” - -“You’ve known the location for some little time?” Mr. Livingston quietly -supplied. “Perhaps that was why you were so eager to get back here again -as engineer?” - -“No such thing!” Rhodes denied. “Now get out of here, will you? Let me -finish my breakfast in peace!” - -“Sorry to have disturbed you,” Mr. Livingston returned. “Good morning.” - -He and the two Scouts left the cottage. Once they were well beyond -hearing, Jack and Ken anxiously questioned their leader as to his plan -of procedure. - -“Don’t you think it may have been a mistake to let Rhodes have that -emerald?” Ken demanded. “It must have high value.” - -“Whatever its worth, Ken, the gem belongs to the mining company.” - -“Sure, but will Mrs. Rhodes turn it over to agents in Bogota or -Cartagena?” - -“That’s one thing I want to learn, Ken. I have a hunch Rhodes doesn’t -want to reveal to company officials that the old mine has been located. -If his wife delivers the emerald, it will be a dead give-away because -any expert will know immediately that the gem didn’t come from the Last -Chance.” - -“And if she fails to turn it in?” Jack suggested. - -“That would be enough to arouse company officials.” - -“So you’re figuring Rhodes and his wife may be forced to show their hand -one way or the other?” - -“I have a hunch Rhodes is trying to bleed this mine for his own -benefit,” the Scout leader replied. “His decision to open a pit at the -new mine before the sample is assayed, convinces me of that. He figures -on working the vein fast, and getting out with what he can before the -company clamps down on him.” - -“And before Corning is found, either dead or alive,” supplied Ken. - -“That’s the way I see it,” Mr. Livingston nodded. “Unless Willie or War -can be found in the next few hours, you must go to Bogota with Mrs. -Rhodes, Jack. See that she turns the emerald over to company officials. -Report Corning’s disappearance, and that Willie and War are missing.” - -“I’ll send the authorities.” - -“That may take some doing, Jack. I’ve been told they maintain a -hands-off policy with respect to this mine. There’s one thing you can -do. When you reach Bogota, rent a plane and fly back here.” - -“Fly? There’s no possible landing place.” - -“True. You’re to survey the area, especially Emerald Valley in the -locality where we saw those flashing signals. See if you can spot -anything remotely resembling a bandit hide-out.” - -“From the air that might be done! If I see anything suspicious, I’ll -drop a message!” - -“I hate to spare you for the trip, Jack,” Mr. Livingston went on -anxiously. “But there’s no other way unless we get a trace of Willie and -War.” - -In an attempt to gather some information about the missing pair, the -Scouts talked to several of the miners. They were able to confirm that -Willie and War had left camp the previous night, starting down trail -with only light equipment. - -“Something important must have come up,” Ken said. “But it’s mighty -queer they left no word.” - -With Mr. Livingston, the Scouts searched the camp thoroughly without -finding even a clue as to the strange disappearance. Nor could the -missing boys be sighted through field glasses. Ken was in favor of -seeking them afoot, but the trail had not been marked. If Willie and War -had left the main path to wander in the bush, they might be hopelessly -lost. - -“I’m depending upon their good common sense,” Mr. Livingston asserted. -“They know the dangers. If we wait a few hours, I think they may come -dragging in under their own steam.” - -As the morning wore on, the Scouts fretted at delay, yet acknowledged -that hasty action would accomplish nothing. Rhodes, meanwhile, spurred -by their discovery of the old Spanish mine, had put men to work -rebuilding the washed out bridge. Watching the engineer direct the -laborers, the Scouts lost some of their conviction that he previously -had weakened the structure. - -“Maybe that bridge did go out by itself,” Jack remarked to Ken. - -“Don’t you believe it! He’s putting on a show for our benefit. Anyway, -he’s anxious to dig emeralds in a new pit now that he knows we’ve -uncovered the vein.” - -After watching the bridge building for awhile, the two Scouts rejoined -their leader. Mr. Livingston had just returned from down-trail where he -unsuccessfully had sought clues with respect to the disappearance of -their chums. - -“No signs anywhere along the path,” he reported in discouragement. -“Apparently, when they left, they were confident they could get back -without any trouble.” - -Uncertain what to do, the Scouts kept close watch of the trail as the -morning wore on. They were discussing the possibility of a mule-back -search, when Jack suddenly cried: - -“Say, I think they’re coming now!” Excitedly, he pointed down through -the dense trees hemming much of the winding trail. - -The three watchers glued their eyes on a visible stretch of path some -distance below. Before Mr. Livingston could adjust his field glasses, -the two missing Scouts were sighted trudging wearily around a bend. - -“It’s War and Willie all right!” Jack shouted in relief. “Safe and sound -too! Who do they think they are, anyhow, scaring the living daylights -out of us? I’ll give ’em a piece of my mind!” - -Mr. Livingston smiled, but shook his head. “Don’t be too hasty,” he -advised as the three started down the trail to meet the truants. “Unless -I’m mistaken, War and Willie probably had a good reason for taking off -from camp. Let’s give ’em a chance to explain.” - - - - - Chapter 21 - A MISSION - - -Spent from the long, hard climb up the steep trail, War and Willie -nevertheless greeted the other Scouts with good humor. - -“Where you fellows been?” Ken demanded as the party retired to the -shelter of the tents. “We thought you were lost on the mountain.” - -“You don’t think we’d be that dumb?” War scoffed, flinging himself down -near the fire which Jack had rekindled. - -“As a matter of truth, we were lost for a little while,” Willie admitted -with a laugh. “We went exploring.” - -“That was a very risky thing to do in this country,” Mr. Livingston -chided. “You shouldn’t have left camp.” - -“Sure, we know that now,” War agreed. “But we had to find out the hard -way.” - -“What happened after we left?” Ken questioned impatiently. “You started -off in search of us—or were you hoping to find Mr. Corning?” - -“It was like this,” War said, stirring the fire with a stick. “Last -night, shortly after dusk, we saw those signals again.” - -“The light flashes?” Jack asked. - -“Yeah,” War nodded, “only the signals didn’t come from this camp. They -were being flashed from half way down to the valley floor.” - -“It didn’t look more than a mile or so away,” Willie added. - -“Then what?” prompted Mr. Livingston. - -“Well, we watched ’em for a minute or two. Someone down below kept -sending three long flashes.” - -“Any answer from this camp?” Jack asked. - -“None,” Willie told him. “We figured that with Rhodes confined in the -cottage, there wouldn’t be any.” - -“He didn’t catch the flashes?” Mr. Livingston inquired. - -“Apparently, not. At any rate, he didn’t leave the cottage,” Willie -replied. “Probably wasn’t feeling up to it.” - -“So you decided to investigate?” - -“Well, it looked like a perfect opportunity,” Willie confessed -sheepishly. “It proved to be a mistake.” - -“What happened?” Mr. Livingston questioned. - -War took up the story. “Not very much, Hap,” he admitted. “We took -careful note of those flashes and started off down the trail. After -awhile, the fellow who was signaling, gave up. We had nothing to guide -us. We thought we had a good idea where the signals originated, but at -night the forest all looks pretty much the same.” - -“You got lost?” Jack demanded. - -“Not exactly.” - -“What d’you mean, not exactly?” - -“Well,” War grinned, “we did come upon a path that led off into the -forest from the main trail. We decided to follow it.” - -“Where did it take you?” Ken interposed. “To the middle of nowhere?” - -“Something like that,” War acknowledged. “It just kept on and on, and -after awhile, we decided we’d have to turn back.” - -“You’d marked you way, I take it?” Mr. Livingston asked. - -“Well, in a fashion,” War answered, avoiding the Scout leader’s direct -gaze. “We figured we couldn’t go astray following a regular path. But -somehow in the semi-darkness, we slipped up and got off the darn thing. -Getting back was what took so long.” - -“We had to wait until dawn,” Willie confessed. “Once it was daylight, we -figured things out, and were able to retrace our way.” - -“At least you used your head on that point,” Mr. Livingston said. “Your -excursion, I take it, netted no real information.” - -“Not a scrap,” War acknowledged ruefully. “We’re almost certain though, -that that path we started to follow must lead to either a village or to -the bandit hide-out.” - -“You’re probably right,” the Scout leader nodded. “It confirms my own -opinion that we can do nothing without definite information and -assistance from the authorities.” - -He then told Willie and War what had happened during their absence from -camp. - -“Mrs. Rhodes leaves tomorrow for Bogota with the sample emerald to be -assayed,” he added. “Willie, if you and War are up to it, I’d like you -both to go along.” - -“We’ll be okay after a few hours sleep,” Willie replied at once. “What’s -the plan?” - -Mr. Livingston outlined the proposal he previously had made to Jack. The -two Scouts were to accompany Mrs. Rhodes, and without arousing her -suspicion, make certain that she delivered the emerald to company -officials. Once the mission was accomplished, they were to charter a -plane and fly back over the area in an attempt to locate the bandit -hide-out. - -“With a plane, you should be able to scout the entire area in a matter -of hours,” Mr. Livingston declared. “By mule or afoot it would be a -hopeless task.” - -“Once we’ve surveyed the area, then what?” War asked. - -“You can’t land here. Your job done, you’re to drop a message and return -to the nearest landing field. Bogota probably. If your information -warrants it, try to get authorities to organize a search party.” - -“You believe Mr. Corning still is alive?” Willie asked quickly. - -“I do. Until we have proof otherwise, I’ll assume he is being held -captive.” - -“When do we start?” War asked with a drowsy yawn. - -“Soon after dawn tomorrow. Get some sleep now. You’ll need it.” - -Willie and War promptly turned in and fell at once into heavy slumber. -When they awakened in late afternoon, Jack was preparing a hearty supper -over the camp fire. - -“What’s new?” Willie asked, ambling over. “I feel like Rip Van -Winkle—all out of touch.” - -“Nothing very exciting,” Jack reported. “Rhodes finished getting up the -bridge. Late this afternoon, the miners started digging at the tunnel -across the river. Our orders are to stay in camp.” - -“He doesn’t want you to see what’s going on!” - -“That’s the size of it,” Jack nodded, squatting by the fire. “He -pretended it was all news to him, our finding that old vein. But he sort -of let it slip later that he’d uncovered it himself, probably by using -Corning’s map.” - -“Which he cunningly redrew, to keep others from learning the exact -location,” Ken contributed. “Now that we’ve tumbled to his secret, he’s -decided to dig emeralds as fast as he can!” - -“Has he found many at the new site?” - -“He claims not,” Jack said, “but that’s only his story. We know the -emeralds are there.” - -Mr. Livingston joined the Scouts at the fire. “Rhodes, I suspect, -intends to clean up what he can for himself, and pull out,” he remarked. -“So far as I know, the company isn’t even aware that he’s seized control -here.” - -“In that case, we ought to put a little crimp in his plans,” Willie -muttered. - -“That’s where you and War fit into the picture,” the Scout leader -nodded. “When you get to Bogota, talk to company officials. We have no -proof of Rhodes’ treachery, so you’ll have to be careful. Use your best -judgment, and don’t let Mrs. Rhodes catch on.” - -“It’s quite a responsibility,” War said anxiously. - -“You’ll do all right,” Mr. Livingston assured him. “Just don’t tip your -hand too soon, because Mrs. Rhodes and Ferd Baronni probably are working -together.” - -“The rest of you intend to stay here and keep watch of Rhodes?” - -“Yes, I have a hunch he’ll over-play himself before long,” the Scout -leader declared. Taking a roll of bills from his leather fold, he gave -them to War. “You’ll need this,” he said. “But use it carefully.” - -“I sure hope we don’t run into Carlos on the trail,” War replied, -placing the money in a belt at his waist. “That boy has taking ways! I’d -hate to be robbed.” - -“It’s a risk that must be taken,” Mr. Livingston said. “Mrs. Rhodes will -be carrying the emerald—and that might be quite an attraction. Just be -cautious.” - -“We will,” War promised soberly. “All the same, I’d feel better if the -rest of you were going along.” - -The Scouts ate the tasty supper Jack had prepared. After the camp work -had been done, they wandered down to the river to inspect the new -bridge. On the way back, as a gesture of courtesy, they stopped briefly -at the cottage to discuss the next morning’s departure with Rhodes. - -“My wife will be ready by seven o’clock,” the engineer curtly informed -them. “You’ll all be leaving, I assume?” - -“No, only War and Willie,” Mr. Livingston told him. “The rest of us are -sticking around for a few days.” - -Rhodes made no attempt to hide his displeasure. “You can do nothing -here,” he said shortly. “I’ve told you, if a ransom demand is made, I’ll -refer it to the company.” - -“We’ll feel better by staying.” - -“Suit yourself,” Rhodes gave in. “It’s useless though.” - -Back in the Scout camp once more, the Explorers began to get ready for -bed. War and Willie made a last check of their belongings to be certain -that everything was in readiness for the early morning departure. - -By nine o’clock, everyone had turned in for the night. Jack, however, -could not get to sleep. He rolled and tossed, and finally arose and -dressed. - -Standing with his back to the tent, he studied the sky. The night was -cold but clear. Stars winked overhead and a sliver of moon was rising -above the jagged mountain peaks. - -Tossing wood on the fire, he ambled down the path. The miner’s huts were -dark. In fact, the only glow of light came from the engineer’s office. - -Turning in that direction, Jack approached the building from the rear. A -shade had been pulled down, blocking the office window, but it gaped a -full inch at the bottom. - -Jack glimpsed Rhodes and his wife inside the inner office. Rhodes had -opened the heavy door of the big safe. As the Scout watched, he removed -a cardboard box. - -No word was exchanged by the engineer and his wife. Rhodes rolled the -contents of the box out on the table—a collection of emeralds so large -that it snatched Jack’s breath. - -“There’s enough wealth here to give us a new start in the States,” he -heard the engineer say. “I hadn’t intended to open the new vein until I -was certain Corning was safely out of the way. But with those Scouts -poking their noses in, I couldn’t afford to risk delay. I’m depending -upon you to get these gems safely out, my dear. I’ll follow within a few -days.” - -“Those Scouts may suspect—” - -“They can’t prove anything without Corning, and they’ll never find him.” - -“How about the two that are accompanying me?” Mrs. Rhodes asked -anxiously. “If they learn about these gems—” - -“Don’t worry about those lads, my dear. They have no reason to believe -that you’re carrying more than the one sample to be assayed. Handle the -others in the usual way, and no one will suspect.” - -“Carlos?” - -“Give him no thought, my dear. He will not trouble you on the trail. I -will see to that.” - -“I don’t trust him,” Mrs. Rhodes answered. “He will betray you—” - -“Will you stop worrying?” her husband cut in impatiently. “Let me handle -this end of it. Your job is to get those gems through safely.” - -Rhodes replaced the empty cardboard box in the safe. He blew out the -light and the couple started to leave together. - -Jack, fearful of being seen, quickly moved back behind the rear building -wall. His heart pounded with excitement! He had seen and heard enough to -convince him that distrust of the engineer was well founded! - -Obviously, Rhodes was scheming to defraud the mining company officials. -Furthermore, his conversation with his wife indicated that he was in -close touch with Carlos, the bandit! - - - - - Chapter 22 - ORDERS FROM BOGOTA - - -From his hiding place, Jack watched Rhodes and his wife walk to the -cottage. Taking leave of Mrs. Rhodes at the doorstep, the engineer went -directly to a supply shed nearby. - -Presently he emerged with an unlighted lantern. - -Jack’s curiosity was aroused. When Rhodes took the trail leading away -from the mining camp, he followed at a safe distance. - -The engineer did not go far. Leaving the well-defined path, he made his -way to a projecting, flat rock which gave a clear view of the valley -below. - -Jack guessed that the man intended to signal, and he was right. - -Rhodes lighted the lantern. Uneasily, the engineer glanced about. No -sound had given warning that Jack crouched behind the bushes, yet the -man seemed to sense that he was not alone. However, after carefully -surveying the area close by, he slowly began to move the lighted lantern -back and forth. - -After awhile, he set it down on a rock and waited. From his hiding -place, Jack could not see below the ridge. He knew, however, from -Rhodes’ reaction, that no answering signal had been received. - -After perhaps ten minutes, the engineer repeated the lantern signals. -Again he failed to obtain answering flashes. - -After another long wait, the man tried a third time. The valley below -remained dark. - -“Stupid fool!” Rhodes muttered, losing patience. “Doesn’t he see my -signal? Or has something gone wrong?” - -Angrily, the engineer extinguished the lantern and left the high rock. -Jack saw him retrace his way to the cottage. A moment later, the light -went out, telling him that Rhodes had gone to bed. - -Satisfied that he could learn no more by remaining abroad, Jack ambled -back to camp. To his surprise, he found Mr. Livingston up and dressed. - -“Oh, here you are!” the Scout leader greeted him in relief. “I -discovered you were gone, and I was worried. What’s wrong?” - -“Couldn’t sleep,” Jack explained. “Lucky too, I guess, because while I -was prowling around, I picked up some useful information.” - -He then related to Mr. Livingston the entire conversation he had -overheard between Rhodes and his wife. - -“That confirms what we have suspected,” the Scout leader nodded. “Rhodes -must know what became of Corning! That raid Carlos pulled off probably -was a phony!” - -“Then you think Rhodes arranged it? He hired Carlos to get rid of your -friend?” - -“If he didn’t, Jack, at least he’s making no honest effort to ransom -Corning.” - -“Corning may not be alive.” - -“I refuse to take any view except that he is being held for ransom, -Jack. Carlos is a cunning fellow. Even if he did team up with Rhodes, it -wouldn’t be to his advantage to do away with Corning.” - -“That’s so,” Jack agreed. “Mrs. Rhodes hinted as much when she told her -husband she was afraid of treachery. Carlos may try to play both sides! -But why doesn’t he show his hand?” - -“That’s why we’re staying here and I’m sending War and Willie with Mrs. -Rhodes. Sooner or later, Carlos will make a demand, I believe. I don’t -trust Rhodes. So I want to be here when it comes.” - -“What about the gems Mrs. Rhodes will be carrying? Shall we let her get -away with it?” - -“Theoretically, as the wife of Rhodes, she’d be acting as his agent. If -she delivers the emeralds to the company office, we have no complaint.” - -“Sure, but that’s not the plan,” Jack protested. “She intends to get -them through, but for her own and her husband’s use.” - -“We’ll tip Willie and War to what’s going on,” Mr. Livingston decided. -“They can keep an eye on Mrs. Rhodes, and turn her in, if she doesn’t -deliver the gems. Now get some sleep, Jack. Tomorrow may be a hard day.” - -Shortly after dawn the next morning, Willie and War set off with Mrs. -Rhodes on the difficult trip back to Bogota. - -Aloof as always, the engineer’s wife coldly ignored her Scout escorts. -She carried a minimum of personal luggage, but had provided herself with -a more than generous supply of food, including a basket of bananas. - -“Why does she take bananas?” Willie demanded in an undertone to Jack, -just prior to the start down the lonely mountain trail. - -“You got me!” Jack replied with a shrug. “Seems to me that back at Santa -Marta, she said she disliked them.” - -“That’s right! But she’s got some reason for carrying ’em. Mrs. Rhodes -never does anything without a reason. Say, I got a hunch—” - -His “hunch” remained unrevealed, for the caravan had started to move -away. Mr. Livingston addressed a quiet word of warning to Willie as they -shook hands in farewell. - -“Don’t underrate Mrs. Rhodes,” he told the Scout. “And keep an alert -watch for Carlos. I doubt he’ll make any trouble, but he might try to -hold up your party.” - -“I’ll sure be glad to get to Bogota,” Willie sighed. “I got an uneasy -feeling about this trip.” - -After the Scouts and Mrs. Rhodes had departed, the camp resumed its -usual routine of work. Mr. Rhodes, in a driving mood, assigned miners -across the river to the newly opened pit. However, he would not permit -Jack, Ken, Phillipe or Mr. Livingston to visit the area. - -“He’s sore because we discovered the old vein,” Ken asserted. - -“There’s more to it than that,” Jack insisted. “He’s accumulating -emeralds fast, and he doesn’t want us to know the extent of his haul.” - -Two days elapsed. The weather was unpleasantly cold and the Explorers -found it difficult to keep comfortably warm in their tents. - -Rhodes, though he now lived alone in the cottage, did not invite Mr. -Livingston, Ken and Jack to move in with him. They were too proud to -make the request. - -The mining engineer worked hard. He was up before dawn and at the new -emerald vein soon after breakfast. There he remained for the greater -part of the day. Upon his return each night, he locked the diggings in -the big office safe. - -During the engineer’s absence from camp, Jack and Ken made leisurely -inspections of the office and even the cottage. Rhodes however, had -anticipated the investigation and if any evidence existed, carefully had -destroyed it. - -“We can’t hold out here much longer,” Mr. Livingston remarked on the -afternoon of the third day. “Our supplies are running low. Rhodes might -let us have what we need from the company stores, but I doubt it.” - -“I’d rather starve than go begging to him!” Ken asserted. “Wonder what’s -happened to Willie and War?” - -“It’s a long, hard trip to Bogota,” Mr. Livingston reminded him. - -“Sure, I know,” Ken nodded. “They’ll do the best they can. But it’s hard -waiting—especially with nothing to do.” - -The day wore on with the Scouts becoming increasingly restless. They -yearned for action. Anything, it seemed to Ken and Jack, would be better -than to remain inactive, merely waiting. - -“If we just had some idea where to search for Corning,” Jack fretted. -“As it is—” - -Hearing heavy footsteps, he did not finish what he had intended to say. -Rhodes strode into camp. He had fully recovered now from his accident, -save that his arm remained in a sling. - -The engineer directed himself to Mr. Livingston, who was occupied -writing in a daily journal which he kept. Expectantly, the Scouts -gathered close, wondering what had brought Rhodes. He did not waste -words in informing them. - -“I’ve just received a message from the company,” the engineer asserted. -“My wife reached Bogota and had the sample assayed.” - -“You’ve heard so soon?” Mr. Livingston asked in astonishment. “We saw no -one arrive here at the camp.” - -“The messenger came and departed a few minutes ago. My orders are to -close the mine.” - -“To close it!” Mr. Livingston echoed incredulously. “In view of the new -discovery?” - -“The pit is not worth the expense involved. Your sample assayed as -practically worthless.” - -“It can’t be! That emerald looked flawless!” - -“Emeralds are deceptive. I admit I was deceived myself as to its value. -But my orders are definite. The vein must be sealed, and the mine closed -no later than tomorrow.” - -“What will you do?” Mr. Livingston asked slowly. - -“Naturally, I’ll have to obey orders. I’ll dismiss the miners tonight -and join my wife in Bogota. You’ll have to leave in the morning. I -advise an early start.” - -The Scout leader made no reply. - -“You understand?” Rhodes said sharply. “This is not a bluff. The mine -will be shut down tomorrow.” - -“We understand,” Mr. Livingston replied. - -After Rhodes had gone, he and the two Scouts discussed the predicament -in which they now found themselves. They were reluctant to leave the -mine with Corning missing, and word expected momentarily from Willie and -War. - -“Maybe Rhodes is just pulling another trick to get us out of here,” Ken -suggested. “Couldn’t we defy him and stick?” - -“Our supplies are nearly gone,” Mr. Livingston reminded him. “Once the -mine closes, the camp likely will be looted by hill bandits or the -dismissed miners.” - -“Carlos might show up here,” Jack suggested. “If so, we might make a -deal with him, or pry out of him what became of Mr. Corning.” - -“I’d like to stay,” Mr. Livingston answered, “but it seems too risky.” - -“It’s sure funny that Rhodes would get word back so fast from Bogota,” -Ken muttered. “We haven’t heard anything, and our boys were to have -chartered a plane.” - -“I think Rhodes is lying,” Jack stated flatly. “Oh, he may close the -mine as he threatens, but I can’t believe that emerald we sent to Bogota -was worthless.” - -“Maybe he’s just scared and intends to pull out,” Ken speculated. “That -strikes me as more likely.” - -The discussion continued for some little time. It ended by Mr. -Livingston advising the Scouts to pack up their belongings and -equipment. - -“Let’s be ready for an early start from here in the morning,” he -advised. “We don’t have to go, if we change our minds. But we’ll be set, -and Rhodes will assume that we intend to leave.” - -Jack began to pack the items which would not be needed that night. The -task finished, he set off to fill the canteens with fresh water from a -nearby spring. - -Passing the office and cottage, he noted that both appeared deserted. -Rhodes was not to be seen anywhere in camp. - -“He’s probably across the river again,” Jack reflected. - -A faint humming sound overhead, caused the Scout to halt abruptly. -Shading his eyes from the lowering sun, he scanned the sky. - -At first he could see nothing. Then, with a pounding pulse, he observed -a moving speck against the blue. An airplane! - -Jack glued his eyes upon the craft, scarcely daring to hope. Could it be -Willie and War obeying Mr. Livingston’s instructions to survey the -forest area? The plane was a long distance away, flying straight north -over the sea of trees. - -Jack dropped the canteens and raced back to find Mr. Livingston and Ken. -The pair joined him on the path, having themselves heard the hum of the -distant motor. - -“It must be Willie and War!” the Scout leader asserted jubilantly. “I -knew I could depend on them! But why don’t they fly over the camp?” - -For twenty minutes the watchers caught tantalizing glimpses of the -plane. At times it passed beyond their line of vision, being hidden by -the mountain ridges or the clouds. - -Then, as the trio became more impatient, Jack noted that the craft had -turned toward Emerald Valley once more. This time, the plane came -steadily on, flying directly in a line with the mining camp. - -Drawing close, it dropped lower and began to circle. - -“It’s Willie and War all right!” Ken chortled. “They’ll probably drop a -message because they can’t hope to land. I hope they’ve picked up some -information that’s worth while!” - -The plane circled three times. Mr. Livingston and the Scouts signaled -their readiness to receive a message. - -At length the cylinder was dropped. It flashed down, but was caught in a -strong gust of wind, and deflected from its target. Jack saw it fall -into a clump of bushes near the river. - -Even as he and Ken started off to retrieve the cylinder, Rhodes came -hurriedly across the bridge. From the grim expression of his face and -his manner of walking, the Scouts instantly knew that he had seen the -cylinder dropped from the plane. - -“Quick!” Mr. Livingston urged the two Explorers. “Don’t let him see that -message. If he gets it, all our plans will be ruined!” - - - - - Chapter 23 - TRAILING RHODES - - -Scrambling over rocks and through a tangle of vines and bush, the two -Scouts sought to obtain the cylinder before the mining engineer could do -so. - -At the risk of a bad fall, Jack half slid down a steep slope. The -cylinder had tumbled into a crevice but he retrieved it before Rhodes -could get there. - -There was no opportunity to examine the message. In a matter of moments, -Rhodes had joined him, moving cautiously because of his useless arm. - -“Let me have that cylinder!” the engineer ordered. - -Jack shook his head. Turning his back, he started to climb the rocks to -rejoin Ken on a ledge above. - -“Your friends dropped a message!” Rhodes accused. “You’re working with -them to make it hard for me here! What’s your game?” - -Jack still made no answer. He climbed steadily, handing the cylinder up -to Ken who passed it on to Mr. Livingston. - -Impeded by his injured arm, Rhodes had to climb very slowly. While Ken -and Mr. Livingston went to their camp with the retrieved cylinder, he -waited to give the engineer a helping hand up the steepest part of the -slope. Rhodes did not thank him. - -Instead, the engineer gazed at the youth with undisguised hatred. - -“You and your friends have ruined me here!” he asserted wrathfully. -“Except for you, everything would have gone off well. What was the -reason for that plane circling this camp?” - -Jack’s answer was a smile and a shrug. - -“All right, don’t answer!” Rhodes snapped. “But if you think you’ve won -this little game, you have another guess coming! I might have helped you -find Corning. Now I’ll never do it!” - -With that, the engineer strode off to the cottage. - -Jack quickly joined Mr. Livingston and Ken at the tent camp. The other -two had opened the cylinder and already were scanning the somewhat -lengthy message from Ken and Willie. - -“Read it aloud,” Jack urged. - -“Okay,” Mr. Livingston agreed. “Rhodes isn’t sneaking up here to listen, -is he?” - -“He went to the cottage in a dreadful fury,” Jack answered. “I’ll keep -an eye out for him though.” - -Mr. Livingston began to read slowly so that every word of the message -could be grasped. - -“Emerald sample assayed. Highly favorable—” - -“Highly favorable!” Ken broke in excitedly. “Then Rhodes lied again!” - -Mr. Livingston nodded and read on: “Mrs. Rhodes tried several tricks, -substituting poor grade emeralds for one of top quality. Certain she is -teamed up with Ferd Baronni on deal to defraud company. We went over -their heads and got the emerald sample to higher officials.” - -“Good lads!” Jack chuckled. “I knew we could depend on ’em. What else do -they say?” - -Mr. Livingston continued to read: “Only visible habitation in mine area -a group of huts above Emerald Valley. This may be bandit hide-out. -Returning to Bogota.” - -A map had been included with the hastily scrawled message. Studying it, -Mr. Livingston and the Scouts estimated that the cluster of huts might -be about seven miles from the mining camp in the more rugged area. - -A portion of the way could be traveled by means of the narrow trail -which gave access to the outside world. But to reach the hide-out, if -such it was, would require a hard trek over a bisecting path in a -densely overgrown area. - -“Willie and War have done their part well,” Mr. Livingston asserted. -“Now the rest is up to us.” - -“Maybe we can get in there,” Jack urged. “It’s a cinch we’ve learned all -we can here. No use hanging on even another day.” - -“When do we start?” Ken demanded, eager to be off. “Right away?” - -“We may as well,” the Scout leader nodded. “We can let Rhodes assume -we’re starting for Bogota.” - -“How about taking Phillipe along?” Jack suggested. - -“Good idea, if you can persuade him,” Mr. Livingston nodded. “With the -camp here closing down, he should be willing to come with us, and he’ll -be useful. See what you can do, while Ken and I round up the mules.” - -Jack found Phillipe in his shack, sharing a meal with his family. -However, nothing he could say would induce the miner to become a member -of the exploring party. Firmly, the man rejected an offer of money. - -“Senor, I am not a coward,” he said, “but I would not face Carlos in his -own lair! No, Senor. You are very brave to attempt it.” - -Discouraged by his failure to interest Phillipe in the expedition, Jack -started back to the tent camp. - -In passing the little office, he heard someone stirring around inside, -and impulsively opened the door and peered in. - -Rhodes was in the inner room, beside the safe. For a moment he did not -hear or see the youth. The engineer was deeply engrossed in emptying the -vault of valuables, including the little box of newly mined emeralds. - -“So the vein has been producing?” Jack remarked to draw the man’s -attention. - -Rhodes whirled around, thrusting the emeralds into his pocket. - -“These samples are worthless,” he muttered, his eyes smoldering. - -“Then why bother to take them with you? You are leaving, aren’t you?” - -“That’s right,” Rhodes returned with a sneer. “I’m shaking the dust of -this mine from my feet forever. Why should I worry what becomes of the -place or whether bandits take over as soon as I’ve cleared out? Why -should I worry about the company? Did it ever do anything for me?” - -“Going to Bogota?” - -“I am! I’ll be away from here within the hour, to join my wife. I hope I -never see you or the lousy place again!” - -“Corning?” - -“What about him?” - -“You’re not forgetting that he’s still missing? A prisoner probably of -the bandit, Carlos?” - -“Corning is nothing to me, and I don’t mind telling you so! Didn’t he -set himself up here as engineer in my place? He made me look bad to the -company—convinced them that I was stealing half the emeralds that were -mined.” - -“You weren’t, of course.” - -“If I could salvage anything for myself, I’d be entitled to it,” Rhodes -retorted. “I gave the best years of my life to the company for very -little return. I’m fed up! I’m getting out.” - -“Before you leave, why not tell us what really became of Corning?” Jack -urged earnestly. - -Rhodes slammed the safe door shut and turned slowly to face the Scout. -For just an instant, Jack was hopeful that the engineer meant to make a -full revelation of the facts. Then, the man’s mood changed again. - -“I’ve told you exactly what happened,” Rhodes said shortly. “Carlos -raided the place and took Corning as hostage. There’s been no ransom -demand, so I assume your friend is dead.” - -“Mr. Livingston never will be satisfied unless we establish the truth.” - -“Let him go ahead if he wants to,” Rhodes shrugged. “Who’s stopping -him?” - -“You know this country well. You could help us if you would.” - -“I’m heading for Bogota to join my wife! Nothing will make me change my -mind.” - -“At least tell us where Carlos has his hide-out.” - -“I haven’t the slightest idea. He shifts from place to place. To find -Carlos would be very much like chasing a humming bird.” - -Jack realized that it was useless to try to obtain the cooperation of -the engineer. Giving up, he went back to report to Mr. Livingston and -Ken. - -“I’m almost certain he’s made a big haul of emeralds and is taking the -pile to Bogota for his own use,” he concluded his account. “What’ll we -do? Try to stop him?” - -“He’s armed,” the Scout leader pointed out. “Besides, we have no -absolute proof that he won’t turn the gems over to Baronni when he -reaches the home office.” - -“We’ll return to Bogota with him?” - -“Not with him, Jack. We’ll trail along behind to see if we can find that -village Willie and War spotted from the air.” - -The Scouts resumed their packing. Long before they had finished, they -saw Rhodes ride away from camp, carrying only the necessities of the -trail. - -After giving the engineer a little start, the Scouts followed. Burdened -by camping equipment, they fell farther and farther back. As dusk -approached, they began to feel uneasy lest they lose him entirely. - -“I don’t like to make camp after dark,” Mr. Livingston said. “On the -other hand, if Rhodes can press on, I guess we can too.” - -Eager to make time, the Scouts did not halt to cook supper. Instead, -they ate cold snacks as they jogged on over the uneven trail. Presently, -they gained on Rhodes and in the gathering darkness dimly could make out -his figure ahead. - -The party approached the bisecting path which Willie and War had marked -on their crude map dropped from the plane. Mr. Livingston was consulting -it with a shielded flashlight, when Jack, who was leading, suddenly -halted his mule. - -“Hey, what’s the idea?” Ken demanded. - -“Rhodes is at the trail junction!” Jack informed him in a whisper. -“Something’s wrong! I think he’s been held up!” - -“Held up!” Ken echoed, peering ahead. “Jeepers!” - -From the bushes on the trail some distance below them, a dapper little -man had emerged. By his body build, the Scouts were sure that it was -Carlos, the bandit. Though they could not see plainly, they knew that -the man must have the engineer covered. - -“We haven’t been detected yet,” Jack warned in a whisper. “Those sharp -bends in the trail protected us from view. Let’s see what happens!” - -The Scouts could hear heated conversation in Spanish and Rhodes’ violent -protests. But they were to no avail. The engineer was forced to dismount -and set his mule free. Carlos then ordered him to start afoot ahead of -him up the steep bisecting trail. - -“Can you beat that!” Jack muttered. “Rhodes a captive! What do we do? -Try to rescue him?” - -“He’s not worth the trouble,” Ken said in disgust. - -Mr. Livingston, however, had another opinion. “Evidently, Rhodes is -being taken to the bandit village,” he said thoughtfully. “The one -Willie and War spotted. This, I think, is our chance!” - -“To trace Corning?” supplied Jack. - -Mr. Livingston nodded as he dismounted. “We’ll have to rescue Rhodes, -but there’s no great hurry. Let’s follow Carlos and his captive for -awhile, and learn where the trail leads.” - - - - - Chapter 24 - FLIGHT - - -Leaving their mules at the trail entrance, the Scouts plodded up the -narrow, rocky path in the wake of Rhodes and Carlos. Fearful of losing -the pair in the darkness, they kept as close as they dared. - -The going was hard. But after more than a half hour’s struggle over tree -roots and creepers, the path widened a bit. A short distance farther on, -the trees suddenly opened up into a small clearing. - -Peering cautiously down, the Scouts made out a cluster of seven thatched -huts scattered over a small area. A camp fire burned brightly in the -center of the little village. - -“This is the bandit hide-out, all right,” Mr. Livingston asserted. “But -why has Carlos brought Rhodes here? If robbery were the motive, he could -have accomplished it with less trouble.” - -“Want me to sneak down there to see what I can learn?” Jack offered. - -“It’s risky.” - -“I’ll be careful,” Jack promised. “Wait here for me. If I need help, -I’ll whistle. Otherwise, you’ll know I’m okay.” - -“Learn what you can and report back,” Mr. Livingston advised. “Don’t -take any unnecessary chances.” - -Jack slipped away in the darkness, avoiding the open clearing. Keeping -low, he circled until he came out directly behind a thatched hut. -Peering cautiously in, he saw that it was deserted. - -A man with long, shaggy black hair came out of one of the buildings, a -bush knife swinging from his leather belt. Jack drew back and waited -until he had moved out of view. Then, making certain that no one else -was about, he crept stealthily on toward the doorway of a larger hut. - -Only a dim light burned inside. It gave forth enough illumination -however, for Jack to discern the figures of Rhodes and the bandit. - -They were seated opposite each other at a crudely made wooden table. The -bandit seemed in an ugly mood, for he spoke in a loud voice, his talk an -incoherent mixture of Spanish and English. - -At first, crouching against the flimsy wall, Jack could not gain the -conversation’s drift. But he saw Rhodes lay several bills on the table -in front of Carlos. - -“This will pay you well for your work, Carlos,” the engineer said. -“Believe me, I wasn’t trying to give you the slip. You’d have had your -pay for getting rid of Corning.” - -With gesture of contempt, Carlos brushed the money aside. - -“It is not enough, Senor.” - -Unwillingly, Rhodes laid two more bills on the pile. - -Carlos sneered at him. “Senor, you are very rich. I am very poor.” - -Rhodes shoved back his chair, getting to his feet. “Don’t think you can -blackmail me, Carlos!” he said sharply. “I’ve paid you too much now. -What you do with Corning is nothing to me—nothing! I’m leaving this -country.” - -“Oh, no, Senor,” Carlos corrected softly. “Not until you pay. Money is -no good. I will take the emeralds.” - -“There are none. The mine has played out.” - -“You take Carlos to be a stupid fool? Senor, my men have watched. You -have mined many gems and you carry them with you. Give them to me now.” - -“You’re crazy, Carlos!” - -“Senor would like to have me tell what I know? That it was you who -planned the little raid? That it was the Senor who ordered Corning -kidnapped and put to death? Carlos much too smart to obey orders. -Corning more valuable to Carlos alive.” - -“You’re a dirty blackmailer!” Rhodes accused. “But you won’t get by with -it, because it means nothing to me whether Corning is dead or alive. I’m -leaving the country.” - -“Senor stay with Carlos until he hand over the emeralds.” - -With his uninjured hand, Rhodes drew for a revolver secreted at his -waist. Carlos was much quicker. His shot winged the engineer in the -fingers. - -“Try that again, Senor, and I shoot to kill,” Carlos warned. He spoke in -Spanish and Jack did not catch the words that followed. - -But he saw the bandit confiscate the weapon, which he recognized as his -own. It was the automatic Jack had taken from Carlos, and that later had -disappeared from the Scout tent. - -Rhodes sagged back into a chair, nursing his wounded hand. - -“The gems,” Carlos reminded him. - -When Rhodes made no move to hand them over, the bandit tore a small -pouch from the leather belt beneath the engineer’s shirt. - -“You are welcome to half the emeralds,” Rhodes muttered. - -“All, Senor.” - -“Why have you brought me here? You are a worse rascal than I knew! Now -that you have stripped me clean, release me!” - -“No, Senor,” the bandit said in his silken voice. - -“What’s your game, Carlos? You have the gems. What more do you want?” - -“Your wife, she loves you, eh? She will pay well to see you again. No?” - -“Scoundrel!” - -“Senor Rhodes will now go to see his old friend, Senor Corning,” the -bandit chuckled. “You two have much to talk over. Go, Senor! Walk ahead -of me.” - -Jack pulled back behind the hut only a moment before the strutting -little bandit marched Rhodes out into the open. The engineer was forced -to enter another hut at the far end of the village, one guarded by two -natives armed with knives and guns. - -Making no attempt to approach the prison hut, Jack rejoined his -companions and made a terse report. - -“Rhodes got what he deserved,” he informed the group. “Apparently, -Carlos has tossed him in with Corning. The hut is well guarded.” - -“How many in camp?” Mr. Livingston asked. - -“I saw four men. There must be others. We’re outnumbered.” - -“Then our only hope of getting Corning out of that hole is to start a -diversion,” Mr. Livingston said. - -“We might fire one of the huts,” Jack suggested. - -“Any of them empty?” the Scout leader asked. - -“One of ’em appeared to be.” - -“It’s a wild scheme,” Mr. Livingston said dubiously. “But it might work. -If it shouldn’t, we’d likely wind up prisoners of Carlos.” - -“Let’s try it,” Jack urged. “If we can free Corning, we’ll have another -helper. Two, if we count Rhodes.” - -After discussing the plan in detail, a decision was made that Ken should -remain behind. He was instructed that if the rescue scheme miscarried, -he was to escape at once and try to seek help at the closest village or -Bogota. - -Details arranged, Jack and Mr. Livingston slipped quietly down to the -hut village. - -Unable to get close to the cottage where Rhodes and Corning were -imprisoned, the pair spotted a hut some distance away. It was empty, and -apparently had not been used in many weeks. - -“I wish we had some gasoline,” Jack muttered. “That would send her up in -a flash.” - -Mr. Livingston instructed Jack to set a series of fires in the straw -along the back wall. - -Swiftly, they both worked. Once they were assured that the empty -building was well afire, they crept through the darkness toward the rear -of the guarded prison hut. - -For awhile, nothing happened. Then as the roof straw began to blaze, the -attention of one of the guards suddenly was attracted. With a wild yell, -he alerted his companion. - -Leaving the other alone to guard the hut, he rushed toward the flaming -building. - -“This is our only chance!” Mr. Livingston whispered. “Now!” - -He and Jack crept through the darkness. The guard did not hear nor see -them, for his eyes were upon the blazing hut some distance away. - -Before he was aware of danger, the two were upon him. They tackled hard, -and with only a grunt of surprise, he went down. - -Mr. Livingston wrested the gun from his hand, while Jack seized the -knife. A handkerchief was stuffed into his mouth. - -Leaving Mr. Livingston to hold the guard at bay with his own weapon, -Jack rushed into the hut. Rhodes was there, his hands now tied behind -his back. - -Another man, whom the Scout took to be Corning, also had his hands -bound. He lay upon a heap of straw, face unshaven. - -“You’re Corning?” Jack demanded. - -“Yes,” was the quick answer. “Untie me, quick!” - -Jack slashed the cords which held the engineer’s hands. He was tempted -to ignore Rhodes, but a realization of the fate that awaited the man if -he were left behind, softened him. A quick thrust of the knife, and he -too was free. - -“Quick! Make for the trail!” he directed. “Ken is waiting there.” - -Rhodes started off at a run. Corning would not abandon his rescuers. He -helped Mr. Livingston tie up the guard. Then with Jack and the Scout -leader, he made a fast break for the path. - -As they struggled up the incline, a shout arose from the direction of -the blazing hut. - -“They’ve seen us!” Corning cried. “Go on! I’ll try to hold ’em while you -get away.” - -Jack seized his arm, pulling him along. “No one stays behind,” he -insisted. “We’ll make it!” - -Several shots were fired. Ignoring them, and crouching low, the two ran -for the trees. In the darkness, the bandits could not see their targets. -All shots went wide of the mark. - -Breathless from exertion, Corning and Jack reached the trail where Ken -nervously waited. Rhodes already was plunging down the path in fast -retreat. - -“Where’s Hap?” Jack demanded anxiously. “He was with us until a minute -ago.” - -Just then the Scout leader came crushing through the bushes. - -“There’s a swarm of ’em!” he reported tersely. “They’re hot after us!” - -The four quickly caught up with Rhodes who was in a near panic. Slipping -and sliding, they made no attempt to move quietly as they crashed along -the narrow, treacherous trail. - -After awhile, Jack wheeled up for a moment to listen. “They’re drawing -in close!” he gasped. “Maybe we ought to make a stand—” - -“No!” shouted Rhodes. “Keep on! If we can make the trail junction, we -can stop those devils!” - -“How? With our fists? We have no ammunition.” - -Rhodes’ laughter had a wild ring. “Ammunition!” he chortled. “If we can -get to the junction, I’ll supply you with enough to blow Carlos to -kingdom come! Steal from me, will he? I’ll show that blackguard he’s -dealing with McClellan Rhodes!” - - - - - Chapter 25 - GOING HOME - - -At the union of the trails, the Scouts and the two engineers elected to -make their stand against the bandits. - -In a frenzy of excitement, Rhodes led the others to a rock cavity where -he had cached a supply of dynamite. He had hidden it there weeks before, -intending to use it in an emergency if his plot to gain possession of -the Last Chance mine failed. - -“I’ll dynamite the path ahead of Carlos!” Rhodes shouted. “He’ll be -trapped behind the rock slide!” - -“They’re coming fast,” the other engineer warned. “Get busy!” - -The dynamite was planted with its fuse ready to light. But Rhodes -deliberately delayed setting it off. Corning spoke sharply to him, -saying he would be no party to a massacre. - -“That demon has the emeralds,” Rhodes muttered. “He’s a traitor. I want -to finish him!” - -“Set off the charge,” Corning ordered. “Now!” - -Carlos and his men still were a considerable distance away. - -Rhodes hesitated, but realized that his will was not to prevail. With a -shrug he lighted the fuse and everyone rushed for cover. - -The minutes of waiting seemed endless. As the explosion failed to -materialize, Rhodes began to fret and worry. - -“That dynamite was stored too long,” he muttered. “I was afraid it had -lost its juice. I’m going to take a look. The fuse may have gone out.” - -Corning hauled him back to cover. Scarcely thirty seconds elapsed when a -terrific explosion shook the earth. - -Jack, Ken and Mr. Livingston flattened themselves, face downward. Even -so, they were showered with dirt and chips of rock. - -When the dust had settled, Corning and Rhodes went to investigate. They -returned to report jubilantly that tons of rock now blocked the path -giving access to Carlos’ hide-out. - -“He and his men are trapped back there in the hills,” Corning told the -Scouts. - -“Is there no way out for them?” Jack asked. - -“None, unless they climb down the cliffs. If I know Carlos, he will not -attempt it. We’ll send the authorities, who at their leisure can reopen -the passage. By that time, I imagine Carlos no longer will be in a -belligerent mood.” - -“Rhodes?” Jack questioned. “What’s to be done about him? He plotted to -put himself back at the mine in your place.” - -“I know,” the engineer replied. “Carlos told me the whole sordid story -while I was his captive. Rhodes is greedy, and for years, before I took -over at Emerald Valley, he milked the mine for his own benefit. Even so, -I feel sorry for the fellow.” - -“You don’t aim to let him escape?” - -“We can’t do that,” Corning answered after a moment’s thought. “No, -we’ll take him on to Bogota and let company officials decide what’s to -be done. As for myself, I’m willing to forget the foul trick he played -on me.” - -“What about the lost emeralds? Carlos robbed Rhodes of a small fortune.” - -“We may get them back,” Corning said, undisturbed. “With the path -blocked, Carlos isn’t going anywhere. If the authorities will back me -up, I’ll return here with a posse and force the bandits to give up the -gems.” - -“What of the mine?” - -“It can’t be left many days without someone in charge. I’ll see the -party safely to Bogota, and get back to my post.” - -So it was decided. That very night, the Scouts pushed on, accompanied by -Rhodes, who surprisingly offered no resistance. With the loss of the -emeralds, all the spirit and fight seemed to have left him. He and -Corning talked together almost as friends. - -“I resented it because the company put you in charge,” Rhodes told the -other. “I figured you were a greenhorn and I could get rid of you -without much trouble. So I hooked up with Carlos, paying him to stage a -fake raid and haul you off.” - -“That’s where your plan backfired.” - -“Yes. Carlos double-crossed me as I might have expected. He kept -demanding more money, threatening to release you and tell all.” - -“We saw you flashing signals down the mountain,” Ken commented, entering -the conversation. “You were communicating with Carlos?” - -“That’s right. We had worked out a crude code system. It never was very -effective.” - -“Carlos took you by surprise today on the trail?” - -“Yes, with a little luck, I’d have made it to Bogota with the emeralds.” - -“Leaving Mr. Corning to his fate?” - -Rhodes flushed, ashamed to have his intentions so openly discussed. He -fell into a morose silence, making no further attempt to act friendly. - -On the trail, Mr. Corning and Mr. Livingston had ample opportunity to -renew their old friendship. The engineer explained that he had urged the -Scout leader to come to Emerald Valley in the hope of forestalling the -very situation which had developed. - -“Carlos has been terrorizing these hills for years,” he informed his -friend. “I suspected that Rhodes was stirring things up a bit, but I -never had proof. That was one reason I sent for you. I figured you could -help me.” - -“That vein should establish the Last Chance on a highly productive basis -again,” Mr. Corning asserted. “Operations should remain profitable for -many years.” - -Rhodes talked very little during the tedious journey back to -civilization. He admitted however, that he had ordered his workmen to -weaken the log bridge so that the Scouts would be stranded across the -river. - -“I figured you would find the vein,” he confessed. “I wasn’t ready to -start mining operations until I had made certain Corning wouldn’t come -back to plague me. So I figured I could keep you tied up across the -river for a day or so until I could make my plans. It didn’t work.” - -“You and your wife teamed with Ferd Baronni to get a cut on all the -emeralds mined under your direction?” Jack probed. “That is, you saw to -it that a certain percentage of them never went through to company -officials?” - -Rhodes would make no admission implicating either his wife or the -company agent. - -However, the Scouts were determined to learn the entire truth. Days -later, in Bogota, after the deposed mining engineer had been turned over -to company officials, they rejoined Willie and War who assisted in -piecing together the full story. - -Lounging comfortably in a hotel room, the two Scouts recounted their own -unpleasant adventures on the trail. - -“Mrs. Rhodes gave us a rough time of it,” War told his friends. “She -tried to trick us about the emerald. We knew she turned over a poor -imitation of the gem to company officials, but it took Willie to prove -it.” - -“I remembered that back in Santa Marta she told us she disliked -bananas,” Willie related with a chuckle. “I couldn’t figure out why she -carried a sack of ’em with her when she left the mine. I tried to take -one from the bunch, and she set up an awful yip. That started me to -thinking. So, we mashed up the bananas and found the prize emerald!” - -“She’d been carrying gems that way for quite a while without being -caught,” War added. “We turned the good emerald over to company -officials. It’s top grade.” - -“What did you learn about Ferd Baronni?” Ken questioned. - -“Oh, he’s hooked up with Rhodes,” War answered. “In checking the books, -company auditors found a lot of discrepancies. So Baronni’s been fired.” - -“We learned too, that it was Baronni who hired that sled-boat operator -to try to delay our trip to the mine,” contributed Willie. “He figured a -big dose of trouble would discourage us from going on.” - -In due time, the Scouts met company officials and learned first hand -that Rhodes and his wife were to be shipped out of the country. Company -representatives, grateful to the Explorers, also told them that they -were to enjoy a three weeks’ vacation at the firm’s expense. - -Mr. Livingston and the Scouts were put up at Bogota’s best hotel. -Sightseeing trips, deluxe food and luxurious rooms were theirs at no -cost. - -Unfortunately, Mr. Corning could not remain with the party. Uneasy about -the mine, he obtained a posse and set off at once for Emerald Valley. - -For more than a week, the Scouts received no word. Then by messenger -they were informed that Carlos had been captured and the stolen emeralds -recovered. Mr. Corning notified them that he had reopened the mine, and -would resume operations at the new site across the river. - -The Scouts did not expect to see him again during their stay in -Colombia. Therefore, it came as a pleasant surprise, when, three days -before their scheduled departure by plane for the States, the engineer -suddenly appeared at their hotel. - -“I couldn’t let you fly off without saying goodbye,” he told them. “Not -after all you did for me! We’re going to pack a lot of excitement into -your last few days here.” - -The engineer more than kept his word. He took the Scouts everywhere and -constantly delighted them with new and interesting sights. - -“If this gay life keeps up much longer we’ll be softies,” Jack asserted -one afternoon on their final day in Bogota. “It’s been swell here, but -I’ve had enough.” - -“Same here,” warbled Willie. “Emerald hunting is okay, but give me the -USA.” - -“You know I catch myself thinking about that nice quiet camping trip to -Minnesota,” admitted War sheepishly. “The one we always plan to take, -and never do.” - -“We’ll make it yet,” promised Mr. Livingston. “Next summer maybe.” - -“Sounds great!” approved Ken, stretching luxuriously on the hotel sofa. -“There’s only one drawback.” - -“What’s that?” asked Jack. - -“A vacation without bandits might seem dull.” - -“Different anyhow,” contributed War. - -“Maybe so,” drawled Jack. “All the same, it will seem mighty good to -open that old Post log book again—to start once more where we left off.” - -Thinking of the reunion they would have with their friends and fellow -Scouts, the Explorers all became silent. Two wonderful vacations in -South America had conditioned them to high adventure! And even more was -in store. - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - ---Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public - domain in the country of publication. - ---Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and - dialect unchanged - ---Retained the original’s inconsistent italicization of Spanish words. - ---In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the - HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.) - ---This eBook, following the printed version, inconsistently italicizes - Spanish words. - - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Boy Scout Explorers at Emerald Valley, by -Don Palmer - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY SCOUT EXPLORERS AT *** - -***** This file should be named 63506-0.txt or 63506-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/5/0/63506/ - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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} - dl.blist, dl.biblio { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width:25em; } - - dl.undent dd { max-width:23em; } - dl.int { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width:25em; } - dl.int dt {margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; } - dl.int dd {margin-left:2em; } -</style> -</head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's Boy Scout Explorers at Emerald Valley, by Don Palmer - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Boy Scout Explorers at Emerald Valley - -Author: Don Palmer - -Release Date: October 20, 2020 [EBook #63506] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY SCOUT EXPLORERS AT *** - - - - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - -<div class="img"> -<img class="cover" id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Boy Scout Explorers at Emerald Valley" width="500" height="720" /> -</div> -<div class="img" id="pic1"> -<img src="images/p02.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="796" /> -<p class="caption">“Want to see some emeralds?” the agent invited. (See <a class="pgref" href="#Page_49">page 49</a>)</p> -</div> -<div class="box"> -<h1><span class="ss">BOY SCOUT EXPLORERS -<br />AT EMERALD VALLEY</span></h1> -<p class="tbcenter"><i>BY</i> -<br /><span class="ss"><span class="large"><b>DON PALMER</b></span></span></p> -<p class="tbcenter"><i>ILLUSTRATED</i></p> -<p class="tbcenter"><b>CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY</b> -<br /><i>Publishers</i> <span class="hst"><i>New York</i></span></p> -</div> -<p class="center smaller">Copyright, 1955, by -<br />CUPPLES AND LEON COMPANY -<br />All Rights Reserved -<br /><i>Printed in the United States of America</i></p> -<h2>CONTENTS</h2> -<dl class="toc"> -<dt class="jr"><span class="jl"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span></span> <span class="small">PAGE</span></dt> -<dt><span class="cn">I. </span><a href="#c1">Flash Message</a> 7</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">II. </span><a href="#c2">Man of Mystery</a> 14</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">III. </span><a href="#c3">Strange Actions</a> 20</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">IV. </span><a href="#c4">A Surprise Cache</a> 30</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">V. </span><a href="#c5">Heroes All!</a> 38</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">VI. </span><a href="#c6">A Company Agent</a> 45</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">VII. </span><a href="#c7">Toil and Trouble</a> 55</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">VIII. </span><a href="#c8">Delay</a> 63</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">IX. </span><a href="#c9">Off Course</a> 73</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">X. </span><a href="#c10">A Banana Plantation</a> 80</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XI. </span><a href="#c11">Hitting the Trail</a> 89</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XII. </span><a href="#c12">Carlos the Bandit</a> 98</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XIII. </span><a href="#c13">The Emerald Pit</a> 106</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XIV. </span><a href="#c14">A Bribe Offer</a> 117</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XV. </span><a href="#c15">Map of A Mine</a> 126</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XVI. </span><a href="#c16">Signals</a> 133</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XVII. </span><a href="#c17">An Earth Slide</a> 140</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XVIII. </span><a href="#c18">Disaster</a> 150</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XIX. </span><a href="#c19">A Racing Stream</a> 161</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XX. </span><a href="#c20">The Missing Scouts</a> 169</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XXI. </span><a href="#c21">A Mission</a> 178</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XXII. </span><a href="#c22">Orders from Bogota</a> 188</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XXIII. </span><a href="#c23">Trailing Rhodes</a> 199</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XXIV. </span><a href="#c24">Flight</a> 208</dt> -<dt><span class="cn">XXV. </span><a href="#c25">Going Home</a> 217</dt> -</dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_7">7</div> -<h2 id="c1"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 1</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">FLASH MESSAGE</span></h2> -<p>“Only ten more minutes, Jack, and we’ll be off -duty. That gives us just time enough to get to the -Scout meeting by seven o’clock. I’ll be glad to call -it a night too!”</p> -<p>Warwick Washburn yawned as he lowered a powerful -field glass through which he had scanned the -sky for a glimpse of aircraft.</p> -<p>He and Jack Hartwell, a companion Boy Scout -and Explorer, were nearing the end of a two hour -trick at the Civilian Defense observation tower. Few -planes had passed overhead and there had been no -activity to break the monotonous vigil.</p> -<p>“Oh, it hasn’t been so tough,” returned Jack cheerfully. -He was a lean, friendly youth, deeply tanned -because he had spent practically all of his spare -hours out-of-doors. “Our work is needed here as a -protection against unexpected enemy attack. I’m -glad to help, even if it is tedious to perch on this -tower platform.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_8">8</div> -<p>“I’m not kicking,” said War. “Don’t get me wrong. -These observation posts are necessary to cover gaps -in our radar system. Only I wish more planes would -pass over.”</p> -<p>“You’d like an enemy attack, or at least a little -mystery and intrigue,” chuckled Jack. “That trip we -made to Peru gave you a taste for adventure!”</p> -<p>“It did at that,” the other agreed. “After weeks -of exciting life in the wilds, Belton City seems a bit -tame.”</p> -<p>“Particularly this observation post?”</p> -<p>“Well, we’ve been reporting the movement of -planes for several months now, Jack. I sure wish a -little excitement would come our way again!”</p> -<p>“Maybe we’re looking in the wrong direction.”</p> -<p>Warwick stared at his friend, surprised by the -remark. “The wrong direction?” he echoed. “What -d’you mean?”</p> -<p>Jack relieved him of the field glass, focussing it -on the entrance road of a nearby cemetery. The -tower platform also offered an unobstructed view -of the Pablo Automobile plant adjoining the burial -ground.</p> -<p>“What do you see?” War asked as his chum remained -silent. “Any ghosts moving around?”</p> -<p>“It’s that old automobile again,” Jack reported. -“This makes four times in the last month that I’ve -seen it turn into that cemetery road.”</p> -<p>“You’ve got that car on the brain, boy!” War -scoffed, losing interest. “Forget it and stick to airplanes.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_9">9</div> -<p>“Okay,” Jack agreed, again training the glass on -an expanse of sky. “All the same, it strikes me as -queer that the car keeps coming back time after -time.”</p> -<p>For weeks, Jack had amused fellow members of -Explorers Post 21 by his constant reference to a -mysterious automobile.</p> -<p>Not only had he called attention to it repeatedly, -but he had noted down the license number, LC -1478. The car was a seven-year old model, driven -by a man who wore workman’s clothes.</p> -<p>Jack had pointed out that the car always appeared -at the cemetery entrance just at dusk or a -trifle later. Furthermore, the driver nearly always -parked close to the main highway, proceeding -through the trees afoot.</p> -<p>Where he went the Scouts never had learned, for -foliage blocked their view. But after ten to twenty -minutes, he always reappeared and drove away.</p> -<p>“One of these days I’m going to check up on that -fellow—” Jack began, but War interrupted.</p> -<p>“Listen!” he exclaimed.</p> -<p>A plane was passing the observation tower, high -overhead. Instantly alert, the Scouts determined its -altitude and type. Jack went quickly inside to send -an aircraft flash message to the filter center.</p> -<p>His telephone contact established, he received the -terse “Air Defense, go ahead!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_10">10</div> -<p>“Single—multi-jet—very high—” Methodically, -Jack went on to complete the message, and hung up -immediately after he heard the operator’s clear, -“Check, thank you.”</p> -<p>The task completed, he rejoined Warwick on -the breezy platform.</p> -<p>“Our relief’s coming,” War remarked, indicating -two men who were walking briskly toward the observation -tower. “We may as well take off for the -Scout meeting.”</p> -<p>After the newcomers had arrived, the Scouts -started at a fast pace for the Belton Methodist -Church where the meeting of Explorers Post 21 was -to be held.</p> -<p>“Step on it,” urged Jack. As crew leader, he made -a point of never being tardy for a session.</p> -<p>“I’m practically running now,” Warwick complained, -hard pressed to keep up. “What’s the rush? -Anything important coming up at tonight’s meeting?”</p> -<p>“We want to talk over that canoe trip to Minnesota. -It was postponed when our gang went to Peru -instead, but this time it’s all set.”</p> -<p>“I wouldn’t be too sure,” War said pessimistically. -“Something may come up. I’ve got one of those dark -brown feelings!”</p> -<p>“Oh, you and your feelings!” Jack retorted with -a grin.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_11">11</div> -<p>The pair arrived at the church only three minutes -late. Willie Medaugh, a tow-headed youngster of -15, and Ken Dougherty, a serious high school senior, -already were in the recreation room which had been -fitted up for Scout use.</p> -<p>“Hi!” Jack greeted his friends. “Where’s Hap?” He -referred to George (Happy) Livingston, a former -FBI man who directed Scout activities in Belton -City.</p> -<p>“Not here yet,” replied Ken. “He telephoned that -he’d been held up. We’re to go ahead with the meeting. -He’ll be along later.”</p> -<p>“See what came for him,” Willie said, pointing to -a thick, slightly soiled envelope which had been -placed conspicuously on the table. “Mail.”</p> -<p>“Wonder why the letter was delivered here instead -of to his office?” Jack commented.</p> -<p>“Because it had no street address,” Willie informed -him. “It’s directed it care of the Belton -Methodist Church. So the postman brought it here.”</p> -<p>“Get a load of that foreign stamp!” exclaimed -War, fingering the envelope. “Colombia!”</p> -<p>“I’m going to ask Hap if I can have it after he’s -finished with the letter,” announced Willie, who -collected foreign stamps. “Who’d be writing him -from South America?”</p> -<p>“Cut out the speculation, and let’s get on with the -meeting,” urged Jack. “Shall we start off with the -Four Freedoms ceremony? I want to run through it -to be sure we have it down pat before we invite our -folks to watch.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_12">12</div> -<p>Forgetting the letter, the other Explorers settled -down to the business of the evening. Willie brought -four candles and the American flag which were to -be used in the ceremony.</p> -<p>Jack assigned Bob MacDonald, a new organization -member to act as narrator. Standing behind the -flag, the red-headed youth recited slowly:</p> -<p>“This flag represents the past, the present and the -future. The stripes stand for the original thirteen -colonies. The stars represent the present states. The -Explorers represent the men of tomorrow.”</p> -<p>“That’s fine, only put more feeling into it, Jack -advised. Especially that part about Explorers being -the men of tomorrow.”</p> -<p>Bob repeated the lines to the satisfaction of the -group.</p> -<p>“Well done!” boomed a voice from the doorway. -Unobserved, Mr. Livingston had come into the -meeting room. He added seriously: “Here in America, -the Four Freedoms do exist, but at times we’re -inclined to take them for granted.”</p> -<p>“America’s the best country in the world,” declared -War. With a quick change of subject, he went -on: “Say, Mr. Livingston, a letter came for you! -From Columbia!”</p> -<p>The Scout leader accepted the mail, studying both -the stamp and the handwriting.</p> -<p>“Aren’t you going to open it?” War demanded -impatiently. “Maybe it’s important.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_13">13</div> -<p>Mr. Livingston smiled and ripped open the soiled -envelope. As he unfolded the closely written pages, -a small, hard, cotton-wrapped object dropped to -the floor.</p> -<p>Jack stooped to pick it up. His fingers closed over -a sizeable green stone. He stared in amazement.</p> -<p>“Look at this!” he exclaimed. “An emerald!”</p> -<p>The others studied the gem which he held up.</p> -<p>“A chunk of green glass,” insisted Willie.</p> -<p>“No, Willie,” Mr. Livingston corrected him.</p> -<p>“You mean it’s a real emerald?”</p> -<p>“Yes, Willie,” the Scout leader soberly confirmed. -“This letter and the gem are from an old friend of -mine. Give me a moment to scan his message, and -I’ll tell you what it’s all about.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_14">14</div> -<h2 id="c2"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 2</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">MAN OF MYSTERY</span></h2> -<p>Their curiosity whetted by sight of the green -stone, the Scouts eagerly waited as Mr. Livingston -skimmed through the letter.</p> -<p>“Just as I thought,” he remarked when he had -finished reading. “This is from Appleby Corning, an -old college classmate, now an engineer in Colombia. -The emerald is a sample from the Last Chance -mine.”</p> -<p>“Quite a sample!” Jack commented. “Is the mine -in Colombia?”</p> -<p>“Yes, not too far from Bogota. Appleby believes -that the Last Chance can be made to produce handsomely -for her American lessees. But he seems to -have run into difficulties. He writes that a former -manager, McClellan Rhodes, has caused him -trouble. He needs help.”</p> -<p>“What sort of help?” inquired Willie.</p> -<p>“The letter is vague. Appleby just says he wants -me to fly down there to look over the situation.”</p> -<p>“He wants you to join him in Colombia?” Willie -repeated, his voice fading. “When?”</p> -<p>“At once, if I can. He offers to pay all expenses.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_15">15</div> -<p>A deep silence had fallen upon the little Explorer -band. Only too well, the Scouts knew that if Mr. -Livingston accepted the offer, their canoe trip to -Minnesota might again be postponed.</p> -<p>Yet no one could deny that a plane journey to -Colombia offered a thrilling prospect. Fresh in the -memory of all the Explorers except Bob, was the -recollection of a wonderful adventure shared with -their leader in Peru.</p> -<p>Not many months earlier, the Scouts had been assigned -to search for a missing explorer. Their mission -to a lost Inca city had been a highly successful -one, resulting in great honor for Post 21.</p> -<p>“Colombia sounds great!” exclaimed War. Half -jokingly, he demanded: “When do we start?”</p> -<p>“That’s just it,” replied Mr. Livingston regretfully. -“Appleby says nothing about the Explorers. I don’t -suppose he could provide passage for the entire -group.”</p> -<p>“I was only kidding,” War said at once. “We don’t -expect to be taken along.”</p> -<p>“You’ll go, won’t you, Mr. Livingston?” Ken inquired -politely.</p> -<p>“Well, I’ve given it no thought, as yet. If I could -take you fellows along, I might be tempted.”</p> -<p>“What’s Colombia like?” Willie asked with quick -interest.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_16">16</div> -<p>“A rugged country with many unexplored areas. -Bounded on the north by the Caribbean sea and -Venezuela. On the east by Venezuela and Brazil; -on the south by Brazil, Peru and Ecuador, and on -the west by the Pacific.”</p> -<p>“You’ve been studying an atlas,” Jack remarked.</p> -<p>“Colombia always fascinated me,” the Scout leader -confessed. “Bogota is the capital city. The Magdalena -River traverses the entire country and provides -the chief means of transportation.”</p> -<p>“It would be a dandy opportunity for you,” Ken -said. “All expenses paid too!”</p> -<p>“Corning is one of my best friends, though I’ve -not seen him in years. I know he wouldn’t call on me -if he weren’t in a bad spot. He’s capable of handling -any ordinary situation.”</p> -<p>“Why did he send the emerald?” War asked curiously.</p> -<p>“To snare my interest, I suspect. He says the mine -is one of the world’s richest, but that the vein will be -lost if it can’t be promptly worked.”</p> -<p>“What does he mean by that?” asked Willie.</p> -<p>“He didn’t explain. He merely instructs me to -cable acceptance of his offer and take the first plane -to South America.”</p> -<p>A silence fell. Jack busied himself putting away -the record books. No one spoke of the projected trip -to Minnesota. Mr. Livingston himself brought up -the subject.</p> -<p>“I promised I’d go with you on the jaunt,” he said. -“I won’t go back on that.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_17">17</div> -<p>“We won’t hold you to it,” Ken said instantly.</p> -<p>“Of course not,” added Jack. “That wouldn’t be -fair. Why, a chance like this comes only once in a -lifetime.”</p> -<p>“I’d go, if I could take you fellows with me. Say, -that gives me an idea! I’ll cable Appleby Corning -tomorrow and outline the situation!”</p> -<p>“You think he might include us in the invitation?” -War asked eagerly.</p> -<p>“It’s possible. But as I said, I doubt Appleby -would be able to finance the trip. Plane fare is no -small item.”</p> -<p>The Scouts soberly agreed. Not many months -earlier, Albert Monahan, a wealthy citizen of Belton, -had paid the way of the Explorers to Peru -where they successfully had traced his long-missing -brother. A trip to Colombia, however, was a different -matter. They could not expect Mr. Monahan or -anyone else to provide passage money.</p> -<p>“We’ll forget it,” Jack said carelessly. “But you -must seize the chance, Mr. Livingston.”</p> -<p>“At any rate, it will do no harm to send that -cable,” the Scout leader said, smiling. “Something -may turn up.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_18">18</div> -<p>For the remainder of the evening, the Explorers -attended to routine business matters. All discussion -of the proposed trip to Minnesota carefully was -avoided. The Explorers knew that they might make -the excursion alone or with another adult, but the -prospect of having an outing without Hap left them -completely cold.</p> -<p>Later, after the meeting had adjourned, Jack and -Ken talked over the matter as they walked home -together.</p> -<p>“Do you think Hap will accept the offer?” the latter -speculated.</p> -<p>“If we urge him enough, he will,” Jack replied -gloomily. “It’s only his conscience that’s holding -him back. He figures he owes us a duty. We’ve postponed -our canoe trip so many times.”</p> -<p>“We mustn’t stand in his way, Jack.”</p> -<p>“We won’t, Ken. We’ll convince him somehow -that he should go. Golly! I sure wish we could make -the trip with him!”</p> -<p>“Probably we could, if we could raise the dough.”</p> -<p>“Don’t be simple!” Jack replied with a short -laugh. “We couldn’t earn enough for plane fares if -we saved our cash for a year. This trip is immediate.”</p> -<p>“It’s hopeless, I guess,” Ken agreed with a shrug. -“No use thinking about it.”</p> -<p>By this time the two Explorers were within view -of the observation tower where they had spent so -many hours on duty.</p> -<p>Instinctively, they raised their eyes to the platform. -Jack waved and whistled, but in the semi-darkness -of the street, the man who was in service -there, did not see him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_19">19</div> -<p>The two went on, approaching the old cemetery -road.</p> -<p>“There’s your friend!” Ken announced with a -chuckle.</p> -<p>“My friend?”</p> -<p>“The man of mystery.” Ken jerked his thumb toward -a battered car which had passed them only to -pull up just inside the entranceway of the cemetery.</p> -<p>“Say, this makes the second time tonight that bird -has been here!” Jack exclaimed, stopping short. -“What brings him here so often?”</p> -<p>“You’ve asked that question enough times. Why -don’t you learn the answer?”</p> -<p>“Why not?” Jack echoed, impressed by the suggestion. -“We’ll never have a better chance!”</p> -<p>From a distance, the two Explorers had seen the -driver of the car alight. Leaving the car parked just -off the road, he started afoot through the dark, deserted -cemetery.</p> -<p>“Let’s follow him,” Jack proposed. “What d’you -say?”</p> -<p>“Okay,” agreed Ken with a grin. “We probably -won’t learn anything worth while, but it may put an -end to those doubts that have been percolating in -your brain!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_20">20</div> -<h2 id="c3"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 3</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">STRANGE ACTIONS</span></h2> -<p>Keeping out of view, Ken and Jack followed the -stranger from a discreet distance. Unaware that he -was being trailed, the man walked swiftly along the -lonely cemetery road.</p> -<p>Once as he passed a street light, the two Explorers -caught a fleeting glimpse of his face. They gained -an impression of an individual with a large, flat nose -and square jaw.</p> -<p>“Ever see him before?” Jack whispered.</p> -<p>“Only in that car,” Ken replied. “He’s a tough -looking egg. He might give us a rough time if he -catches us trailing him.”</p> -<p>To be on the safe side, the two fell farther back. -It was well that they took the precaution, for unexpectedly, -the man paused and glanced back into the -darkness.</p> -<p>Ken and Jack froze. They remained motionless, -and after a moment, the stranger went on again.</p> -<p>“Wow! That was a close call,” Jack muttered. -“We’ll have to be more careful than ever now.”</p> -<p>“Where’s this bird going anyhow?” Ken demanded.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_21">21</div> -<p>His interest had heightened, for the one they -followed, had left the winding cemetery road. Walking -fast, he cut through the trees, avoiding the area -where tombstones had been erected.</p> -<p>“Evidently, he doesn’t come here to visit any of -the graves,” Jack observed.</p> -<p>To avoid losing sight of the stranger, the Explorers -quickened their own pace. Suddenly, Ken placed -a restraining hand on Jack’s arm. They both halted.</p> -<p>Ahead, only dimly visible, they could see that the -one they pursued, had halted beside a wooden barrier -fence.</p> -<p>For an instant, they thought that the man intended -to climb over.</p> -<p>Instead, he walked along the barrier for a short -distance. Then, squatting down, he began to dig in -the soft earth.</p> -<p>“What’s he doing?” Ken muttered in astonishment.</p> -<p>“Looking for something that’s been buried, I’ll -bet!”</p> -<p>As the two watched, the man suddenly ceased -digging. Apparently satisfied, he replaced the thin -layer of dirt he had removed, and covered the area -with leaves.</p> -<p>Then, he started back through the woods the way -he had come. Ken and Jack barely had time to secret -themselves behind trees before he passed them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_22">22</div> -<p>“He’s going back to his car now,” Jack predicted, -after the man had disappeared in the darkness. -“What do you make of it, Ken?”</p> -<p>“He’s been here several times before. We know -that. Let’s see what’s under those leaves.”</p> -<p>Going on to the fence, the Explorers quickly -cleared a small area to locate the spot where the -stranger had dug.</p> -<p>Jack removed a little dirt with his bare hands. -“Wish I had a shovel or a spade!” he complained.</p> -<p>“Maybe that fellow has a pet buried here,” Ken -suggested.</p> -<p>Jack straightened up, knocking dirt from his -hands. “You would shatter the illusion!” he accused. -“I was figuring on bringing up a box of gold. Enough -to take us to Colombia!”</p> -<p>“Whatever is planted here is down deep,” Ken -said. “We can’t bring it up without some tools.”</p> -<p>“Let’s trot home then and get ’em.”</p> -<p>“It’s late, Jack. Anyway, why not cut the other -fellows in on the fun?”</p> -<p>“The Explorers?”</p> -<p>“Sure, why keep a good thing like this to ourselves? -War in particular would get a big boot out -of digging up something—even if it proves to be -only a dead cat!”</p> -<p>“Okay,” Jack agreed reluctantly, “but maybe -whatever is buried won’t be here by tomorrow. -We’re taking a chance.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_23">23</div> -<p>“Not a very big one. We know that bird comes -at night ever so often. It strikes me, he doesn’t come -to dig anything up, but only to make certain it’s still -here.”</p> -<p>“Could be,” Jack agreed. “A treasure, maybe! Or -loot from a robbery!”</p> -<p>“In that case we should notify the police.”</p> -<p>“Why don’t we find out what’s here first,” Jack -proposed. “As you say, it may prove to be a buried -cat or nothing of importance. We’d be the laughing -stock of Belton in that case.”</p> -<p>“It won’t do any harm to wait a day,” Ken willingly -agreed. “If anything is buried here, it’s been -under ground for a long while.”</p> -<p>“Let’s get the fellows together tomorrow,” Jack -proposed. “Say, I have an idea!”</p> -<p>“Spill it, boy.”</p> -<p>“Let’s invite ’em all to a hike, and advise ’em to -bring spades. Then we’ll bring ’em here, and see -what’s what.”</p> -<p>“Sounds all right to me,” Ken nodded, replacing -dirt over the area disturbed. “I’ll leave it to you to -get in touch with the fellows.”</p> -<p>Carefully, the two Explorers removed all evidence -of their digging work. Before leaving the area, -they covered the ground with leaves.</p> -<p>When they reached the cemetery road a few minutes -later, the parked car was gone.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_24">24</div> -<p>“I’m sure glad I jotted down that driver’s license -number,” Jack remarked, as he and Ken walked on -toward their homes. “Who knows? It may come in -handy.”</p> -<p>The discovery of mysterious activity in the cemetery -deeply interested both Scouts. Eager to learn -if anything valuable had been buried by the fence, -they lost no time in contacting the other members -of the Rovers unit.</p> -<p>However, to make the hike more alluring, they -refused to pass out even a hint of what might be in -store. Jack not only telephoned Warwick, Willie and -Bob, but also called Mr. Livingston. The Scout -leader said regretfully that he would be tied up at -his office and could not accompany them on the -afternoon hike.</p> -<p>“We’re not going far anyhow,” Jack assured him. -“If anything develops, I’ll get in touch with you -right away.”</p> -<p>By pre-arrangement, the Rovers met at the entranceway -to the cemetery the following afternoon -at 3:30 p.m. Ken and Jack were to have the remainder -of the day and the evening to themselves, for it -was not a date on which they were assigned to the -observation tower.</p> -<p>“Why did you ask us to meet you here?” War demanded, -as he joined the waiting group. Following -instruction, he had brought a spade. “Want me to -dig a grave or something?”</p> -<p>“Your own!” Jack retorted. “Everyone here? -Where’s Bob?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_25">25</div> -<p>“Coming up the street now,” Ken reported. “Look -at the size of that knapsack he’s carrying! Filled -with food, I’ll warrant.”</p> -<p>“He probably figures we’re going on a three-day -hike,” Jack chuckled.</p> -<p>“How far are we going?” Willie demanded curiously. -“A couple of miles?”</p> -<p>“Oh, about a thousand yards, more or less,” Ken -returned carelessly.</p> -<p>“A thousand yards!” Willie fairly shrieked. “You -call that a hike?”</p> -<p>“And why did you tell us to bring spades?” War -asked. “What’s up, anyhow?”</p> -<p>“We’re going to do a little digging,” Jack said -with a grin. “Come on, let’s get at it.”</p> -<p>He and Ken guided the other three through the -cemetery to the barrier fence adjoining the automobile -plant.</p> -<p>“X marks the spot,” Ken chuckled, indicating the -area he and Jack had investigated the previous -night. “Dig, slaves!”</p> -<p>“What’s this all about?” Willie probed. “Why all -the mystery?”</p> -<p>“Yeah, and what are we expected to bring up? -Oil?” demanded War. “Not a spadeful will I turn -over until you tell us what we’re supposed to find.”</p> -<p>With a laugh, Jack related the manner in which -he and Ken had followed the mysterious stranger -on the previous night.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_26">26</div> -<p>“Oh, so it’s that fellow in the old car!” War -scoffed. “You’ve been talking about him for a month, -Jack. So finally you make something of it!”</p> -<p>“Jack may have been smarter than the rest of us,” -Ken said soberly. “After watching that bird last -night, we’re convinced something has been buried -here.”</p> -<p>“And you want to cut us in on the hard digging?” -War joked.</p> -<p>“That’s the general idea,” Ken grinned. “Get -busy! I’ll post myself down by the road to watch for -that car driver. He’s not likely to show up here at -this time of day, but it’s well to be alert.”</p> -<p>“If you see anyone coming, whistle twice,” Jack -advised.</p> -<p>“Okay. If you hit anything interesting, give the -same signal. I want to be on hand when the chest -of gold is raised.”</p> -<p>“Gold,” War murmured with relish. “Pieces of -eight! Say, wouldn’t it be swell if we would dig up -money! We could make that trip to Colombia!”</p> -<p>“Oh, be your age!” Jack scoffed. “If money has -been buried here, just remember it belongs to someone -else. Not us. Here, give me that spade.”</p> -<p>“Not much,” War insisted, starting to dig. “This is -my pleasure.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_27">27</div> -<p>For ten minutes, the Explorers clustered about as -their chum dug steadily. The ground was relatively -soft, encouraging them to believe that it had been -disturbed not many weeks earlier.</p> -<p>“Careful!” Jack suddenly warned War. “You’ve -struck something.”</p> -<p>He bent down to examine the metal object which -protruded. It appeared to be the handle to a kettle -or other heavy container. However, it was so deeply -embedded, that even with Bob’s help, he could not -raise it.</p> -<p>“Dig some more,” he advised War. “Be careful -though.”</p> -<p>“Ken ought to be here,” Willie remarked, gazing -toward the cemetery road. “Shall I call him?”</p> -<p>“Go ahead,” Jack nodded. “I think we’ve hit the -treasure or whatever it is.”</p> -<p>Willie wet his fingers and blew two shrill blasts. -Promptly, an answer was received. A few minutes -later, Ken came running up.</p> -<p>“Find anything?” he demanded breathlessly.</p> -<p>By this time, War had removed more dirt. “An -iron kettle,” he reported, resting for a moment on -his spade. “Loaded to the brim with emeralds!”</p> -<p>“You’ve been thinking of emeralds ever since that -one came for Mr. Livingston!” Ken laughed. “What -is in the kettle?”</p> -<p>“We don’t know yet,” War admitted. “Being nice -guys, we waited for you before we peeked.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_28">28</div> -<p>“Let’s not wait any longer,” Jack urged impatiently. -“Remember, we have no guard now, and -time’s slipping by pretty fast.”</p> -<p>“Yeah,” agreed Willie. “The owner of this little -kettle may come back. So let’s lift ’er out.”</p> -<p>“First, we’ll see what’s inside,” Jack insisted.</p> -<p>The lid of the kettle had been wired down. With -the aid of a Scout knife, he was able to untwist it. -As the other Explorers huddled expectantly about -the hole, he slowly and ceremoniously raised the -cover.</p> -<p>A sudden silence ensued, to be followed by a howl -of disappointment.</p> -<p>The kettle contained several pint milk bottles -filled with a colorless liquid.</p> -<p>“Gold! Emeralds!” Willie warbled. “Yeah!”</p> -<p>“Nothing but water,” War added in disgust. “All -that work for nothing! Jack, you and Ken certainly -were taken for a ride this time!”</p> -<p>Ken had bent down again to sniff at the liquid in -one of the bottles. Straightening, he gazed wide-eyed -at his chums.</p> -<p>“This stuff isn’t water,” he told them tersely. “It’s -too heavy. Furthermore, it has a peculiar odor.”</p> -<p>“What is it, if it isn’t water?” asked War. He -started to pick up one of the containers. Ken seized -his arm, shoving him back.</p> -<p>“Hey, what’s the idea?” War demanded indignantly.</p> -<p>“Don’t touch that stuff!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_29">29</div> -<p>“Why not?”</p> -<p>“Because it’s nitro-glycerin! At least I think it is.”</p> -<p>“Nitro,” War echoed, looking scared.</p> -<p>“There’s enough to blow us all to Kingdom Come! -We’re lucky we haven’t set it off with the careless -way we’ve been digging.”</p> -<p>“Let’s get out of here fast!” War said, starting -away.</p> -<p>“We can’t just go off and leave the stuff,” Jack -protested. “It’s too dangerous.”</p> -<p>“There’s only one thing to do,” Ken advised. “Two -of us will have to remain here on guard. The rest -can go for the police.”</p> -<p>No one spoke for a moment. All the Explorers -had a healthy respect for nitro-glycerin, a powerful -explosive. Under certain conditions, even a slight -jar would be sufficient to set it off. If the liquid still -were active, there was quantity enough to destroy -the nearby automobile plant.</p> -<p>“I’ll stay,” Jack quickly volunteered.</p> -<p>“I’m sticking too,” insisted Willie. “No, don’t argue. -There’s no time to waste.”</p> -<p>“Right,” Jack grimly agreed. He turned to Ken.</p> -<p>“Take War and Bob and hot-foot it to the nearest -telephone. Willie and I will stand guard, but we -have no craving to meet the Angels. So tell those -cops to step on it!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_30">30</div> -<h2 id="c4"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 4</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">A SURPRISE CACHE</span></h2> -<p>Left to themselves, Willie and Jack took up the -vigil near the kettle of fluid believed to be nitro-glycerin.</p> -<p>“If this stuff is still active, it’s a miracle it hasn’t -been set off,” Jack remarked, pacing nervously along -the fence. “Why, there’s enough explosive here to -blow that automobile plant to smithers.”</p> -<p>“Us too, Jack.”</p> -<p>“Sure. Nitro’s mighty tricky stuff. I hope Ken, War -and Bob get those cops here in a hurry.”</p> -<p>Scarcely ten minutes had elapsed when Willie -thought he heard a car on the nearby cemetery road. -As they listened intently, it halted some distance -away and the motor was switched off.</p> -<p>“That can’t be a police car,” Jack decided, becoming -worried. “Ken would have brought the cops -closer. Anyway, the fellows haven’t had time enough -to get help here.”</p> -<p>“It might be that bird in the ancient auto coming -back again.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_31">31</div> -<p>“Exactly what I was thinking,” Jack agreed. Scanning -the nearby trees, he noticed a cluster of dense -bushes which offered a fairly promising hiding -place.</p> -<p>As he was considering the possibility of seeking -refuge in an emergency, Willie suddenly exclaimed: -“Jack, someone is coming this way from the road!”</p> -<p>“And it’s that same fellow!” Jack observed, pulling -his friend toward the bushes. “Quick! He hasn’t seen -us.”</p> -<p>The two Scouts took cover. Although the screen -of foliage was a thin, unsatisfactory one, the stranger -who approached, seemed too intent upon his -thoughts to glance in that direction.</p> -<p>Jack and Willie obtained a clear view of the man. -He was about forty-five years of age, short and -carelessly dressed in working clothes. A billed cap -was pulled low over his eyes.</p> -<p>“Sure he’s the same one who’s been coming here -so often?” Willie whispered. “If he isn’t, we’ll have -to warn him not to get near that kettle.”</p> -<p>“He’s the same one,” Jack answered grimly. “He’s -going straight to the fence too.”</p> -<p>Just then, the stranger, noticing that dirt had been -disturbed by the barrier, stopped short. He uttered -a muffled exclamation, and then went on.</p> -<p>The Scouts saw him bend down to gaze at the exposed -kettle, and carefully raise the lid.</p> -<p>“That’s his nitro!” Jack asserted. “It’s live stuff -too! See how careful he is?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_32">32</div> -<p>The stranger turned unexpectedly, surveying the -area with alert eyes. Jack and Willie remained motionless.</p> -<p>But the workman had noticed footprints in the -soft earth near the fence. His gaze followed an indistinct -shoe pattern directly to the clump of bushes.</p> -<p>Almost before the two realized that they had been -detected, he whipped out an automatic.</p> -<p>“Come out o’ there!” he ordered, moving slowly -forward. “With your hands up!”</p> -<p>Jack and Willie silently obeyed. One glimpse -directly into the face of the sullen stranger convinced -them that he would tolerate no delay. His -dark eyes had a wild look which unnerved them -more than the barrel of the automatic.</p> -<p>“What are you boys doing here?” the stranger -demanded harshly.</p> -<p>“Why, n-nothing,” Willie answered.</p> -<p>“You dug up that kettle by the fence, stupid!”</p> -<p>“What if we did?” Willie retorted. “Nothing in it -anyhow, except water.”</p> -<p>“Water!” the one with the revolver echoed. -“You’re lucky to be alive!”</p> -<p>“Then it’s nitro?” Jack asked quietly. “Why did -you bury it by the fence?”</p> -<p>“What should I have done with it? Carry it -around in my pocket? I’d like to get rid of the stuff, -but how?”</p> -<p>“Dump it in the creek,” suggested Willie. “There’s -one running through the cemetery.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_33">33</div> -<p>“You are stupid!” the stranger accused. “Don’t -you know nitro is heavier than water? It would sink -to the bottom and form a layer.”</p> -<p>“Notify the police,” advised Jack. “They’ll know -what to do.”</p> -<p>The workman glared at him. “Sure,” he said sarcastically, -“they’ll know what to do all right! You -kids give me a pain! You never should have come -poking around here. That stuff would have been -okay if you’d left it alone. Now I’m in a spot.”</p> -<p>“How’d you get the nitro in the first place?” Willie -questioned.</p> -<p>The stranger did not reply. His face twisted with -worry, he ordered the Scouts to start walking toward -the roadway.</p> -<p>“Where you taking us?” Jack asked, moving as -slowly as he dared.</p> -<p>He could sense the man’s uncertainty, and was -stalling for time. If only Ken, War, Bob and the police -would arrive!</p> -<p>“I don’t know what to do with you,” the stranger -admitted. “If I let you go, you’d blab about the nitro. -I’ve got to move it, but where, I don’t know.”</p> -<p>“Why don’t we talk this over?” Jack suggested. -“Maybe we can work out something.”</p> -<p>“Yeah? What? I don’t trust you.” Scowling, the -stranger paused as he came to a cemetery bench. He -sat down, but kept his automatic trained on the two -Scouts who remained standing.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_34">34</div> -<p>“If you’re afraid to go to the police, why not let -us do it for you?” Jack proposed.</p> -<p>The workman looked momentarily interested, but -shook his head. “No soap. The nitro would be traced -to me. Besides, I may have a use for that soup later -on. It’s valuable stuff—too valuable to be thrown -away.”</p> -<p>“Dangerous though,” Jack suggested, lowering his -hands.</p> -<p>“Keep ’em up,” the stranger ordered sharply. “No -tricks!”</p> -<p>Jack continued to talk, though he scarcely heard -his own words. From the roadway he had caught the -hum of a motor. A police car perhaps? If so, the -officers had avoided using a siren, which would have -been a dead give-away.</p> -<p>“What was that?” the stranger asked suspiciously.</p> -<p>“Car going through the cemetery,” Jack answered -with a shrug. “You sure are nervous.”</p> -<p>“You would be too, if you’d nursemaided ten pints -of nitro for six months! I can’t sleep nights for worrying -about it.”</p> -<p>“So that’s why you’ve kept coming back here so -often?” Willie inquired. He could hear a slight rustle -of leaves and thought that someone must be moving -afoot through the trees.</p> -<p>“Sure,” the man admitted. “I had to make certain -the stuff was okay. It would have been too, if you -kids had kept away. I could wring your necks!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_35">35</div> -<p>“What are you going to do with us?” Jack asked, -trying desperately to hold the full attention of the -stranger.</p> -<p>By this time, he and Willie had glimpsed Ken, -War and Bob walking near the fence. The man with -the revolver could not see them, for he sat with his -back to the approaching Scouts.</p> -<p>Jack and Willie were certain a car had stopped -closeby in the cemetery, but there was no sign of the -police. They were worried too, lest at any moment -their three chums might betray their presence. If -only they would catch on to the situation!</p> -<p>Deliberately, Jack began to argue in a louder tone, -hoping his voice would carry to the fence. To his relief, -he saw Ken turn to gaze toward the bench. -Quickly, he shifted his own gaze lest his intense interest -alert his captor.</p> -<p>Moments passed. Then as Jack and Willie remained -with hands raised, they heard a soft rustle of -leaves. Their friends were stealing up behind the -park bench!</p> -<p>“I’ve got to take you with me,” the stranger suddenly -announced, his mind made up. “Get going! To -the car!”</p> -<p>Jack and Willie turned as if to obey. At that moment, -as their captor started to arise, the other -Scouts closed in from behind.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_36">36</div> -<p>Before the man could resist, they overturned the -bench, toppling him to the ground. The automatic -was discharged harmlessly into the air. Jack seized -and held the man’s arm.</p> -<p>Overwhelmed by numbers, the stranger found -himself powerless to move. Ken, Bob and Willie -used the overturned bench to hold him pinned to the -earth.</p> -<p>“Quick! Get the police!” Ken urged. “Their car is -down the road. We came on ahead.”</p> -<p>But there was no need for anyone to seek assistance. -The revolver shot had brought the police on a -run. A moment later they came up to take charge of -the captive. Unprotesting, he allowed them to lock -handcuffs onto his wrists.</p> -<p>“Good work, boys!” one of the officers praised. -“Do you know this guy you’ve nailed?”</p> -<p>The Scouts admitted that they had no idea as to -his identity.</p> -<p>“He’s Blackie Williams, an expert safe cracker,” -they were informed. “He did a long stretch at the -state penitentiary. Got out about a year and a half -ago.”</p> -<p>The prisoner was escorted to the police car. While -he remained under guard, one of the officers went -with the Scouts to inspect the cache of nitro-glycerin.</p> -<p>“This is the real stuff,” the policeman announced -after a brief examination of the liquid in the kettle. -“There’s enough here to blow up the cemetery.”</p> -<p>“Still active?” Jack questioned.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_37">37</div> -<p>“It probably is. This stuff is too tricky to be moved -by anyone except a nitro expert. You Scouts were -lucky you weren’t blown to bits.”</p> -<p>“I guess so,” Jack admitted ruefully. “We had no -idea what was in the kettle when we started digging. -Luckily, our spade never jarred the container.”</p> -<p>“It’s going to be a job getting rid of that nitro,” -the policeman said. “The important thing now is to -bottle up this area, so no one gets hurt. You boys -willing to help?”</p> -<p>“Sure,” Warwick agreed eagerly.</p> -<p>“Then post yourselves along the cemetery road,” -the policeman instructed. “Don’t let anyone in. If -that nitro should let loose, this whole place would -go up in one loud bang!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_38">38</div> -<h2 id="c5"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 5</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">HEROES ALL!</span></h2> -<p>Within an hour after the capture of Blackie Williams, -the Belton newspapers carried front page accounts -of the nitro-glycerin discovery. Photographers, -reporters and hundreds of curious persons -swarmed to the cemetery area.</p> -<p>Working under direction of police, the Scouts -guarded entrance roads until relieved of duty. Reporters -interviewed them and photographers insisted -that they pose for action shots. To their intense embarrassment, -townsfolk chose to regard them as -heroes.</p> -<p>“Shucks, we didn’t do much,” Ken protested. “If -anyone deserves credit, Jack does. He had that first -hunch about Blackie Williams.”</p> -<p>A policeman informed the Scouts that an out-of-town -explosives expert would be called in to set off a -controlled explosion.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_39">39</div> -<p>“We’ve talked to Blackie, and there’s no question -the stuff is active,” he told Jack. “Too dangerous to -move. It seems he stole it seven months ago from an -explosives plant. Once he got his hands on it, he -realized he had more than he could use in twenty -years. So he had to get rid of it.”</p> -<p>The Scouts were on hand the following day when -a nitro-glycerin expert arrived to inspect the kettle -of fluid. He told police the explosive could not be -safely moved and that it must be detonated. Preparations -went forward for the big blast.</p> -<p>Under the direction of Bradley Graham, an expert, -sod and screenings were placed atop the cache -to control the explosion. A two-pound dynamite -charge, activated by a battery-powered switch, then -was set up.</p> -<p>When all was in readiness, great crowds jammed -the streets, approaching as close as police would -allow. Only newspaper reporters and Scouts were -permitted within the roped off area. All were warned -to hit the ground face downward at the moment of -the explosion.</p> -<p>The signal was given. Mr. Graham pulled a switch. -But for a moment, nothing happened.</p> -<p>“It’s a dud—” War muttered.</p> -<p>His words were drowned by a mighty explosion -which rocked the earth. Dirt and crushed stone flew -high into the air.</p> -<p>“A dud, eh?” said Jack laughing, wiping dust from -his clothes as he got quickly to his feet.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_40">40</div> -<p>After an interval, the Scouts were permitted to inspect -the great crater which had been made. The -hole was fully fifteen feet across and nearly five feet -deep.</p> -<p>“I guess a little knowledge comes in handy,” Bob -remarked in awe. “It’s sure lucky we recognized that -stuff as nitro.”</p> -<p>The Scouts thought no more of the incident. -Therefore, it came as a distinct surprise, when on the -following day, they received word that a recognition -dinner was to be given in their honor. Explorers -Post 21 members were instructed to present themselves -at the Belton Hotel at six o’clock on Friday -night.</p> -<p>“Do we have to go?” Willie asked Mr. Livingston -in alarm.</p> -<p>“I would,” the Scout leader advised. “The mayor -and the president of the auto plant are giving the -dinner. You boys performed a fine service, so it’s -only right that Belton should show appreciation.”</p> -<p>Their consciences at ease, the Scouts pressed their -green Explorers’ uniforms and at the designated -hour presented themselves at the hotel. Two hundred -businessmen and their wives had turned out to -honor the boys.</p> -<p>The dinner was excellent and high praise was bestowed -upon the Scouts. As a climax, the mayor -arose to announce that citizens of Belton City wished -to show their appreciation in a more material way. -In behalf of the entire Post, he handed Jack a check -for $900.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_41">41</div> -<p>Jack glued his eyes on the bit of paper, too overcome -to speak. He felt Ken nudge him.</p> -<p>“Say something, you lug!” his chum urged.</p> -<p>“In behalf of my fellow Explorers—” Jack began, -“I want to say that we’re most grateful.” He laughed -and dropped the formality. “Oh, heck! We only did -what every Scout is supposed to do—his duty. We -didn’t want pay.”</p> -<p>“Of course, you didn’t, Jack,” responded the -mayor. “Nevertheless, we feel that the Scouts performed -a great service. Had it not been for your -alertness, the automobile plant might have been destroyed. -So take the check and spend it as you wish—a -vacation trip or new furniture for your club -room.”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir,” Jack murmured, grinning. “We’ll manage -to spend it all right!”</p> -<p>After the gathering had broken up, the Explorers -joined Mr. Livingston to discuss their good fortune. -Jack turned the check over to the Scout leader, who -said he would deposit it at the bank the first thing -the following morning.</p> -<p>“What a night it’s been!” Willie remarked blissfully. -“With all this dough, we really can have a -bang-up trip to Minnesota—if we go.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_42">42</div> -<p>The Scouts gazed speculatively at Mr. Livingston. -Since the arrival of the letter and emerald from his -friend in Colombia, he had not even mentioned the -subject again. Had he given up all thought of making -the trip, they wondered?</p> -<p>“Fellows,” Mr. Livingston said abruptly, “I hadn’t -intended to spill this just yet, but I may as well. I’ve -accepted Appleby Corning’s offer. I hope to leave -for Colombia within three weeks.”</p> -<p>No one replied for a moment. The information -was most disappointing.</p> -<p>Ken was the first to find tongue. “Why, that’s -fine,” he said in a hollow tone. “We’ll miss you, but -it’s a splendid opportunity. Post 21 won’t be the -same without you, but we’ll get along somehow.”</p> -<p>“Who said anything about getting along without -me?” Mr. Livingston demanded with a broad smile.</p> -<p>“You don’t mean you’re taking us with you!” cried -War, his freckled face crinkling into lines of delight.</p> -<p>“That’s the general idea. I cabled my friend, and -received a reply this morning. He said to bring you -fellows along.”</p> -<p>“But the cost?” Jack interposed anxiously.</p> -<p>“That’s the rub,” admitted the Scout leader. “Appleby -isn’t too well off. He’s offered though, to pay -all the plane fares, round trip. All other expenses of -the trip would have to be met by us.”</p> -<p>“Would nine hundred dollars do it?” War asked -eagerly.</p> -<p>“It might.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_43">43</div> -<p>“We have another hundred or so we’ve saved for -the Minnesota trip,” added Willie. “I’m for shooting -the works!”</p> -<p>“Until the mayor presented the check tonight, I -couldn’t see how the trip might be financed,” Mr. -Livingston admitted. “But with plane fare furnished, -I think we could get along. Once we’re in Colombia, -Mr. Corning will put us up at the Last Chance mine. -So we’ll have no living expenses there. Naturally, -we’ll need a little extra money for emergencies.”</p> -<p>“When do we start?” War chortled. “Why wait -three weeks?”</p> -<p>“There’s a little item of school for one thing,” Mr. -Livingston reminded him. “Also, your parents must -consent. Talk the matter over with them and report -to me tomorrow.”</p> -<p>By the following day, all the Scouts with exception -of Bob, had obtained permission to make the -journey. His parents felt that he was too young to -attempt such a long trip. Instead, they were taking -him with them on a motor tour to California.</p> -<p>“Honestly, I don’t mind too much,” Bob cheerfully -informed his friends. “I’m not a softie, but those -tales you told about being held captive by Indians in -Peru left me rather cold. I’m partial to a nice bed -and three square meals a day.”</p> -<p>“This is a different sort of trip,” Jack said. “We -don’t expect to become mixed up in an intrigue over -Inca gold.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_44">44</div> -<p>“It may be emeralds this time,” Bob predicted. -“Something’s brewing or Mr. Corning wouldn’t have -sent for Hap.”</p> -<p>“You’re probably right,” Jack agreed with a grin. -“Trouble certainly has developed at the Last Chance -mine. And it’s a cinch we’re going to be in the thick -of it!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_45">45</div> -<h2 id="c6"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 6</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">A COMPANY AGENT</span></h2> -<p>“This must be the place. A filthy looking little -office.”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston had paused before a doorway on a -shadeless, rather depressing back street of Cartagena. -Only a moment before, a carriage had deposited -the Scout leader and the four Explorers at -an address where they hoped to obtain information -concerning Appleby Corning.</p> -<p>The day was uncomfortably warm. Since arriving -eighteen hours earlier at the Caribbean port, the -Scouts had waited expectantly at their hotel.</p> -<p>No word had come from Mr. Livingston’s friend, -the mining engineer, who had promised to meet and -personally escort them to the Last Chance mine -above Emerald Valley in the eastern Andes.</p> -<p>Learning that the company which controlled the -emerald mine, had a Cartagena as well as a Bogota -office, the Scouts finally had set out to find the -former.</p> -<p>“This is the company office all right,” Jack Hartwell -confirmed, consulting an address scribbled in -his notebook.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_46">46</div> -<p>“In we go,” the Scout leader urged.</p> -<p>He led the way into the untidy quarters of the -Bolton Mining Company offices. The outside room -in which the Explorers found themselves was both -deserted and dusty. Old magazines and mining journals -cluttered the tables and chairs.</p> -<p>“No one here,” Warwick remarked uneasily.</p> -<p>Ken, however, crossed the room to an inner doorway -which opened into another office.</p> -<p>“I beg your pardon,” he said apologetically. “Good -morning.”</p> -<p>The words were addressed to a man, who sat half-hidden -behind a battered, roll-top desk. He wore -no coat or necktie and had not shaved that day.</p> -<p>Seeing Ken in the doorway, the agent’s feet came -down from the desk where they had been resting. -His mouth dropped open to expose unclean, broken -teeth.</p> -<p>“Good morning,” Ken repeated pleasantly. “Are -you the agent for the Bolton Mining Company?”</p> -<p>“That’s me,” the man growled. “Who are you? -What do you want?”</p> -<p>Unprepared for such an indifferent reception, Ken -stepped aside so that Mr. Livingston and the other -Scouts could enter. The company agent regarded -them with obvious annoyance.</p> -<p>“Well, what d’you want?” he demanded again as -no one spoke.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_47">47</div> -<p>“My name is George Livingston,” the Scout leader -introduced himself. “You probably know why I am -here.”</p> -<p>“Never heard of you.”</p> -<p>Somewhat taken aback by the agent’s blunt reply, -Mr. Livingston introduced Ken, Jack, Willie and -Warwick. The mining company man merely stared -at them with complete lack of interest.</p> -<p>“You are Ferd Baronni?” Mr. Livingston inquired, -as the agent failed to introduce himself. He had -been informed at the hotel as to the company representative’s -name.</p> -<p>“That’s right. You got business with me?”</p> -<p>“Appleby Corning didn’t tell you we were coming -to Colombia?”</p> -<p>“I ain’t seen Corning in three months. And if I -don’t see him for another three, it will be soon -enough!”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston ignored the remark. “Mr. Corning -agreed to meet us here,” he told the agent. “It seems -there’s something wrong at the Last Chance mine, -and he wanted us to help him out.”</p> -<p>“There’s always trouble at the mine,” Ferd Baronni -growled. He eyed the Scout leader suspiciously. -“What did he send word to you for?”</p> -<p>“Mr. Corning didn’t explain. He merely forwarded -plane fares and asked us to come.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_48">48</div> -<p>“Corning paid your way here? I always knew that -guy was half crazy and this proves it! What does he -figure you can do to get the mine on a paying basis? -You an engineer, huh?”</p> -<p>“No, I’m a Boy Scout leader.”</p> -<p>The agent’s thin lips parted in a hard, mirthless -smile. “You’ll be a big help!” he said sarcastically.</p> -<p>“Sure! You’ll never be able to stand the climate at -the Last Chance. It’s a lot colder than Bogota. I advise -you to climb back on a plane and return to the -States.”</p> -<p>“We’re asking for information, not advice,” Mr. -Livingston said pleasantly. “Do you know when Mr. -Corning is likely to get here?”</p> -<p>“You know more about it than I do,” the agent -shrugged.</p> -<p>“You are the representative of the company,” Mr. -Livingston reminded him.</p> -<p>“Sure, but Corning’s comings and goings ain’t -none of my affair. It’s my job to ship out the emeralds. -Lately, there ain’t been any to ship.” The agent -smiled in grim satisfaction. “If you want it straight, -your friend has fallen down on the job. He came -here talking big—oh, he was going to clean up the -mess at the Last Chance—get the cooperation of the -workers, and open up a big vein! What’s he done? -Failed like they all do.”</p> -<p>“You’ve handled company affairs for quite a -while, I take it?” the Scout leader questioned.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_49">49</div> -<p>“Twelve years. Part of the time I’m at the Bogota -office.”</p> -<p>“Tell us a little about the Last Chance mine,” Mr. -Livingston urged.</p> -<p>“Nothing to tell. Emerald mining is a government -monopoly here, but an American outfit got a concession. -The best emeralds in the world are found in -Colombia.” For the first time, since the Scouts had -met him, Mr. Baronni showed enthusiasm. “The -Last Chance has been worked off and on before the -coming of the Spaniards. But the mine’s playing out. -Since your friend Corning took over, production has -dropped alarmingly. Any day now I expect to get -word from the company to close down completely.”</p> -<p>“Sounds rather discouraging,” Mr. Livingston -commented. “What seems to be the trouble?”</p> -<p>“Corning doesn’t know how to handle the Indians. -They steal him blind. Another thing, the mine is -playing out. It’s up to him to find another vein of -emeralds, and find it quick. The former engineer -should have been left in charge.”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston eyed the agent thoughtfully, but -made no comment. It had been apparent from the -first, that Ferd Baronni had no love for Appleby -Corning.</p> -<p>“Want to see some emeralds?” the agent invited, -pulling himself reluctantly from a swivel chair.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_50">50</div> -<p>From an old-fashioned safe, he removed a cigar -box. Almost reverently, he fingered a handful of -large emeralds contained within. One which he offered -Mr. Livingston was soft to the touch, very -dark in color and had smoldering fire.</p> -<p>Another, somewhat smaller, was a shade lighter. -Instead of having a subdued glow, it seemed to blaze -with flame.</p> -<p>“Now this one’s a first quality emerald,” the agent -informed the awed group. “We ain’t getting many of -’em any more from the Last Chance.”</p> -<p>“You say the mine is likely to close down?” Mr. -Livingston questioned.</p> -<p>“Any day now. Then the workers will drift off to -find work elsewhere. Once a mine shuts down, vegetation -takes over. That’s how so many once-rich -veins have been lost.”</p> -<p>“Mr. Corning didn’t tell you we were coming?”</p> -<p>“Not a word.”</p> -<p>“Our cables I think, came through here. Or perhaps -they were sent by way of Santa Marta.”</p> -<p>“That’s the big banana shipping port. Corning has -friends there. Your message to him still may be there -uncollected.”</p> -<p>“But he knew we were coming,” Mr. Livingston -said in a worried voice. “He promised to meet us -here at Cartagena.”</p> -<p>“Sure it wasn’t Santa Marta or Bogota?”</p> -<p>“Of course not. We wouldn’t make a mistake as -stupid as that. How can we get word to him?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_51">51</div> -<p>“No way,” the agent replied indifferently. “When -Corning gets around to it, if he ain’t too busy, he -may drop down to Santa Marta. Or maybe to Bogota. -Lately, he’s been sending his emeralds to the -office there—when he has any to send, which ain’t -often.”</p> -<p>“Can’t we get word to the mine?”</p> -<p>“There’s no railroad. Only a mule track. My advice -is to see Cartagena and if he doesn’t show up in a -few days, take a boat back to the States.”</p> -<p>The agent’s advice was most discouraging to the -Scouts. After talking with Baronni for a while longer, -they gloomily returned to their hotel to think over -the situation.</p> -<p>“I can’t believe Appleby would let us down,” Mr. -Livingston told the Explorers. “He’ll get word to us -soon. Meanwhile, we may as well do a little sightseeing.”</p> -<p>“We haven’t any too much cash,” Ben reminded -the group. “In making our plans, we figured on Mr. -Corning putting us up at the mine. If we run a fancy -hotel bill here for a week or so, it will make quite a -dent in our funds.”</p> -<p>“Appleby will show up within a couple of days,” -Mr. Livingston insisted. “Let’s not worry about it.”</p> -<p>With time heavy upon their hands, the four Explorers -thoroughly explored the delightful port of -Cartagena. They visited the old reservoir, the ancient -walls, the harbor and the fine residential section.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_52">52</div> -<p>But after three days of leisurely sightseeing, the -Scouts wearied of the quiet old city. Each morning -they called upon Ferd Baronni to ask if any word -had been received from Appleby Corning. Each day, -the answer was in the negative.</p> -<p>“Better forget about the Last Chance mine,” the -agent advised them gruffly. “You can catch a boat -tomorrow for the States. After that, there won’t be -another for a week.”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston shook his head. “Mr. Corning sent -for us. I’m unwilling to return without at least making -an effort to contact him.”</p> -<p>“Suit yourself,” the agent shrugged. “You got a -long wait ahead probably.”</p> -<p>“We can’t afford to lose any more time. I’ve practically -decided to go on to the Bogota office.”</p> -<p>Baronni straightened in his swivel chair. “Some -company officials live there, but the office is closed -most of the time,” he informed the Scout leader. “If -you’re dead set on pulling out of here, you’d have a -better chance of learning about your friend at Santa -Marta.”</p> -<p>“Very well. How do we get there? Can you help -us, or shall we make arrangements ourselves?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_53">53</div> -<p>Ferd Baronni gazed steadily at Mr. Livingston a -moment. “I’ll make the arrangements, if you’re determined -to go,” he said. “I got a friend who runs a -sled boat between here and Calamar. When you get -there you can take a boat.”</p> -<p>“Fine!”</p> -<p>“Be at the dock tomorrow at seven,” the agent -advised, writing an address on a slip of paper.</p> -<p>The Scouts thanked him for his trouble, and went -back to the hotel to pack. Their spirits soared at the -prospect of leaving Cartagena. At dinner however, -Jack noticed that Mr. Livingston was unusually -quiet.</p> -<p>“Worried?” he inquired.</p> -<p>“Not exactly.”</p> -<p>“You’re afraid we may not find Mr. Corning at -Santa Marta?” Jack guessed.</p> -<p>“The thought does bother me. It’s a little out of -our way in going to the mine. Another thing—”</p> -<p>“What’s that?” Jack asked as the Scout leader -hesitated.</p> -<p>“I’m borrowing trouble, I guess. But I can’t help -wishing I hadn’t allowed Ferd Baronni to make our -travel arrangements. He seemed too eager to do it.”</p> -<p>“You don’t trust him?”</p> -<p>“Not entirely,” Mr. Livingston admitted. “He dislikes -Appleby Corning. Furthermore, he’s resented -our mission here.”</p> -<p>“I noticed that. We could cancel the arrangements.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_54">54</div> -<p>The Scout leader considered for a moment, then -shook his head. “No, we’ll let them stand,” he decided. -“I’m ashamed of my suspicions. The sled-boat -trip should prove to be an interesting diversion. I’m -looking forward to it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_55">55</div> -<h2 id="c7"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 7</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">TOIL AND TROUBLE</span></h2> -<p>Mr. Livingston and the Explorers presented themselves -at the dock promptly at seven o’clock the following -morning.</p> -<p>They were to proceed by way of a natural channel -connecting the Magdalena River with the sea. The -propeller boat in which they were to ride already -was waiting.</p> -<p>“Queer looking contraption,” Ken remarked upon -inspecting it.</p> -<p>The sea-sled was approximately thirty feet in -length, motor-powered, and with curious runners. A -canopy was provided as protection from the sun, and -there were comfortable wicker chairs.</p> -<p>“Are we ready to start?” Mr. Livingston inquired -cheerfully after the luggage had been placed aboard.</p> -<p>“Not yet,” the operator answered.</p> -<p>He was a young Colombian, dark-haired and with -an extremely nervous manner.</p> -<p>The Scouts took their places in the sled-boat and -waited. Fifteen minutes passed, and finally a half -hour.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_56">56</div> -<p>“Why the delay?” Jack finally asked, walking over -to the boat operator.</p> -<p>“Waiting for another passenger,” the man answered -curtly. “Don’t bother me.”</p> -<p>“What sort of service is this, anyhow?” Willie -grumbled. “This late passenger must be a mighty -important guy!”</p> -<p>Another twenty minutes elapsed while the Scouts -grew increasingly impatient.</p> -<p>Finally, the one for whom they waited, arrived at -the dock. A handsome woman of forty, dressed in a -white linen suit, came hurriedly to the sled-boat. -Porters carried her luggage, and a number of boxes.</p> -<p>“Gosh, she must be the wife of an official or something!” -Warwick whispered to Jack. “She had her -nerve holding us up nearly an hour!”</p> -<p>“Quiet!” the other warned him. “You want her to -hear?”</p> -<p>The woman spoke briefly with the operator of the -sled-boat, whose name the Scouts now knew to be -Haredia. They conversed so rapidly in Spanish that -Jack could not understand, despite some knowledge -of the language. However, he saw the pair glance -twice in the direction of the boat, and had an uneasy -feeling that the Scout party was under discussion.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_57">57</div> -<p>Presently, the woman came aboard, accepting the -chair which Mr. Livingston offered her. She scrutinized -each of the Scouts and sat down without -mentioning her name.</p> -<p>“I’m George Livingston,” the Scout leader introduced -himself, intending to be friendly.</p> -<p>A roar of the powerful boat motor drowned out -his words. The woman merely inclined her head -slightly in acknowledgement of the introduction and -made no answer.</p> -<p>The Scouts settled back into their chairs expectantly. -A great fountain of spray was thrown up as -the boat glided smoothly over the water on her long -runners.</p> -<p>“This is great!” War cried, thoroughly enjoying -himself. “Just like a toboggan!”</p> -<p>From the bay, the boat shot out into the open -Caribbean sea and presently slowed down to enter -a passageway leading to a marshy lake.</p> -<p>The sled continued to skim along between banks -dense with tropical growth. Jack stole a glance at -the woman passenger. She showed no interest in the -scenery, and in fact, appeared bored. From her indifference, -he concluded that she had made the trip -on prior occasions and that the experience no longer -interested her.</p> -<p>Without slackening speed, the sled raced on past -villages of thatched huts. Only when they reached -a great marsh, did the operator throttle the motor.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_58">58</div> -<p>Anxiously, he studied the many bays and inlets -which were heavily clogged with water-hyacinths.</p> -<p>“What’s wrong now?” Ken murmured, as Haredia -tried first one and then another of the openings.</p> -<p>“He’s searching for a passageway through,” Mr. -Livingston explained. “I hope we don’t clog the -propeller.”</p> -<p>As the sled proceeded, the way became more difficult. -Hyacinths were floating everywhere in dense -masses.</p> -<p>“I’ll bet we’ve taken the wrong channel,” Willie -muttered. “Haredia should turn back before we’re -hemmed in.”</p> -<p>“He never will,” Ken replied. “Not that bird!”</p> -<p>For no reason that the Scouts could explain, they -had taken a dislike to the operator of the sled boat. -Haredia had not been hostile, but he had coldly -ignored them. Though he had handled the boat -skillfully enough in open water, it seemed to them -that now that the going had become harder, he was -abandoning all caution.</p> -<p>“We’re getting into those hyacinths deeper and -deeper,” Jack remarked uneasily. “Why don’t we -turn back?”</p> -<p>Glancing over his shoulder, he was rather dismayed -to see an almost solid meadow of water -plants behind the boat.</p> -<p>“It would be easy to get lost in this mess,” he remarked. -“But I suppose Haredia knows what he’s -doing.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_59">59</div> -<p>The sled kept stubbornly on, its laboring engines -cutting a passage.</p> -<p>Then suddenly the motor set up a frightful clatter -and the boat began to move in jerks.</p> -<p>“We’ve done it now!” Jack exclaimed. “The motor’s -shot!”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston left his chair and went over to see -what he could do to help. Haredia, nervous and perspiring, -brushed aside his offer.</p> -<p>“Don’t bother me now!” he rasped. “We’ll get out -of this!”</p> -<p>“We will, if you use your head,” the Scout leader -replied. “But you can’t keep on without ruining the -motor. It sounds to me as if the clutch has slipped.”</p> -<p>“What do you expect me to do?” Haredia demanded -savagely. “Fix it here?”</p> -<p>“Isn’t there a place where we can put in for repairs?”</p> -<p>“We’ll do better to go on, if we can find the channel.”</p> -<p>“We’re lost then?”</p> -<p>“Not lost,” Haredia insisted irritably. “With the -motor running right, I could find the channel in -time.”</p> -<p>“Can’t we pole out of this?”</p> -<p>“It will be hard work,” the operator tried to discourage -him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_60">60</div> -<p>Nevertheless, he brought out the long poles and -the Scouts took turns shoving the heavy boat backwards -through the thick, choking mass. A hot sun -beat upon them, causing perspiration to run down -their foreheads and legs.</p> -<p>As they toiled, the woman passenger showed -little interest. Remaining under the shade of the -canopy, she fanned herself and calmly read a magazine.</p> -<p>The Scouts began to feel annoyed as the sun rose -higher and the poling became harder. They expected -no help from their fellow passenger, but her -utter indifference to their toil rather nettled them.</p> -<p>As for Haredia, he divided his time between -steering the craft and smoking cigarettes. Not once -did he grasp a pole to exert any physical effort.</p> -<p>Getting out of the worst of the hyacinth net, the -Scouts tried several inlets which offered promise. -None led to open water.</p> -<p>Haredia was able to move the boat slowly now -by means of the crippled motor. But stretches of -clear going were few and far between. For the -greater part of the time, the Scouts were forced to -pole. Their hands became blistered and their backs -sore.</p> -<p>By dint of exhausting work, they finally brought -the boat to an area of sparse hyacinth growth. Three -passages opened before them. Haredia steered toward -one of them.</p> -<p>“Let’s take the other opening,” Jack proposed. “It -looks less clogged with plants.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_61">61</div> -<p>Haredia acted as if he had not heard. Jack repeated -the suggestion. Still there was no response. -The other Scouts had stopped poling, allowing the -boat to drift.</p> -<p>Haredia started to turn on the disabled motor.</p> -<p>“Wait!” Jack said tersely. “Let’s talk this over. You -admit you’re lost.”</p> -<p>“We will find the passage in time.”</p> -<p>“But one looks the same as another.” Jack went -on. “It’s just a process of elimination—trying them -one at a time?”</p> -<p>“That is right, Senor.”</p> -<p>“Then let’s try the other passage first.”</p> -<p>Haredia glowered at Jack. “This one is better,” -he insisted.</p> -<p>The woman passenger had laid aside her magazine. -She spoke firmly. “Haredia is right. We must -follow his advice.”</p> -<p>Jack knew he was beaten. Actually, in appearance, -there was little choice between the passageways. -He was ready to give in to Haredia’s wishes -when Ken nudged him and pointed.</p> -<p>A native in a dugout canoe had just emerged from -another inlet.</p> -<p>“He should be able to guide us to a village if we -can make him understand!” Ken asserted. “Let’s -give him a yodel!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_62">62</div> -<p>To the obvious displeasure of both the woman -and Haredia, Jack shouted to the native. He came -readily, gazing in awe at the crippled boat.</p> -<p>Haredia spoke rapidly to him. Jack caught a few -of the words and the native’s answer.</p> -<p>“He says we’re to take this passage,” Haredia -translated, pointing to the one he had favored.</p> -<p>Jack’s eyes smoldered. “Sorry,” he said coldly, -“but I happen to understand a little Spanish. You -didn’t ask him how to reach the nearest village. You -said something about the weather.”</p> -<p>“I’ve had enough of this!” Haredia said furiously. -“Maybe the Senor would like to take charge?”</p> -<p>Jack glanced questioningly at Mr. Livingston.</p> -<p>“Thanks, we will,” the Scout leader replied. Quietly, -he instructed Jack: “Try to make the native understand -that we want him to guide us to the nearest -village or plantation. Tell him we’ll pay well for the -service.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_63">63</div> -<h2 id="c8"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 8</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">DELAY</span></h2> -<p>When Haredia understood that Mr. Livingston -and the Scouts were determined to question the native, -his attitude abruptly changed. He spoke again -to the man in the dugout, who nodded and gestured -in the direction Jack had suggested that they take.</p> -<p>“This Indian will guide us,” Haredia informed the -passengers. “He says we are to follow him. With -your permission, senor, I will do so.”</p> -<p>In an insolent manner, the boat operator bowed -to Mr. Livingston.</p> -<p>“It seems we were right about the passageway,” -the Scout leader replied. “How far is the nearest -village?”</p> -<p>“There is a plantation on about a quarter of a -mile,” Haredia returned.</p> -<p>“Then we will go there.”</p> -<p>Aided by the racking motor, the sled boat moved -by spurts through the hyacinths. The Indian, naked -to his waist, paddled ahead, indicating every turn -in the maze.</p> -<p>Gradually, the mat of entangling hyacinths -thinned out and they saw the main channel ahead.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_64">64</div> -<p>“This looks more like it,” Jack sighed, putting -away the poles.</p> -<p>The disabled motor presently brought them to the -wharf of a large plantation. While Haredia and Mr. -Livingston attended to getting repairs, the Scouts -sat in the shade and sipped cool drinks.</p> -<p>“I can’t figure Haredia,” Willie remarked, swatting -an insect. “Was he trying to pull a fast one on -us, or not?”</p> -<p>“It’s easy enough to lose one’s way in a field of -hyacinths,” War returned. “We can’t blame him for -that, although one would think he’d know the -route.”</p> -<p>“He was stubborn about wanting to take that -other inlet,” Willie went on reflectively. “If we’d -followed his advice, we’d be poling yet!”</p> -<p>“I wouldn’t have thought too much about it, except -that he clearly didn’t want that native to guide -us here,” contributed Ken. “I’m glad Happy insisted -upon staying at the dock while repairs are -being made.”</p> -<p>“Hap won’t let him pull anything,” Jack declared -confidently. Draining his glass of limeade he arose -and stretched his legs. “Guess I’ll amble down to -the wharf to see how the work’s going. Maybe I -can help.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_65">65</div> -<p>Bored by inactivity, Ken decided to accompany -him. Leaving Willie and War to finish their drinks, -the two sauntered down to the wharf where the sea -sled had been raised out of water.</p> -<p>“Wonder what became of our female passenger?” -Jack remarked.</p> -<p>“Oh, she went to the plantation house,” Ken answered -indifferently. “I hope she stays there too. -She’s a cool number.”</p> -<p>“Learn her name?”</p> -<p>“Not yet, but I aim to,” Ken announced. “Maybe -this is my chance now.”</p> -<p>Haredia was coming up the path, eating a sandwich -of sardines. He would have avoided the pair -had not Ken stopped him.</p> -<p>“How’s the work coming along?”</p> -<p>“All right,” the boatman told him briefly. “The -clutch is fixed.”</p> -<p>“Then we’ll be starting soon?”</p> -<p>“The rudder is bent.”</p> -<p>“Oh, that’s bad,” Ken commented. “How long -will we be held here?”</p> -<p>Haredia shrugged. “Who knows?” he asked. -“Maybe an hour. Maybe three.”</p> -<p>“It’s a bit hard on the lady,” Ken commented, -seeing an opening. “By the way, what’s her name?”</p> -<p>“I would not know,” Haredia returned stiffly.</p> -<p>“You and she seemed well acquainted.”</p> -<p>“The Senora has traveled on my sled boat once -before.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_66">66</div> -<p>“But you don’t know her name?”</p> -<p>“I do not ask as many questions as the American -Scouts,” the boatman retorted with an unpleasant -smile. “You will pardon me now? I have an errand.”</p> -<p>He passed them and went on up the path to the -thatched roof plantation house.</p> -<p>“That was telling us, I guess,” Jack laughed shortly. -“We were being rather inquisitive.”</p> -<p>“It’s unfriendly not to give one’s name. Anyway, -you can bet little Haredia knows who she is, but he’s -keeping it dark.”</p> -<p>“Why would he do that, Ken?”</p> -<p>“I dunno, Jack. Maybe she’s the wife of a big -shot.”</p> -<p>“Even so, would that be any reason for keeping -her name a secret? She knows Haredia well. What’s -more, she supported him when he deliberately chose -the wrong route.”</p> -<p>“That may have been a natural mistake. He’s supposed -to know his business, while we’re unfamiliar -with the waterways.”</p> -<p>“Sure,” Jack acknowledged, “but I didn’t like the -way they kept looking at each other, as if they were -pulling some trick. Haredia can’t be trusted.”</p> -<p>“If he ever gets us to the Magdalena, we’ll be free -of him.”</p> -<p>“I hope so.” Jack frowned thoughtfully. “For the -life of me, I can’t see why he’d try to delay us. But -that’s what he seems to have done.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_67">67</div> -<p>“We may have misjudged him.”</p> -<p>“Don’t forget Ken, Ferd Baronni made the arrangements -for our trip.”</p> -<p>“You’re saying Baronni may have messed up our -journey on purpose?”</p> -<p>“It hits me that way, Ken. I’ll admit though, I -can’t figure out any logical reason he’d have for not -wanting us to go on to find Appleby Corning.”</p> -<p>The conversation was interrupted by the arrival -of Mr. Livingston. He reported that repairs on the -sled boat should be completed in another hour or -two. The delay, however, would put them a day -behind in their schedule.</p> -<p>The Scout leader was inclined to brush aside -Jack’s theory that Haredia and Ferd Baronni might -have conspired together.</p> -<p>“I doubt it,” he replied. “Haredia is an irresponsible -fellow with an ugly disposition. He took a dislike -to our party and is being most uncooperative. I -question though, that he and the company agent -have any close connection.”</p> -<p>“Haredia tried to delay us by choosing the wrong -passageway,” Jack pointed out.</p> -<p>“His attitude, I think, resulted from inefficiency. -He was unwilling to admit a mistake.”</p> -<p>No more was said, for just then the boatman sauntered -back from the plantation house. Mr. Livingston -joined him and they returned together to the -wharf.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_68">68</div> -<p>Jack and Ken watched the repair work for awhile, -but there was nothing they could do to help. The -intense heat presently drove them to shade.</p> -<p>As they flicked mosquitoes, Mr. Ferendez, the -genial plantation owner, came up with Warwick and -Willie. The three struck up a friendly conversation.</p> -<p>“Mr. Ferendez has been telling us about Santa -Marta,” Willie asserted, munching a banana. “He -says it’s situated on a good harbor, and has weekly -steamers to New York and New Orleans.”</p> -<p>“It’s a big banana center, isn’t it?” Ken remarked -to make conversation.</p> -<p>“Exports have increased enormously,” Mr. Ferendez -told him. “You should have an interesting visit -there.”</p> -<p>“Oh, we’re not on a pleasure trip,” War disclosed. -“The fact is, we’re on our way to the Last Chance -mine, and are going by way of Santa Marta.”</p> -<p>“The Last Chance mine! You’re heading into the -mountains?”</p> -<p>Jack and Ken were flashing War warning signals, -considering it unwise to reveal their plans, even to a -friendly stranger. The younger Scout, however, -failed to take the hint.</p> -<p>“To Emerald Valley,” he went on. “Appleby Corning, -the engineer at the mine, sent for us. He was -supposed to meet us at Cartagena, but didn’t. So -we’re going on to the mine.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_69">69</div> -<p>“But why go by way of Santa Marta?” the plantation -owner asked with a puzzled frown. “Bogota is -considered the gateway.”</p> -<p>“We thought we might run into Mr. Corning at -Santa Marta. He’s supposed to have friends there.”</p> -<p>The plantation owner made no comment. His very -silence, however, troubled the Scouts.</p> -<p>“Do you know Mr. Corning?” Jack finally inquired.</p> -<p>“I’ve heard of him, but he seldom travels this way. -I understand he’s been kept very busy at the mine.”</p> -<p>“Trouble there?” questioned Willie.</p> -<p>The planter smiled. “So long as I can remember, -there’s been trouble at the Last Chance. Wherever -you find emeralds, you’ll find intrigue and grief. If -you’re going there, I advise you to be careful.”</p> -<p>“Careful?” echoed Jack.</p> -<p>“The mule trail to the mine is dangerous. That -section of country, you know, is overrun with bandits. -Carlos in particular, has a reputation for holding -up mule trains.”</p> -<p>“We’re hoping Mr. Corning will meet us at Santa -Marta,” War said. “Or at least send word.”</p> -<p>“By the way, what became of the former engineer -at the Last Chance?” Ken inquired thoughtfully. -“Did he return to the States?”</p> -<p>The planter revealed his astonishment. “The engineer’s -wife could answer that question better than -I,” he replied.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_70">70</div> -<p>“His wife?” Ken repeated. “Where would we -meet her?”</p> -<p>“You already have,” the planter answered in -amusement.</p> -<p>“You don’t mean that woman passenger on the -sea sled!” Jack exclaimed incredulously. “The one -who didn’t tell us her name!”</p> -<p>“She is Mrs. McClellan Rhodes, wife of the engineer. -Her first name is Rosie.”</p> -<p>“Ye fishes!” Willie yipped in sudden apprehension. -“You don’t suppose she’s going to the mine -too!”</p> -<p>“I wouldn’t know,” replied the planter. “Rosie -didn’t say. But if she is heading for Emerald Valley -and the mountains, her husband must now be at the -mine. And in that event, your friend, Mr. Corning, -had better be alert!”</p> -<p>Disturbed by the planter’s remarks, Jack and his -friends tried to learn more. Mr. Ferendez could tell -them very little.</p> -<p>He related that he had met McClellan Rhodes -and his wife only once before, at Bogota. At that -time they were mingling in society, living high.</p> -<p>“Rhodes didn’t attend to his duties at the mine, I -was told,” Mr. Ferendez reported. “According to -rumor, he was replaced because of inefficiency. Under -Appleby Corning, the mine has improved. But -apparently, there’s dissatisfaction among the emerald -miners.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_71">71</div> -<p>“You think Rhodes may have something to do -with it?” inquired Willie.</p> -<p>“Oh, he’d like to get his old job back,” the planter -returned. “No question about that. He and his wife -made a good thing of it.”</p> -<p>“Where is Rhodes now?” asked Ken.</p> -<p>“You’ll have to ask his wife,” the planter responded, -inclining his head toward the path. “She’s -coming now.”</p> -<p>The Scouts had no intention of questioning Mrs. -Rhodes. It annoyed them though, that they had not -learned her identity earlier.</p> -<p>“What stupes we’ve been,” Willie remarked after -the woman had passed them on her way to the -wharf. “We talked about the mine and our plans in -front of her! She just kept her lips buttoned and -listened!”</p> -<p>“She didn’t learn much from us,” Jack replied.</p> -<p>“She knows who we are, and where we’re going.”</p> -<p>“There’s no mystery about that, Willie. Now that -we’ve learned she’s Mrs. Rhodes, we can be careful.”</p> -<p>Just then, Mr. Livingston called the Scouts, beckoning -them to the water’s edge.</p> -<p>“We’re ready to shove off,” he announced. “With -luck, we may reach Calamar tonight.”</p> -<p>Once more the Scouts took their places in the -boat. The halt seemingly had improved Haredia’s -disposition for he appeared almost cheerful as the -craft again sped through the waterway.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_72">72</div> -<p>Mrs. Rhodes paid no attention to the Scouts. Even -when War, in an attempt to be friendly, pointed out -an unusual bird, she merely nodded.</p> -<p>Night came on. Banana groves and mango trees -lost detail, merging into an indistinct shoreline. No -longer could the Explorers see the thatched-roof -huts as their craft raced along.</p> -<p>Everyone was relieved when at last the boat -reached the wide Magdalena river, and ultimately -Calamar.</p> -<p>“We’ll stay here tonight,” Mr. Livingston announced. -“Tomorrow we’ll proceed by boat.”</p> -<p>As their craft made dock, the Scouts stiffly arose -and gathered their luggage. Willie tried to help Mrs. -Rhodes, but she ignored his hand as she stepped -ashore.</p> -<p>“Goodbye ma’am,” he mumbled politely.</p> -<p>“Goodbye?” she repeated, with the faintest trace -of a smile. “Oh, I rather think we shall meet again.”</p> -<p>“At Santa Marta?”</p> -<p>“There or elsewhere.” With a hard, mirthless -laugh, Mrs. Rhodes turned and walked away.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_73">73</div> -<h2 id="c9"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 9</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">OFF COURSE</span></h2> -<p>For the next few days, the Scouts saw no more of -Mrs. Rhodes. Upon their arrival at the banana port -of Santa Marta, they were disturbed to learn that -Mr. Corning had failed to send any message for -them.</p> -<p>“There’s been a mix-up somehow,” Mr. Livingston -said, deeply worried. “Appleby couldn’t have received -word from me, or he’d have met us.”</p> -<p>“What’ll we do now?” Jack asked. “Go on to the -mine?”</p> -<p>“If we don’t hear from Appleby within a day or -two, it’s all we can do, Jack. Our money won’t -stretch too far.”</p> -<p>That night the Scouts ran into Mrs. Rhodes in the -hotel dining room. They saw her again the next day -at breakfast, and later at a large banana plantation -which they visited.</p> -<p>“Say, is she trailing us, do you think?” Jack speculated, -noting the woman’s presence among a throng -of tourists at one of the banana sheds.</p> -<p>“What gave you that idea?” Ken scoffed.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_74">74</div> -<p>“Well, she showed up at our hotel, didn’t she? -And she’s more or less been around ever since.”</p> -<p>“Santa Marta’s small, Jack.”</p> -<p>“Sure, I know. I wouldn’t think anything of it if -I didn’t know she’s the wife of that deposed engineer. -But War told me she was quizzing him this -morning after breakfast.”</p> -<p>“What sort of questions did she ask, Jack?”</p> -<p>“Well, it seems she was trying to find out if we -were dead set on going on to the mine.”</p> -<p>“What’s so suspicious about that?” Ken asked, -turning his head away as the woman under discussion -glanced in his direction. “It might be natural -curiosity.”</p> -<p>“Maybe,” Jack conceded, “only Mrs. Rhodes -doesn’t hit me as the curious type. When she asks a -question, she’s after information.”</p> -<p>“What did War tell her?”</p> -<p>“Nothing. He figured she was pumping him, so -he gave her double talk.”</p> -<p>The two Explorers forgot Mrs. Rhodes as a guide -appeared to conduct them through the banana -groves. Somewhat to their relief, the woman did not -join the sightseeing party.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_75">75</div> -<p>Grassy lanes intersected the plantations, stretching -as far as the Scouts could see. The giant plants -were spaced fifteen feet apart, and rose to a height -of nearly forty. Except for the droning, monotonous -voice of the guide, a great stillness prevailed.</p> -<p>“Gosh, what a forest of ’em!” War murmured in -awe. “A fellow could get lost here!”</p> -<p>“Don’t go wandering around,” Jack warned him. -“Stick close to the guide.”</p> -<p>The Scouts kept together on the main cart road -and in the lanes which seemed to stretch endlessly. -With keen interest, they watched the cutting of -green bananas.</p> -<p>Workers went in twos, a cutter and a backer, -equipped with a long pointed stick and a sharp -machete.</p> -<p>The cutter would stick the banana plant below -the bunch, so that it toppled slowly down within -reach of the backer, who promptly shouldered it.</p> -<p>With swift strokes of the sharp machete, the -cutter then severed the bunch from the plant. Off -trotted the backer with his heavy burden, to deposit -it along the card road. Bunches were protected from -the sun with green banana leaves.</p> -<p>Wearying of the guide’s lengthy description of -how bananas were harvested, Jack and War returned -to the cart road to await the sightseeing -party there.</p> -<p>Seating themselves on a mat of cut banana leaves, -they watched as a worker with a cart gathered the -deposited bunches and rattled off out of sight.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_76">76</div> -<p>War became absorbed in watching tiny lizards -which darted everywhere. “Say, isn’t it about time -our gang got back here?” he demanded impatiently.</p> -<p>He arose and Jack trailed after him. But when -they peered down the long row of banana plants -where their party had been, no one was to be seen.</p> -<p>“Where’d everyone go?” Jack asked in alarm.</p> -<p>“They must have gone into another row. A good -joke on us! We’d better find ’em.”</p> -<p>Walking quickly along the cart road, the two -Scouts looked down one long green lane after another. -Their friends were nowhere to be seen.</p> -<p>“How’d they get away so fast?” Jack murmured, -annoyed at himself for having missed the group.</p> -<p>“We sat by the roadside a lot longer than we -realized, I guess.”</p> -<p>“Well, we’re not really lost,” Jack asserted. “We -can follow this cart road back to the shed.”</p> -<p>“Sure,” War agreed, “but we may not hit the right -shed without a lot of hunting. Hey, listen! I think I -hear someone talking!”</p> -<p>Pausing, the two became attentive to the sounds -about them. A humming bird whirred by and there -came the throaty croak of a frog from a nearby irrigation -ditch.</p> -<p>“I don’t hear anyone—” Jack began, only to check -himself. “Yes, I do,” he corrected.</p> -<p>The inaudible words reached his ears only as an -indistinct, blurred flow of speech.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_77">77</div> -<p>“That must be our guide!” he exclaimed. “Catch -the direction, War?”</p> -<p>“This way,” his companion directed, starting -down one of the grassy lanes.</p> -<p>“Hold on,” Jack called, but War, impulsive as -always, paid no heed.</p> -<p>Reluctantly, the older Scout hastened to catch up -with his friend.</p> -<p>War, finding he had made a mistake in entering -a deserted row, cut through to an adjoining lane.</p> -<p>“Hey, wait!” Jack called, thoroughly annoyed.</p> -<p>Even then, War did not pay attention to the command, -if indeed he heard it. Now far ahead of his -friend, he kept moving from row to row, trying to -follow the elusive murmur of voices.</p> -<p>Finally, perspiring heavily, he halted to catch his -breath and listen again. Jack then caught up with -him.</p> -<p>“Listen, you!” he exclaimed. “What’s the big idea? -Where do you think you’re going?”</p> -<p>“To find our gang. I thought they’d be in this -row.”</p> -<p>“You’ve chased through a half dozen of ’em. I -can’t even hear voices now.”</p> -<p>War listened a moment. “Neither can I,” he acknowledged -uneasily. “I guess we’ve missed our -party.”</p> -<p>“We’ll have to get back to the cart road and make -for the shed.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_78">78</div> -<p>“I guess so,” War agreed, crestfallen.</p> -<p>They started back through the lane, trying to retrace -the way they had come. Rows of arching -banana plants marched endlessly.</p> -<p>“I’m all mixed,” War presently confessed. -“Shouldn’t we be coming to the cart road?”</p> -<p>“It seems to me we’ve walked far enough.”</p> -<p>“Maybe this row we’re following doesn’t intersect -the road where we came in,” War said, struck by a -sudden, unpleasant recollection. “Before we started -out this morning, I was looking at a map that hung -in the main shed.”</p> -<p>“Yeah?”</p> -<p>“Some of the rows bisect at right angles. But at -one point, the road curves around. The rows at that -place, just go straight on.”</p> -<p>“How far, War?”</p> -<p>“Why, it looked as if some of them extended the -length of the plantation—miles.”</p> -<p>“Gosh! You think we’ve hit one of those rows, -War?”</p> -<p>“I’m afraid of it. We’ve walked a long distance -now.”</p> -<p>Jack paused, his eyebrows pulling together in a -worried frown.</p> -<p>“Are we lost?” War asked, nervously wiping perspiration -from his forehead.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_79">79</div> -<p>Jack grinned reassuringly. “Not lost,” he corrected. -“I don’t like that word.”</p> -<p>“Temporarily off course?”</p> -<p>“That’s better, War. Now let’s sit down a minute -and think this thing through. There must be an easy -way out of this fruit garden, and we’ll find it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_80">80</div> -<h2 id="c10"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 10</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">A BANANA PLANTATION</span></h2> -<p>Jack and War were more annoyed at themselves -than alarmed by their situation.</p> -<p>Common sense told them that although the plantation -was an extensive one, they eventually would -reach a loading shed where directions could be obtained. -The worst they would suffer would be inconvenience -and delay.</p> -<p>However, they realized that by this time their -friends would have missed them. Their failure to be -on hand would prevent the others from returning -to the hotel for lunch.</p> -<p>“I’m starving too,” War announced with chagrin. -“Let’s get out of this steam bath!”</p> -<p>“Now just sit still and think for a change!” Jack -scolded him. “I’m not blaming you, because I was -equally at fault. But if we’d used our heads, instead -of chasing off in pursuit of a voice, we wouldn’t be -here now.”</p> -<p>“What’ll we do? Sit and wait for someone to find -us?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_81">81</div> -<p>“We could, but it would waste a lot of time. The -bananas in this particular row are only half developed. -So I imagine a cutter won’t be coming this -way for days or weeks.”</p> -<p>“Meanwhile, we survive on raw lizards and green -bananas—”</p> -<p>“Try to be serious, War. We’re bound to cause -Hap and the gang a lot of trouble if we don’t find -the group fast.”</p> -<p>“What can we do except start walking?”</p> -<p>“The point is, we’ve got to figure out a sensible -route—just moving from row to row at random -won’t get us to the cart road unless we’re lucky.”</p> -<p>“Can’t we retrace our way? We can follow our -own prints, I reckon. But it will take an age.”</p> -<p>“In the end it probably will save time,” Jack declared, -getting up from the mat of banana leaves. -“If we miss our own trail, we still have the sun to -guide us. It was at our back when we started this -way.”</p> -<p>Determinedly, the Scouts returned the route they -had come. Memory of small, almost unnoticed -things, now aided them. Jack recalled a pile of dried -banana plant leaves they had passed just after -changing rows. War remembered seeing the rusty, -broken blade of a discarded machete.</p> -<p>Nevertheless, a full half hour elapsed before the -two Explorers finally emerged at the narrow cart -road. No one was in sight.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_82">82</div> -<p>“We’re still lost—off course, I mean,” War said -in discouragement. “What do we do now that we’re -back where we started?”</p> -<p>“Try to find a loading shed,” Jack decided. “No -use chasing through the banana rows searching for -our party. By this time, Hap and the fellows probably -have gone back to the entrance gate.”</p> -<p>Uncertain which direction to go, the Scouts stood -a moment in the blazing sun. Just then an empty -oxen cart rattled down the road.</p> -<p>“Here comes our private limousine!” War chuckled. -“Let’s hitch a ride.”</p> -<p>As the cart jogged by, the Scouts hailed the -driver. He understood no English, but Jack in halting -Spanish succeeded in conveying the idea that -they wanted to ride to the loading shed. The workman -motioned for them to climb in.</p> -<p>The floor of the cart was padded with the thick -fiber of old banana stalks. Jack and War sat in the -back, swinging their legs over the edge. The vehicle -bounced along, stopping at intervals to pick up -bananas.</p> -<p>“You reckon he understood your Spanish, Jack?” -War asked as the trip dragged on. “Maybe we’ll -spend the afternoon bouncing along over this road.”</p> -<p>“Maybe,” the other agreed philosophically. “Isn’t -it better than walking?”</p> -<p>“Sure. Only I’d like to get out of here fast.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_83">83</div> -<p>“Take it easy, War,” Jack grinned. “We’ll roll in -after our driver picks up a few more bananas. Patience, -my lad!”</p> -<p>As they jounced along, the Scouts kept an alert -watch for their missing friends. But in the long plant -rows, they saw only occasional workmen.</p> -<p>Presently, the little cart, now two-quarters filled -with banana bunches, bounced over a log bridge -which spanned a ditch. Seeing the big loading shed -and a railroad siding beyond, the Scouts leaped off -their perch.</p> -<p>“Thanks for the ride,” Jack called to the cart -driver. “<i>Gracias, Senor.</i>”</p> -<p>The workman responded with a friendly wave of -his hand.</p> -<p>Wilted by the noonday heat, Jack and War -walked toward the shed adjoining the railroad -tracks. Through the open door they could see rows -of green banana bunches stacked ready for shipment -to the boat dock.</p> -<p>“I’m thirsty,” War announced, wetting his lips. -“Let’s see if we can find some drinking water. I -could go for a nice iced cocoanut!”</p> -<p>“You won’t find it here,” Jack rejoined. “Or an ice -cream soda either.”</p> -<p>At the doorway of the banana shed, he abruptly -halted, his attention fixing upon two persons who -were inside.</p> -<p>“See who’s here!” he whispered to War.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_84">84</div> -<p>Mrs. McClellan Rhodes stood inside, her back to -the door. She was talking earnestly to a man whom -the Scouts instantly recognized as Ferd Baronni.</p> -<p>“How did he get here?” War muttered.</p> -<p>Jack shook his head, as he tried to catch a few -words of the conversation. Baronni was speaking -hurriedly and with emphasis.</p> -<p>“After you left, I got nervous,” he told the woman. -“This man Livingston and his boys may make trouble -if they go on to the mine. It was a mistake to let -them come this far.”</p> -<p>“I’m beginning to think so myself,” Mrs. Rhodes -replied. “No good can result from their going on. -They must be discouraged.”</p> -<p>“I’ll leave it to you,” the mining company agent -went on. “I’m pulling out—going back to Cartagena -within the hour. Good luck.”</p> -<p>“I’ll handle everything,” Mrs. Rhodes promised. -“Leave it to me.”</p> -<p>They shook hands and Baronni started toward the -door. Jack and War barely had time to duck back -behind the building before he emerged and walked -rapidly away.</p> -<p>Making no comment upon the alarming conversation -they had overheard, the Scouts waited five minutes. -Then, casually they sauntered into the banana -shed.</p> -<p>Seeing them, Mrs. Rhodes looked startled. “Have -you been here long?” she inquired with a show of -friendliness.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_85">85</div> -<p>“Not long,” Jack answered.</p> -<p>“We lost our party and have been wandering -around through the rows,” War added. “Have you -seen Mr. Livingston?”</p> -<p>“No, I haven’t. Not since early this morning.”</p> -<p>“Didn’t we see someone leave the shed a few -minutes ago?” Jack inquired.</p> -<p>Mrs. Rhodes shot a quick look at him as if to read -any hidden meaning behind his words. The Scout’s -expression of innocence reassured her.</p> -<p>“Only one of the workmen,” she replied indifferently. -“I’m waiting for the banana train.”</p> -<p>The woman’s deliberate lie made Jack and War -more than ever suspicious. Wisely, however, they -did not show their true feelings.</p> -<p>War picked up a discarded banana and began to -strip the peelings.</p> -<p>“Have one?” he invited, offering another to Mrs. -Rhodes.</p> -<p>She drew back with a gesture of distaste. “I can’t -bear bananas!”</p> -<p>“I suppose one would get tired of them,” commented -Jack politely. “Still you find this plantation -interesting enough to visit?”</p> -<p>The woman shrugged. “Why not?” she returned. -“A friend of my husband’s is a foreman here.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_86">86</div> -<p>Jack was quite certain that Mrs. Rhodes again was -lying. He believed that she had come to the plantation -either to keep the Scout party under surveillance -or to meet Ferd Baronni.</p> -<p>It seemed reasonable to believe, however, that the -latter had journeyed to Santa Marta on sudden -impulse, and had sought the woman after learning -that she was absent from her hotel. Their close association -deeply worried him. Why were the pair so -determined to prevent the Scout party from reaching -the Last Chance mine?</p> -<p>As if reading his thoughts, Mrs. Rhodes questioned -abruptly: “You’re still planning on your trip -to the emerald mine?”</p> -<p>“That’s our intention, unless we hear from Appleby -Corning.”</p> -<p>“You’ll find the trip most uncomfortable,” Mrs. -Rhodes said, fanning herself with a green banana -leaf. “There is no road. Only a trail. The temperature -extremes—intense heat in the valleys, and -freezing cold in the mountains, is most trying.”</p> -<p>“We don’t mind hardships,” Jack replied, amused -by the woman’s attempt to discourage them. “We’re -used to them.”</p> -<p>“I’m sure you are,” the woman returned. “Well, -if I can’t persuade you to give up the trip, let me -advise you to leave your valuables behind.”</p> -<p>“Bandits?” Jack asked.</p> -<p>“One in particular. Carlos has been terrorizing -the mountainside, robbing the pack trains and making -travel most precarious.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_87">87</div> -<p>“You are not afraid to make the journey, Ma’am?”</p> -<p>Mrs. Rhodes returned Jack’s steady gaze. “No, I -have no fear,” she responded briefly. “I have lived -many years in Colombia.”</p> -<p>“What takes you to the mine?” War asked rather -abruptly. “Your husband isn’t there any more, is -he?”</p> -<p>The question plainly annoyed Mrs. Rhodes. She -dropped the banana leaf and moved quickly to the -shed door.</p> -<p>“The train is coming now,” she announced. “After -the bananas are loaded, we can ride to the main -gate. I should imagine that you will find the rest of -your party waiting there.”</p> -<p>Jack and War made no further attempt to question -the woman. During the loading of the car, she -moved some distance away, coldly ignoring them.</p> -<p>“I thought she’d make more effort to try to convince -us we shouldn’t go on to the mine,” War remarked -as they watched the last of the loading. “I -guess she realizes it’s useless.”</p> -<p>“Don’t be too sure of that,” Jack said grimly. “Mrs. -Rhodes is a clever woman. She’ll try again.”</p> -<p>“Why do you figure she and that company agent -are so bent on keeping us away from the mine?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_88">88</div> -<p>“I wish I knew,” Jack returned thoughtfully. -“Something is stirring there, that’s certain. Appleby -Corning said he was in trouble when he wrote Mr. -Livingston. It may be he’s mixed up in some mess -the Rhodes’ have been cooking. I’ll be relieved when -we manage to get in touch with him.”</p> -<p>A toot of the engine informed the Scouts that the -banana car was about to move out. They swung -aboard and rode to the main gate. There, as Mrs. -Rhodes had predicted, Mr. Livingston and the other -Scouts anxiously awaited them.</p> -<p>Enroute back to the hotel, Jack and War related -the conversation they had overheard in the banana -shed. Mr. Livingston was gravely concerned, and -unable to understand why Ferd Baronni had trailed -the party to Santa Marta.</p> -<p>“I distrusted that company agent at the start,” he -admitted. “Now I’m more than ever convinced that -he’s no friend of Appleby’s. If only Mr. Corning -would get in touch with us, some of this fog might -clear.”</p> -<p>The Scouts reached the hotel and headed for the -dining room for a late lunch. As they crossed the -lobby, the clerk signalled Mr. Livingston.</p> -<p>“A wire for you,” he said, thrusting an envelope -into the Scout leader’s hand.</p> -<p>Quickly, Mr. Livingston read the enclosed message. -His face became a puzzle.</p> -<p>“Anything wrong?” Ken inquired anxiously.</p> -<p>“Plenty,” Mr. Livingston replied, offering the -message for the others to read. “This is from Appleby. -He says an unusual situation has developed at -the mine. We’re instructed to return to Cartagena.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_89">89</div> -<h2 id="c11"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 11</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">HITTING THE TRAIL</span></h2> -<p>“Return to Cartagena!” Ken exclaimed after he -had reread the message delivered to Mr. Livingston. -“Of all the miserable luck, this is the worst!”</p> -<p>“I thought we were headed for the emerald -mine,” Willie added, sunk in gloom. “Why did Corning -send for us anyway, if he doesn’t want us here?”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston was unable to explain the strange -communication. The failure of the mining engineer -to meet his party had worried him more than he had -confessed to the Scouts.</p> -<p>“Hey, before we start packing, let me put in my -two cents worth,” spoke up Jack. “How did Corning -know we were at this hotel?”</p> -<p>“That’s right!” Ken exclaimed, startled by the -implication of the other’s question. “Maybe the -message is phony!”</p> -<p>“Sent by Mrs. Rhodes or Ferd Baronni,” suggested -Warwick. “Jack and I know they’re up to -something! They don’t want us to go on to the -mine.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_90">90</div> -<p>“What’s more, Mrs. Rhodes promised the company -agent she’d take care of the matter,” Jack went -on. “Before we act hastily, shouldn’t we try to check -on this message?”</p> -<p>“I’ll do it myself,” Mr. Livingston offered. “Wait -here for me.”</p> -<p>For nearly two hours the Scout leader was absent -from the hotel. When finally he rejoined the Explorers, -his face was grave.</p> -<p>“Learn anything?” War eagerly greeted him as he -entered the bedroom where the Scouts awaited him.</p> -<p>“I did. The message, supposedly from Appleby, -was delivered to the hotel by a boy, but it never -came from the telegraph communications office.”</p> -<p>“Then Mr. Corning couldn’t have sent it?” questioned -Ken.</p> -<p>“I’m fairly certain he didn’t. The message must -be a fake.”</p> -<p>“Any idea who sent it?” asked Jack.</p> -<p>“An idea, yes. But no proof. We couldn’t trace the -message.”</p> -<p>“I take it, we’ll not obey the instructions,” Jack -remarked, well pleased by the investigation.</p> -<p>“No, I’m more than ever in favor of pushing on -to the mine above Emerald Valley. We can’t get -there soon enough to please me. I have a feeling -Appleby didn’t meet us because he’s in bad trouble.”</p> -<p>“How soon can we get out of here?” asked Ken -quietly.</p> -<p>“We can catch a plane to Bogota in an hour. I’ve -already booked reservations.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_91">91</div> -<p>“Any chance Mr. Corning may show up here after -we leave?” speculated Willie, quickly starting to -gather his scattered belongings.</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston replied that the possibility seemed -a remote one. “Except for the enjoyment we’ve had -in seeing the banana plantations, I think it was a -mistake to come here,” he admitted.</p> -<p>“You believe Ferd Baronni deliberately threw us -off the track?”</p> -<p>“I’m afraid so, Willie. For some reason, he doesn’t -want us to go on to the mine—possibly for fear of -what we may learn. This trip to Santa Marta, I suspect, -was only to keep us occupied.”</p> -<p>“Then if we waited a month, you don’t think Mr. -Corning ever would show up here?”</p> -<p>“That’s my slant. I’ve been unable to locate any -of those close friends Appleby was supposed to have -here. To be on the safe side, I’ll leave a letter for -him here at the hotel. Now pack your duds, fellows. -We haven’t much time.”</p> -<p>The plane flight to Bogota proved an uneventful -but thrilling experience for the Scouts. Accustomed -as they were to air travel, they were awed nevertheless, -by breath-taking views of the vast Magdalena -valley, forests of deep green, and the great ranges -of the Andes which divided the land into isolated -plateaus and valleys.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_92">92</div> -<p>At the capital city, the party lingered half a day -before taking a bus to a little Colombian village high -in the cool hills. During their brief stay in Bogota, -Jack and Mr. Livingston twice visited the mining -company office. The official in charge, they learned, -had absented himself on a week’s holiday.</p> -<p>“We can’t wait for him,” Mr. Livingston decided. -“We’re going on to the mine.”</p> -<p>Late the next morning, the bus deposited them in -the chilly little village which served as a take-off -point for the mine. The trail which the Scouts were -to follow wound sharply upward toward a line of -rugged mountain peaks and a narrow pass. Somewhere -beyond, lay the Last Chance mine.</p> -<p>Their lagging spirits revived by rolls and hot -spiced chocolate, the Scouts set about making arrangements -for mules to take them up the zigzag -trail to their destination.</p> -<p>From their Indian guide, Jose, Mr. Livingston -learned that Appleby Corning had not been seen in -the village for many weeks. His absence had occasioned -no alarm, for the engineer usually remained -secluded at the mine for months at a time.</p> -<p>“Senora come here today,” the guide reported.</p> -<p>“Senora?” Mr. Livingston repeated in surprise. -“What Senora, Jose?”</p> -<p>“The Senora that go on to mine. Wife of engineer -there.”</p> -<p>“Corning has no wife to my knowledge,” Mr. -Livingston replied. “You don’t mean the wife of -McClellan Rhodes?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_93">93</div> -<p>“<i>Si, Senor.</i>” The little guide pulled his <i>ruana</i> more -tightly about his shoulders as protection from the -chill wind. “She leave on trail at dawn. Join husband -there.”</p> -<p>The information that Mrs. Rhodes had gone -ahead of them was most disconcerting to the Scouts. -Mr. Livingston was especially troubled to learn that -the deposed engineer might be at the mine.</p> -<p>“This may explain though, why Appleby didn’t -meet us,” he told the Explorers. “With McClellan -Rhodes on the scene, he might hesitate to leave, -even for a few days.”</p> -<p>“Mrs. Rhodes sure must have traveled like a house -afire to get here ahead of us,” Willie remarked -thoughtfully. Turning to Jose, he inquired: “So -went on to the mine? Not alone?”</p> -<p>“No, <i>Senor</i>, with a guide. Senora know trail well. -Travel light. Shoot straight like a man. Good -traveler.”</p> -<p>“I hope you’re mistaken about her going to the -mine to join her husband,” Mr. Livingston said, -frowning. “Rhodes shouldn’t be there. At least it -was my understanding that Corning sent him packing -when he took over.”</p> -<p>“Senora go to be with husband,” the guide repeated. -“At emerald mine changes come fast. Today -one engineer—tomorrow another.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_94">94</div> -<p>The Indian’s information increased Mr. Livingston’s -eagerness to be away. He urged that the -loading of the animals be hastened.</p> -<p>After numerous and vexing delays, the Scout -party finally set off single file into the hills. Considerable -equipment had to be taken, for the Explorers -repeatedly had been warned that they must -expect extremes of heat and cold, often within an -eight or ten mile stretch of trail.</p> -<p>“Odd that a road never was built to the mine,” -Willie remarked as he trudged along.</p> -<p>“Not so odd,” Jack returned. “The government -never has been eager to make the mining area accessible. -Emeralds are too easily stolen.”</p> -<p>“That’s right,” Mr. Livingston backed him up. -“About the only equipment needed for emerald mining -is a strong back, a pick axe and a crowbar. -Laborers are kept under contract and during the -period of their service, not permitted to leave the -area. That’s to prevent theft of emeralds.”</p> -<p>“I’d like to find an emerald while we’re at the -mine,” War remarked eagerly. “A great big one!”</p> -<p>The others laughed. “Don’t worry,” Jack teased -him. “If you do find one, you won’t be allowed to -walk off with it.”</p> -<p>“For that matter, the size of an emerald isn’t as -important as its shape and color,” Mr. Livingston -added.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_95">95</div> -<p>Before the Scouts had been long on the steep, -winding trail, they noted evidence that Mrs. Rhodes, -traveling fast, was well ahead of them. At a spring -they came upon her heel marks, and Willie picked -up a lacy handkerchief with the letter “R” embroidered -in one corner.</p> -<p>“It’s Mrs. Rhodes, all right,” he asserted gloomily. -“I’d hoped Jose was wrong.”</p> -<p>“She’s making better time than we are,” Jack -nodded in chagrin.</p> -<p>Skirting outthrusts of rock, the Scouts continued -to follow a fairly well outlined trail. As the sun -rose higher, they could see sharp peaks with caps of -snow outlined against the blue sky. Climbing above -the desolate little farms to a world of chilly isolation, -they met no one. Higher and higher they -struggled, marveling anew at the remarkable stamina -of the woman ahead.</p> -<p>“You got to hand it to her,” Willie admitted -grudgingly. “She’s tough.”</p> -<p>“Don’t waste any sympathy or admiration,” Jack -advised. “That old gal has a grim purpose that is -driving her on.”</p> -<p>“Oh, I wouldn’t trust her as far as I could toss a -stick,” Willie answered quickly. “The mere fact that -she’s going to the mine makes me suspicious.”</p> -<p>“If it’s true her husband is at Emerald Valley, -that’ll make two of ’em to gang up on us,” interposed -War soberly. “I guess Appleby Corning will be glad -to see us arrive. He may be in a spot.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_96">96</div> -<p>Descending into a valley area where the trail was -nearly obliterated by dense foliage and creepers, -the Scouts encountered rain. It let up by late afternoon. -Nevertheless, Mr. Livingston decided to camp -early.</p> -<p>War and Willie soon had a fire going which enabled -them to dry out other wood for use during -the night. Damp clothing was hung on a quickly -constructed rack near the heat.</p> -<p>By the time supper was ready, everyone felt quite -comfortable. Jack and the guide looked after the -pack animals, while the other Scouts cleaned up the -camp for the night.</p> -<p>Returning to the fire, Jack stood for a moment -with his back to the flames. The night had closed -in dark and with a hint of more rain.</p> -<p>“Y’know, I’ve had an uneasy feeling the last hour -or so,” he confessed in a low voice.</p> -<p>Ken, busy laying out his eiderdown sleeping bag, -quickly raised his head. “Uneasy?” he repeated. -“About going on to the mine, you mean?”</p> -<p>Jack kept his voice low. “It’s not that, Ken. I’ve -had an odd feeling that someone has been trailing -us, even before we made camp.”</p> -<p>He expected Ken to laugh, but the other accepted -his remark seriously.</p> -<p>“I’ve had the same feeling, Jack. The foliage is -so dense here that one gets that closed in sensation. -But who would follow us? Not Mrs. Rhodes?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_97">97</div> -<p>“No, she couldn’t have doubled back because -there’s no other trail.”</p> -<p>“I’ve thought several times in the last hour that -I’ve heard a rustling among the foliage, Jack. Wild -animals probably. All the same, I think I’ll look -around.”</p> -<p>“I already have, Ken. No sign of anyone.”</p> -<p>“We’re just being jittery.”</p> -<p>“Maybe,” Jack agreed, not completely convinced. -“We’d better keep a good fire going tonight, just -in case.”</p> -<p>Feeding the dying flames with another cut log, -he started into the tent. Just then he was startled by -a slight rustling of leaves almost directly behind. He -and Ken both turned swiftly. Their pulses began to -pound.</p> -<p>Against the dark foliage, a man stood clearly outlined. -He was armed. As they stood frozen, he -spoke a sharp command in Spanish, and came slowly -toward them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_98">98</div> -<h2 id="c12"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 12</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">CARLOS THE BANDIT</span></h2> -<p>Jack and Ken did not understand the words, but -the meaning was clear enough.</p> -<p>The smiling, hard-faced man who confronted -them was a bandit.</p> -<p>Before they could make any response to his command, -he fired a shot. The bullet nipped into the dirt -at Jack’s feet.</p> -<p>Thus warned that the grizzled little man was not -one with whom to trifle, the two Scouts quickly -raised their hands.</p> -<p>The shot had brought War, Willie and Jose out -of the shelter. They too were instantly covered and -forced to line up with their faces to a tree.</p> -<p>The bandit kept up a patter of Spanish which -only Jose could understand. Shaking with fear, he -interpreted for the others.</p> -<p>“The bandit is Carlos, who long has terrorized -the hills,” he told them nervously. “He says he will -not harm anyone, if his commands are obeyed. We -are to turn over all money and watches. If we refuse, -he shoot to kill!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_99">99</div> -<p>Willie and War began to empty their pockets. -Jack and Ken were more deliberate. Their delay -brought an exclamation of impatience from the -bandit.</p> -<p>Carlos gazed sharply about the camp, evidently -aware that only five persons were accounted for. -What had become of Mr. Livingston, Jack wondered. -He remembered that the Scout leader had -slipped away from camp for a moment to bring in -more fire wood. Surely, he must have been alerted -by the firing of a shot!</p> -<p>Carlos swiftly scooped up the money and watches -which the Scouts reluctantly turned over. But before -he could stuff the loot into the pouch he carried -at his belt, there came a sharp command from -the darkness behind the bandit.</p> -<p>“Hands up or I’ll shoot!”</p> -<p>The voice was Mr. Livingston’s! The Scouts knew -that their leader was unarmed. Carlos, however, -had no such knowledge.</p> -<p>Startled, he whirled around and fired blindly into -the darkness.</p> -<p>In that instant, when the man’s attention was -diverted from the captives by the fire, Jack and Ken -acted together.</p> -<p>Lunging forward, they tackled the bandit below -the knees. He went down, and in the brief but fierce -struggle, they succeeded in knocking the weapon -from his hand.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_100">100</div> -<p>With the agility of a jungle cat, Carlos squirmed -from Jack’s grasp. Slipping back into the foliage, he -was swallowed by the darkness.</p> -<p>Jack groped and finally found the lost weapon. He -started in pursuit.</p> -<p>“Let him go,” ordered Mr. Livingston, who had -emerged into the circle of flickering firelight. “We -can’t possibly overtake him, and it’s risky to try. -He’ll have a horse tethered somewhere near.”</p> -<p>As the Scouts listened, they heard the bold bandit’s -retreating footsteps. Then all became silent in -the forest.</p> -<p>“What if he comes back later, maybe with some -of his followers?” War asked anxiously.</p> -<p>“We have his gun, so I don’t think he’ll be back -tonight,” Mr. Livingston replied. “Good work, Jack! -I thought you and Ken would react as you did! Any -of our stuff missing?”</p> -<p>The Scouts took careful inventory. In his haste to -escape, the bandit had left behind all the cash and -jewelry.</p> -<p>“I doubt Carlos will try another raid tonight, -knowing we’ll be on the alert,” Mr. Livingston commented. -“All the same, we’ll set up a guard.”</p> -<p>The incident was more disturbing to Jose than to -the Scouts. For hours after the bandit had gone, he -huddled in his blanket, his back to a tree, fearfully -watching the shadows.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_101">101</div> -<p>In broken English, he related to the Explorers -that Carlos was well known for his cruelty and bold -ways. Somewhere in the hills he maintained a hide-out -with a few faithful but disreputable followers. -The Colombian government had placed a price upon -his head. But no one ever had claimed the reward. -Year after year, the bandit continued to swoop -down on luckless travelers. Three times in the past -year he reportedly had made valuable hauls of -emeralds which were being taken out of the mine -for shipment.</p> -<p>Despite Jose’s fears, no more was heard that night -from the bandit. The Scouts slept well, and as soon -as the sun came up, were on their way.</p> -<p>For several hours they pushed on, keeping an -alert watch for Carlos. At times, they imagined they -heard a soft rustling of the foliage along the trail, -but they saw no one. Jack had kept the bandit’s -automatic as a souvenir, disregarding Jose’s advice -to discard it.</p> -<p>“You keep gun—Carlos come back for it,” the -guide predicted grimly.</p> -<p>“Let him,” Jack returned cheerfully. “Next time -I’ll be more alert.”</p> -<p>By noon, the party had reached a low ridge. As -they rested briefly, Jose pointed out a forested valley -and a fast-moving river.</p> -<p>“Last Chance mine,” he informed the group. “We -be there in next hour.”</p> -<p>“The mine is very old?” Mr. Livingston inquired.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_102">102</div> -<p>“<i>Si, Senor.</i> It was worked before the Spanish -Conquest and many times lost. When the mine -close, workers move away—jungle close in. Mine -have many names.”</p> -<p>“The Last Chance sounds pretty modern,” the -Scout leader remarked with a smile.</p> -<p>“Senor Corning give it that name when he come,” -Jose explained.</p> -<p>“I can imagine why,” Mr. Livingston remarked -to Jack. “He figured that if he didn’t make good -here, the mine might be closed again. At least the -company which employs him would lose its government -lease.”</p> -<p>“With Carlos hovering around ready to swoop -down, I shouldn’t think mining would be very -profitable,” Ken contributed. “That old boy is a pest! -Maybe Mr. Corning sent for us to help him get rid -of the hill bandits.”</p> -<p>“I doubt it,” the Scout leader rejoined. “Corning -would know how to deal with Carlos. No, I’m afraid -the trouble is more serious than that.”</p> -<p>Eager to reach the mine, the party went on, working -through vines which had overgrown the trail. -After a wearisome struggle, they emerged onto a -wider path which showed evidence of recent use.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_103">103</div> -<p>Finally, they came out into a clearing which offered -a view of the mine. Spread before them at the -edge of a gorge were a cluster of wooden buildings -with thatched roofs. The largest, and most sturdily -constructed, they took to be the main office.</p> -<p>Weary and footsore, the arrivals left Jose in -charge of the animals, and tramped into the central -building. Their approach had been observed by -native workmen. Yet, there had been no one to -welcome them.</p> -<p>“Corning may be sick,” Mr. Livingston remarked -anxiously.</p> -<p>He and the Scouts found themselves in an untidy -two-room office, furnished with a couch, a desk, a -safe and a filing cabinet. As they gazed about, a tall, -lean man with dark moustache came in through the -door they had just entered.</p> -<p>“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” he greeted them, -politely but without a flicker of a smile. “Anything -I can do for you?”</p> -<p>“We’re looking for the engineer in charge,” Mr. -Livingston said after a moment of silence.</p> -<p>“Speaking.”</p> -<p>“Appleby Corning, I should have said,” the Scout -leader corrected himself.</p> -<p>“Corning no longer is in charge here.”</p> -<p>“Not in charge?” Mr. Livingston responded, -startled. “There must be some mistake.”</p> -<p>“No mistake, I assure you.”</p> -<p>“Is Mr. Corning ill?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_104">104</div> -<p>“I wouldn’t know,” the man replied somewhat indifferently. -“He’s not here. The last time I saw him -was six months ago.”</p> -<p>“Six months!” the Scout leader exclaimed. “Impossible! -Why, I’ve had letters from him and a -couple of cables since then.”</p> -<p>“Of that I wouldn’t know, Mr.—”</p> -<p>“Livingston,” the Scout official supplied. “Excuse -me for not introducing myself and the other members -of my party. Seeing you instead of my friend, -rather gave me a jolt.”</p> -<p>“I can imagine,” the other rejoined coldly. “I’m -McClellan Rhodes.”</p> -<p>“I guessed it,” Mr. Livingston returned. “You say -you’re in charge here? The company reassigned -you?”</p> -<p>The engineer gazed at the Scout official with defiant, -unwavering eyes. “I took charge when I found -everything going to the dogs here,” he informed the -group. “Someone had to do it, you understand. If I -had waited to get authority from the company, the -workers would have been gone, and the mine -stripped.”</p> -<p>“Where is Mr. Corning?”</p> -<p>“I wish I knew.”</p> -<p>“When did you take over here?” Mr. Livingston -demanded. His voice was sharper than he meant it -to be.</p> -<p>“About ten days ago.”</p> -<p>“Mr. Corning wasn’t here when you came?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_105">105</div> -<p>“He was not. As I told you, I found everything in -a mess—workers preparing to pull out. I stepped in -to save the mine for the owners.”</p> -<p>“What became of my friend?”</p> -<p>“I’ve told you I don’t know,” the engineer replied, -no longer hiding his impatience. “I have important -work to do now, and can’t answer any more questions. -Corning, I think, is dead. That’s all I can tell -you.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_106">106</div> -<h2 id="c13"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 13</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE EMERALD PIT</span></h2> -<p>“Just a minute, please,” Mr. Livingston interposed -as the mining engineer started to leave the office. -“We’ve come a long distance to see Appleby Corning. -I feel I must know more about his strange -disappearance.”</p> -<p>Rhodes halted in the doorway, scowling. “I’m -busy,” he replied pointedly. “As I told you, work -isn’t progressing as it should. Whenever I turn my -back, those confounded Indians lean on their tools, -instead of working.”</p> -<p>“We won’t keep you long,” Mr. Livingston returned -in a quiet voice. “Just tell us what became of -Mr. Corning.”</p> -<p>“I don’t know,” the engineer retorted in exasperation. -“I thought I made that clear.”</p> -<p>“Why do you say he’s probably dead.”</p> -<p>“Because he’s a captive of Carlos.”</p> -<p>“The bandit!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_107">107</div> -<p>“So I assume. I’d heard repeated reports that the -mine was being badly managed. I came here to see -if I could help. Lucky I did too. I found everything -in chaos. Bandits, led by Carlos, had dropped down -on the camp twelve hours earlier. They’d robbed the -safe of emeralds and taken Corning captive.”</p> -<p>“How long ago was that?” Mr. Livingston asked.</p> -<p>“Ten days ago.”</p> -<p>“What attempt have you made to trace Appleby?”</p> -<p>“None.”</p> -<p>“None?” The Scout leader repeated sharply.</p> -<p>“It’s useless,” the engineer informed him. “You -don’t know this country. Carlos is a devil. It would -take a small army to blast him out of his hide-out.”</p> -<p>“He didn’t seem such a bold demon when we -brushed into him,” Jack drawled, entering the conversation. -“In fact, he turned tail and ran like a -coward.”</p> -<p>Rhodes turned to stare intently at the youth. “You -encountered Carlos?” he demanded. “Where?”</p> -<p>“On the trail. He was alone.”</p> -<p>“He tried to rob us,” contributed Ken, “but we -were fortunate enough to elude him.”</p> -<p>“Carlos doesn’t usually operate alone,” Rhodes -informed the group. “You were lucky he didn’t shoot -you at sight.”</p> -<p>“If we’d known that he had taken Mr. Corning -captive, we’d have pursued him,” Mr. Livingston -said. “Where is his hide-out?”</p> -<p>“Oh, he has half a dozen of them back in the -hills,” the mining engineer returned vaguely. “He -moves from one to another. A reward has been -placed on his head, but no one ever collects.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_108">108</div> -<p>“You say you’ve made no effort to try to find -Corning?”</p> -<p>“That’s right,” Rhodes retorted, “and I don’t like -your tone, Mister. You know what these mountain -trails are like.”</p> -<p>“We do.”</p> -<p>“I can’t send natives to look for him. They -wouldn’t venture a step. As for myself, it would be -folly to leave the mine. My first duty is to the -operators.”</p> -<p>“So nothing is to be done?”</p> -<p>“I didn’t put it that way,” Mr. Rhodes returned, -his eyes flashing. “If your friend is still alive—which -I seriously doubt—there will be a ransom demand -in time. It will be prohibitive, of course. Whether -or not it is met, will be up to the mine operators, -not to me.”</p> -<p>“I’m not satisfied to sit and wait, Mr. Rhodes. -Appleby and I were close friends. Something must -be done.”</p> -<p>“Then you do it!” the engineer snapped. He -started to leave the office, then paused again. “I’ll -put you up here for a day or so, if you’re not too -particular about your accommodations,” he told the -group. “One of the men will show you to your quarters -as soon as the place has been fumigated.”</p> -<p>“Fumigated?” Mr. Livingston’s eyebrows jerked -upward. “For insects, you mean?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_109">109</div> -<p>“Not exactly. The last occupant died of some unknown -disease that’s been knocking the natives off -like flies.”</p> -<p>“In that case, we’ll use our sleeping bags and -remain out-of-doors,” Mr. Livingston stated. “We -have our canvas shelters.”</p> -<p>“Suit yourself,” the engineer shrugged. “The -nights here get pretty cold though. After a couple -of days, I think you’ll be hitting the trail.”</p> -<p>No one made a reply. The engineer hesitated a -moment, and then without saying more, went out -of the building. The Scouts saw him descend a -series of roughly hewn stone steps into a pit where a -dozen natives were at work.</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston made certain that no one loitered -near the office, before he spoke. Then he said: “The -situation is a lot worse than I expected.”</p> -<p>“Rhodes may be lying!” Ken asserted.</p> -<p>“Do you think Appleby Corning really is dead?” -War asked anxiously.</p> -<p>“Something has happened to him, that’s evident,” -the Scout leader replied. “I was afraid of it when he -didn’t meet us or send word.”</p> -<p>“All the same, there’s something fishy about -Rhodes’ story,” Jack insisted. “Why would he show -up here at exactly the right moment to check on the -mine? Wasn’t he discharged?”</p> -<p>“That was my understanding, Jack. Corning -didn’t write very much, you know.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_110">110</div> -<p>“The natural thing after being discharged would -be to clear out,” Jack went on. “Rhodes apparently -didn’t do that. He hung around, waiting for a chance -to move in.”</p> -<p>“And maybe he created that chance!” suggested -Willie. “Maybe he did away with Corning himself! -I’ll bet the tale about Carlos swooping down here -is a phony!”</p> -<p>“It might be,” Mr. Livingston conceded. “That -part should be easy to check, if we can talk with -the natives. Some of them must speak a little English.”</p> -<p>“Rhodes has moved in here to further his own -interests, and he doesn’t give a hoot what became -of Appleby Corning,” Willie expanded his theory. -“It’s to his advantage not to have him found.”</p> -<p>“That’s so,” agreed Jack. “Getting rid of Corning -may have been part of a well-planned scheme. If -it’s true that Rhodes came here only ten days ago, -it’s unlikely he’d have had time to get word to his -wife.”</p> -<p>“Yet she knew he was in charge here days ago!” -Ken exclaimed. “Otherwise, she wouldn’t have made -the trip.”</p> -<p>“I’m terribly afraid Appleby has been the victim -of treachery,” Mr. Livingston nodded. “We’ve got -to learn what became of him, and not depend on -Rhodes’ word either.”</p> -<p>“We might drive him into a corner, and try to -force the truth out of him,” War proposed.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_111">111</div> -<p>The others vetoed his suggestion. “That wouldn’t -get us anywhere,” Mr. Livingston objected. “Rhodes -controls the natives here. His word is law.”</p> -<p>“Can’t we organize search parties?” Willie asked.</p> -<p>“In this jungle growth?” Jack caught him up. “It -would be worse than looking for a needle in a haystack! -Without a clue as to Carlos’ hide-out, we’d -lose ourselves, and never find Corning.”</p> -<p>“That’s the way it looks to me,” Mr. Livingston -admitted. “Another thing, I’m not fully convinced -that my friend was seized by bandits. Our first job -is to confirm that fact.”</p> -<p>“Rhodes won’t do anything to help us,” Ken said. -“Where do we start?”</p> -<p>“While you fellows get settled, I’ll amble around -to see what I can learn,” Jack offered.</p> -<p>Once outside the office building, curiosity led him -toward the V-shaped pit where stocky Indians labored -with crowbar and pick. A vein of beryl lay -exposed.</p> -<p>With infinite skill, the laborers shattered the rock, -taking care not to smash the calcite or the emeralds. -Eagerly, Rhodes examined the exposed gems. But -the take did not satisfy him. With an exclamation of -rage, he struck one of the workers in the face.</p> -<p>The fellow stumbled backward against the rocks. -A small object rolled from his gnarled hand. Only -then did Jack realize that Rhodes’ anger had been -caused by the native’s thievery.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_112">112</div> -<p>The engineer seized the gem and dropped it into -his leather pouch. His gaze fell upon Jack who stood -watching.</p> -<p>“Get out of here!” he ordered harshly. “No one is -allowed near the vein except the workmen! Believe -me, I have enough trouble watching them. They -steal me blind!”</p> -<p>“You or the company?” Jack asked, irked by the -engineer’s unwarranted attack.</p> -<p>“The company,” Rhodes corrected himself. -“Every gem taken from this mine is accounted for, -I assure you. But the vein’s playing out. A new pit -must be opened, or the mine soon will close down.”</p> -<p>Jack made no reply for his eyes were on the fallen -workman. The fellow had no shoes, his trousers were -ragged, and his shirt torn. It was his gaze however, -that held the Scout’s attention. The man was eyeing -Rhodes with a deep, smoldering hatred.</p> -<p>The engineer himself became aware of the expression. -Ignoring Jack for the moment, he strode -over and bestowed a savage kick upon the fallen -one.</p> -<p>“Thieving leech!” he berated him. “Stupid, stealing -fool!”</p> -<p>His wrath expended, the engineer again turned -upon Jack.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_113">113</div> -<p>“Didn’t I ask you to get out of here?” he asked -coldly but with his voice now carefully controlled. -“No one is allowed in the pit. It’s a company rule.”</p> -<p>“I’m sorry,” Jack apologized. “I’ll leave. You -needn’t worry, though, about any of the Scouts -taking your emeralds.”</p> -<p>“No?” The engineer flashed an amused smile. -“Son, if you’re here long enough, you may find their -lure irresistible. Many a murder has been committed -for an emerald—here at this mine too.”</p> -<p>“Appleby Corning being the latest victim?”</p> -<p>“Carlos has preyed upon this mine for years,” -Rhodes replied, not answering Jack’s question directly. -“He’s a bad actor.”</p> -<p>“Why doesn’t someone clean out his gang?”</p> -<p>“This isn’t the United States,” Rhodes retorted. -“The authorities can’t be bothered. Now will you -move out and stop asking so many questions? You -hinder me.”</p> -<p>Jack nodded and climbed out of the pit, but not -before he had made careful note of the fallen workman. -He would remember the face. Later, if he -approached the matter right, the man might talk.</p> -<p>Leaving the pit, he sought his companions, who -had pitched their tents in a sheltered area some -distance from the huts.</p> -<p>“Learn anything, Jack?” Ken accosted him as he -came up.</p> -<p>“Not yet. Rhodes drove me out of the mine.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_114">114</div> -<p>“We took a look at that hut Rhodes assigned to -us,” Willie informed him in disgust. “It’s the worst -looking hole in the place. We figure he wanted to -make it as tough as possible for us.”</p> -<p>“Where’s Mrs. Rhodes?”</p> -<p>“She’s moved into the best place in the diggings, -with her husband.” Ken pointed to a well-built -frame structure near the main office. “That must -have been where Appleby Corning lived.”</p> -<p>“I wish we could look through his papers,” Mr. -Livingston said. “We might run into something that -would help.”</p> -<p>“What sort of clue?” Jack questioned, staring -thoughtfully toward the hut.</p> -<p>“I don’t actually know, Jack. But there’s more to -this raid and kidnapping than Rhodes has told us.”</p> -<p>“Maybe we can get in and look around.”</p> -<p>“Not now at any rate,” Mr. Livingston rejected -his proposal. “Mrs. Rhodes is in there. We saw her -go in a few minutes ago.”</p> -<p>“She knows we’re here, but she just ignores us,” -added War. “Suits me fine.”</p> -<p>Leaving Jose, War and Willie to unpack the -equipment, the other three started toward the office. -Enroute, Jack told of the beating Rhodes had -inflicted upon the peon.</p> -<p>“It doesn’t surprise me,” Mr. Livingston commented. -“Rhodes is a brute!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_115">115</div> -<p>“The man was trying to steal an emerald,” Jack -admitted. “Obviously, he hates Rhodes and probably -would like to get even. I’ll talk to him at the -first opportunity.”</p> -<p>“You may not get anything,” Mr. Livingston advised. -“Jose might have better luck. At least, he -could draw the fellow out better, and Rhodes -wouldn’t be suspicious if he saw them together.”</p> -<p>“I never thought of Jose!” Jack exclaimed. “That’s -the ticket!”</p> -<p>The three had reached the little office on the rise -of land. An outer door stood open to the breeze. -Jack was surprised to see that Rhodes had left the -pit and now was inside the building.</p> -<p>His back was to the approaching trio. He had -squatted before the big safe, and deftly was turning -the dials.</p> -<p>Involuntarily, the three halted, alerted by the -engineer’s tense attitude. Why, they wondered, did -he act so furtively, as if engaged in a dishonest act?</p> -<p>The big safe door swung open. Rhodes reached in -and drew out a long, cardboard box. Dipping in his -hand, he lifted out a fistful of green emeralds.</p> -<p>Gloatingly, as a miser would gaze at his hoard of -gold, he fondled the gems. The watchers saw him -compare some of the larger emeralds with those -taken from his leather pouch.</p> -<p>“There’s something fishy about this!” Jack muttered. -“Didn’t he tell us that ten days ago, Carlos -broke into the safe and took all the emeralds? Why, -that handful must represent weeks of digging!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_116">116</div> -<p>His voice, though scarcely above a whisper, had -carried inside the building.</p> -<p>Startled, Rhodes suddenly straightened. Seeing -the three just outside the door, he thrust all the gems -back into the box and hurriedly locked the safe.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_117">117</div> -<h2 id="c14"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 14</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">A BRIBE OFFER</span></h2> -<p>“I was just putting away the emeralds that were -brought up this morning,” McClellan Rhodes remarked -as Mr. Livingston and the two Scouts -tramped into the office.</p> -<p>“Quite a haul?” inquired the Scout leader.</p> -<p>“Fair.” Reluctant to discuss the subject of emeralds, -the mining engineer dismissed the matter. -“You’ve pitched your tent, I see,” he remarked. -“Well, you can take your meals with my wife and -me for today. I’d advise an early start in the morning.”</p> -<p>“We hadn’t planned on leaving,” Mr. Livingston -told him.</p> -<p>“No?” Rhodes voice was sharp. “I don’t like to -seem inhospitable, but visitors aren’t particularly -welcome here at the mine. No facilities, you know.”</p> -<p>“We don’t mind roughing it.”</p> -<p>“You can’t stay,” Rhodes said shortly. “Your presence -here would interfere with the work. If it’s -worry about Corning that is holding you, let me say -again, there is absolutely nothing you can do. In -time, there may be a ransom demand—probably in -emeralds.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_118">118</div> -<p>“But didn’t you tell us earlier today that Carlos -stripped the safe?” Jack interposed.</p> -<p>There was a moment of strained silence, and the -engineer’s dark eyes glinted with suppressed anger. -But his voice was carefully controlled when he -replied:</p> -<p>“That’s right. Since then, we’ve dug a few more. -I just finished washing them in a bath of hydrochloric -acid.”</p> -<p>Jack let the remark go unchallenged. He was convinced -however, that the man was lying. Since he -had left him in the pit, there had been insufficient -time to clean the day’s gleaning of emeralds. Yet -the cardboard box, replaced in the safe, had contained -at least a double handful of fine specimens.</p> -<p>“Please tell me everything you know about the -bandit raid,” Mr. Livingston urged, seating himself -on a high stool.</p> -<p>“Nothing to tell. When I arrived here, the workers -were preparing to pull out. They told me Carlos -and his men had swooped down the night before, -terrorizing the camp. Your friend Corning was -caught by surprise and taken prisoner. The bandits -made him open the safe. They took the emeralds -and a little cash and rode off.”</p> -<p>“Odd they’d burden themselves with Corning,” -Mr. Livingston commented. “Especially after they -got what they wanted.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_119">119</div> -<p>“Carlos doesn’t miss any bets. He’ll make a ransom -demand.”</p> -<p>“Earlier today you said you were convinced Corning -is dead,” Ken reminded him. “Now you’re pretty -sure he’s being held prisoner?”</p> -<p>“What are you trying to do? Mix me up?” Rhodes -shot at him. “I told you I think your friend is dead, -and I’ll stick by it. But if he’s still alive, there will -be a ransom demand. Do I make myself clear?”</p> -<p>“Perfectly,” Ken drawled. “I don’t mean to be -inquisitive, but to help us get the picture, would you -mind telling us why the mine operators hired Corning -in the first place?”</p> -<p>“I’ll be glad to, because it was a mistake, and they -realize it now. Until Corning took over, I’d been in -charge here for nearly three years. Emerald production -began to drop during the last six months or so. -That wasn’t my fault. The vein’s played out.”</p> -<p>“Then it was because production had fallen off -that Corning was assigned here?” Mr. Livingston -inquired.</p> -<p>“That was behind it,” Rhodes admitted with a -scowl. “Corning’s a big talker. He sold himself and -ran me down—convinced the operators that the -miners weren’t being handled right, and that I—”</p> -<p>“Yes?” the Scout leader prompted as Rhodes -ended in mid-sentence.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_120">120</div> -<p>“Nothing,” the engineer said shortly. “That’s all -there was to it. Corning took over here and things -went to the dogs fast. He had a wild theory that he -could find the old mine that was worked at the time -of the Spanish Conquest. He spent a lot of his time -searching for it, and even had some of the natives -helping him. Production fell off more than ever.”</p> -<p>“Corning didn’t find the rich vein?” Mr. Livingston -questioned to keep the other talking.</p> -<p>“What do you think? That old mine has been lost -for centuries, and it will stay hidden for years to -come.”</p> -<p>“Corning always was a methodical sort of fellow,” -Mr. Livingston said thoughtfully. “If he searched for -that old vein, he must have done it systematically. -He’d have left a record of his work too.”</p> -<p>“He did make a map.”</p> -<p>“A map?” Jack interposed eagerly. “May we see -it?”</p> -<p>“It’s worthless.”</p> -<p>“Anyway, may we see it?” Jack insisted.</p> -<p>“It’s in the safe, and I haven’t time to get it out -now,” Mr. Rhodes said, looking at his wrist watch. -“I must get back to the pit.”</p> -<p>Making certain that the safe door was locked, the -engineer abruptly quitted the office.</p> -<p>“That talk about the map certainly made him pull -out in a hurry,” Ken remarked when they were -alone. “What do you think, Hap?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_121">121</div> -<p>“That he was lying again,” Mr. Livingston answered. -“I can’t believe he has the slightest concern -about Appleby Corning’s welfare.”</p> -<p>“And how was it that he just happened to arrive -here at the opportune time to take over the mine for -the owners?” Jack added. “Fishy!”</p> -<p>Ken had moved to the desk, an old fashioned roll -top affair. It was locked. On top of a bookcase devoted -to mining journals and books on mineralogy -were numerous specimens of rock, an Indian bow -and arrow and other trinkets.</p> -<p>Noticing several sheets of paper thrust into one -of the books, he examined them. All were blank, -evidently having been used as a page marker.</p> -<p>Inspired by Ken’s activity, Jack also searched the -room for possible clues, even peering behind the -safe.</p> -<p>“If Corning left any papers behind, they’re locked -in the desk,” he concluded. “Rhodes wouldn’t be -dumb enough to leave anything kicking around.”</p> -<p>“He might at the house where Corning lived,” -Ken suggested. “Naturally, he wouldn’t figure we’d -do any searching there.”</p> -<p>“How can we?” Jack demanded. “Not with Mrs. -Rhodes camped on the spot.”</p> -<p>“She can’t stay there forever. Maybe, if we watch -our chance—”</p> -<p>“I don’t know,” Mr. Livingston demurred. “It’s a -risky thing to do and not to my liking.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_122">122</div> -<p>“We’re not dealing with honorable people,” Jack -reminded him. “Shouldn’t we try to learn the truth -about what happened here?”</p> -<p>“Go ahead,” Mr. Livingston reluctantly consented. -“I can’t see, though, that we’re likely to come -upon anything that will help us trace Corning.”</p> -<p>“We could go for the authorities,” Ken proposed. -“Wouldn’t they organize a search party?”</p> -<p>“Possibly, Ken. But from what I’ve been told, the -authorities don’t concern themselves very much with -the activities of Carlos. He’s a law unto himself.”</p> -<p>“How about setting off by ourselves?” Ken asked.</p> -<p>“I’m afraid Rhodes told us the truth when he said -the country hereabouts is impossible. Once we left -the trail, we’d have to hack our way foot by foot. -We’d have no chance of reaching Carlos’ hide-out -without a guide. And who knows the way?”</p> -<p>“What’s more,” Ken added, “if we did succeed in -finding it, we’d be no match for Carlos and his -armed followers. They’d make short work of us.”</p> -<p>“Then what’s to be done?” Jack asked in discouragement. -“Give up? Return to Bogota or Cartagena?”</p> -<p>“I’ve thought it over, and I intend to stay here at -the mine for a day or two at least,” Mr. Livingston -told him. “I’m not convinced that Corning is dead. -If there should be a ransom demand, I want to be -on hand when it comes.”</p> -<p>“Will Rhodes let us stay, do you think?” Jack -questioned doubtfully.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_123">123</div> -<p>“He may become quite unpleasant,” Mr. Livingston -admitted. “We’ll ignore his hints to leave, and -see what happens. Circulate a bit, meanwhile, and -see what information you can pick up. I’ll do likewise.”</p> -<p>Quitting the little office, the three went out into -the bright sunlight. Jack noted that Mrs. Rhodes -was seated in the screened porch of Corning’s former -dwelling. Although she appeared to be reading -a magazine, he noticed that her gaze followed the -trio.</p> -<p>Workmen were coming up out of the mine pit, to -eat their lunch. The man whom McClellan Rhodes -had abused, sat down with his back to a rock and -began munching a cold tortilla. Jack sauntered over -to speak to him.</p> -<p>Before he had spoken more than a phrase of halting -Spanish, he heard heavy steps behind him. -Turning, he saw Rhodes bearing down upon him.</p> -<p>“You are not to talk to the workmen,” he told Jack -harshly. “A company rule.”</p> -<p>“Seems to me you have a lot of ’em around here,” -Jack growled. “I was only passing the time of day.”</p> -<p>“It makes no difference. You know my orders. -Stay out of the pit, and away from the miners.”</p> -<p>“Okay,” Jack agreed, deciding to make no issue -of the matter.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_124">124</div> -<p>He ambled down to the edge of a deep but swift -flowing stream some distance from the camp but -within the cleared area. A log bridge, made by felling -a tall tree, spanned the torrent. He started to -cross, but had taken scarcely three steps on the -precarious footing when Rhodes again descended -upon him.</p> -<p>“Hey, you!” the engineer shouted.</p> -<p>Startled, Jack nearly lost his balance. Retreating -to shore, he waited for Rhodes to come up.</p> -<p>“Stay in camp!” the engineer ordered. “Don’t go -wandering around.”</p> -<p>“I merely intended to cross the stream,” Jack -replied, nettled. “I hope I have better sense than to -go roaming the wilds without leaving a trail.”</p> -<p>“No one is allowed across the river.”</p> -<p>“Then why the bridge? Decoration?”</p> -<p>Mr. Rhodes coldly ignored the question. “My wife -has lunch ready,” he said. “She’s an excellent cook -and I trust you’ll enjoy her cooking during your -brief stay here. You will join us?”</p> -<p>“Thanks,” Jack responded, feeling at a disadvantage. -“But we don’t want to put you to any trouble, -or your wife.”</p> -<p>“No trouble,” the engineer said shortly. “Come -along.”</p> -<p>Jack fell into step. As they left the river, Rhodes -relaxed somewhat and talked cheerfully of a recent -visit he had made to the coast.</p> -<p>“You don’t trust me, do you?” he abruptly asked -the Scout.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_125">125</div> -<p>The unexpected question caught Jack off guard. -At a loss for a reply, he began to stammer.</p> -<p>“You have me all wrong,” the engineer went on. -“Maybe I seem abrupt, but this is rough country, -and one can’t be too careful. Worried about Corning?”</p> -<p>“Naturally.”</p> -<p>“Believe me, if anything can be done, I’ll do it,” -Rhodes assured him. “The point I’m trying to make -is this, you can’t help him by remaining here. You’ll -only hinder my work.”</p> -<p>“It’s for Mr. Livingston to decide what we do.”</p> -<p>“So I gathered.” The engineer eyed Jack shrewdly. -“But your opinion carries weight with him. I saw -that right away. Now if you and the other boys were -to talk to him, you could make him see how foolish -it is to remain here. I’ll make it worth your while.”</p> -<p>“How do you mean?”</p> -<p>Rhodes drew a small emerald from his pocket. In -the sunlight it shown with a deep fire.</p> -<p>“Notice the color,” he directed. “A perfect gem. -You like it?”</p> -<p>“Who wouldn’t?”</p> -<p>“Feel it—roll it in your hand,” Rhodes urged, -closing Jack’s fingers over the gem. “Now all you -need to do is convince Mr. Livingston to leave here -by tomorrow morning. Do that and this emerald is -yours!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_126">126</div> -<h2 id="c15"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 15</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">MAP OF A MINE</span></h2> -<p>Annoyed by the attempted bribe, Jack returned -the emerald to the mining engineer.</p> -<p>“No, thanks,” he said. “Sorry, you can’t buy me. -Seems you’re mighty eager to get us away from -here.”</p> -<p>“No such thing.” Rhodes replaced the gem in a -pouch which Jack noticed contained even larger -emeralds. “Visitors interfere with the work. I was -willing to make it worth your while to leave—that’s -all.”</p> -<p>“I doubt Mr. Livingston will pull out while his -friend is held captive by bandits. Odd isn’t it, that -there’s been no ransom demand in so many days?”</p> -<p>“Nothing odd about it,” Rhodes retorted. “Corning’s -probably dead. Carlos is without heart, cruel -and vicious.”</p> -<p>“Why not organize a party and track him down?”</p> -<p>“He’d elude us. No, the only thing to do is to be -patient and see what develops.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_127">127</div> -<p>Jack made no reply, although Rhodes’ views displeased -him. He had tried to hide his anger at being -offered a bribe. Nevertheless, he was more than -ever convinced that Rhodes wanted to get the -Scouts away from the mine to prevent them from -learning important facts about Corning’s kidnapping.</p> -<p>Thinking it over, he decided to make his own -investigation by talking to some of the miners. No -opportunity presented itself, however. Whenever he -approached a workman, Rhodes quickly arrived -upon the scene.</p> -<p>Biding his time, Jack waited until nightfall. Then, -slipping away from the Scout tent, he stole to the -thatched roof shack of Phillipe, the man Rhodes had -struck.</p> -<p>A soft tap on the door brought the miner to the -door. Suspiciously, he gazed at Jack.</p> -<p>“<i>Amigo</i>—friend,” Jack assured him. In halting -Spanish he asked to be admitted.</p> -<p>The man allowed him to enter the barren hovel. -Laboriously, Jack tried to make him understand that -he sought information about Mr. Corning.</p> -<p>“Bandits come, <i>Senor</i>,” the miner informed him -with gestures. “They ride off with <i>Senor</i> Corning.”</p> -<p>“And the emeralds?”</p> -<p>“No, <i>Senor</i>. Carlos get nothing. <i>Senor</i> Corning refuse -to open safe.”</p> -<p>“That’s funny,” Jack remarked, half to himself. -“Rhodes told us Carlos cleaned out the safe. He -must have lied.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_128">128</div> -<p>“<i>Senor</i> Rhodes lie about many things,” Phillipe -muttered. “Old mine—”</p> -<p>The words froze on his lips. Unnoticed, Rhodes -had approached and now stood, feet astride, in the -open doorway.</p> -<p>Coldly, he addressed Jack. “I figured I’d find you -here. Trying to stir trouble among my workers?”</p> -<p>“No such thing,” Jack denied.</p> -<p>“Go to your quarters and remain there for the -night! Must I remind you, this is an emerald mining -camp and that regulations must be rigid.”</p> -<p>Jack held his tongue, knowing that opposition -most certainly would result in a beating for Phillipe. -He left with the engineer, separating from him at -the cottage. Going on to the Scout camp, he was -surprised to find his friends in earnest conversation.</p> -<p>“Say, Jack,” War greeted him. “Did you take that -gun—the one we snatched from Carlos?”</p> -<p>“Haven’t touched it,” Jack rejoined. “You’ll find -it under my sleeping bag.”</p> -<p>“Someone’s swiped it,” War informed him. -“Rhodes probably! We saw him poking his nose into -the tent before supper. I’ll bet he took it to make -sure we don’t start anything!”</p> -<p>“Let’s demand it back!” Willie urged.</p> -<p>“No use,” Mr. Livingston advised. “He’d only -deny he took it. Besides, maybe we’re better off -without that weapon. Loaded guns do cause accidents.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_129">129</div> -<p>Dismissing the matter of the lost revolver, Jack -told the group of his talk with Phillipe.</p> -<p>“Corning was kidnapped, all right,” he declared. -“But why did Rhodes lie about the emeralds? Apparently, -Carlos didn’t steal them, because Corning -wouldn’t open the safe.”</p> -<p>“That needn’t have stopped him,” Mr. Livingston -pointed out. “He could have blown it quite easily.”</p> -<p>“Seemingly, emeralds weren’t Carlos’ main objective. -He must have swooped down here with the -deliberate intention of taking Corning captive. For -ransom?”</p> -<p>“He’s made no demand as yet,” Mr. Livingston -commented. “Furthermore, those emeralds in the -safe would be worth far more than he could expect -to get in a cash demand.”</p> -<p>“The whole deal looks phony,” Jack said. “Rhodes -knows more than he’s telling, and he’s afraid I’ll -find out something by talking to the miners. That’s -why he watches me so closely.”</p> -<p>“I’d like to look over Corning’s papers,” Mr. -Livingston said thoughtfully. “If ever he searched -for an old mine, I’m sure he would have left a record -of his work.”</p> -<p>“We could ask Rhodes to let us look over his -things.”</p> -<p>“I did, this afternoon, Jack. He denied me access -to the office file.”</p> -<p>“Why not look without his permission?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_130">130</div> -<p>“I don’t like to do that, Jack.”</p> -<p>“We’re dealing with a guy who has no scruples,” -Jack pointed out. “Anyway, let’s breeze him again. -Maybe if we bear down hard, he’ll let us go through -Corning’s papers.”</p> -<p>“We can try,” Mr. Livingston agreed.</p> -<p>Leaving the other Scouts behind, the pair walked -to the office. The building was lighted with two -gasoline lamps, but upon entering, they found no -one there.</p> -<p>“Rhodes is at the house, I guess,” the Scout leader -said.</p> -<p>“Then this may be our chance,” Jack suggested. -His gaze fastened upon the filing cabinet. “Why -not?”</p> -<p>“It’s probably locked.”</p> -<p>“Probably,” Jack agreed. He tried the wooden -drawer, and to his surprise, it pulled open.</p> -<p>Stuffed into the back of the file were samples of -rock and a bottle of chemical. Manila folders were -stacked in the front, each neatly labeled. However, -nearly all were empty of papers.</p> -<p>“Rhodes must have cleaned out about everything,” -Jack commented. “Nothing here apparently, -except routine letters.”</p> -<p>He pulled out a second drawer, entirely empty -except for a long roll of heavy paper, tied with cord. -Impelled by curiosity, he untied the knot and spread -out the sheet.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_131">131</div> -<p>“Why, it’s a map!” he exclaimed. “A map of an -emerald mine!”</p> -<p>“This one?” Mr. Livingston demanded. Getting -up, he went to the desk to peer over Jack’s shoulder.</p> -<p>The map was roughly drawn, but to scale. Even -a casual glance convinced the two that it was not a -representation of the Last Chance mining operation.</p> -<p>“It seems to be located across the stream,” Jack -said, his interest growing. “In the densely forested -area. You don’t suppose—”</p> -<p>“That it might be a drawing of the old lost Spanish -mine?” supplied Mr. Livingston. “It could be, -Jack!”</p> -<p>“The mine seems to be situated south of here,” -Jack went on, studying the markings intently. “Some -of these lines have been erased and re-drawn.”</p> -<p>“The map can’t have too much value, or it -wouldn’t have been left out of the safe,” Mr. Livingston -replied. “The legend appears to be in Corning’s -handwriting, but I’m sure some of the writing isn’t -his.”</p> -<p>As the two poured over the drawings, they were -startled to hear approaching footsteps. Quickly, Jack -thrust the map back into the filing cabinet drawer.</p> -<p>Scarcely had he closed it than the door was flung -open. But it was not McClellan Rhodes who stood -there, but Willie.</p> -<p>“Come quick!” he urged the pair.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_132">132</div> -<p>“What’s doing?” Mr. Livingston asked alertly. -“Anyone hurt?”</p> -<p>Willie shook his head. “War and I were taking a -little walk down the trail before turning in for the -night. We saw something mighty queer! We want -you both to see it too! Come right away or it may be -too late!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_133">133</div> -<h2 id="c16"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 16</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">SIGNALS</span></h2> -<p>Taking time only to replace the map in the filing -cabinet, Jack and Mr. Livingston followed War and -Willie outside the office.</p> -<p>“What’s this all about?” Jack demanded.</p> -<p>“You’ll see,” Willie promised, leading the way -down the trail.</p> -<p>The night was dark, with only a sliver of a moon -to light the path. Though the Scouts had flashlights, -they avoided using them.</p> -<p>The mountain mist swirled about them as they -crept through a tunnel of trees to an outcropping of -rock which gave an unobstructed view. Below, but -invisible, lay the valley.</p> -<p>“Why did you fellows bring us here?” Jack demanded, -as Willie and War paused. “What is there -to see?”</p> -<p>“Wait,” War advised.</p> -<p>Even as he spoke, Mr. Livingston and Jack were -startled to catch the flash of a light. It appeared to -come from another rock almost level with them, -jutting out from the mountain side.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_134">134</div> -<p>The beam went on and off in a series of flashes.</p> -<p>“Code!” Jack muttered.</p> -<p>“It’s code, all right,” Willie agreed, “but not -Morse. Nothing you can read.”</p> -<p>As the four watched, there was an answering -series of flashes from below. The light signals seemed -to come from a level of perhaps a third of the distance -to the valley.</p> -<p>“What does it mean?” Jack demanded. “Who is -signaling?”</p> -<p>“Rhodes at this end,” War informed him. “Willie -and I learned that much before we came to the -office.”</p> -<p>“There are no houses down there—nothing but -trail,” Mr. Livingston said. “Can it be—”</p> -<p>“That he’s signaling Carlos, the bandit?” War -supplied eagerly. “That’s the way Willie and I -doped it out.”</p> -<p>“I was thinking of that possibility,” Mr. Livingston -admitted. “Rhodes isn’t bothered by Corning’s -disappearance. I’m sure of that. He may have -plotted it, though I hate to think so.”</p> -<p>“He’d do anything to stay at the mine as engineer,” -Willie said grimly. “He isn’t making the -slightest effort to trace Mr. Corning.”</p> -<p>“It seems that way to me,” Mr. Livingston nodded. -“Of course, unless the authorities will undertake -a search, there’s not much that can be done.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_135">135</div> -<p>“Rhodes must know the hide-out of those bandits,” -Jack asserted. “Shall we breeze him now?”</p> -<p>“No, let’s not let him know that we saw him -signaling,” the Scout leader decided after a slight -hesitation. “He’d tell us nothing. We’ll learn far -more by appearing dumb, and keeping an alert -watch.”</p> -<p>After the signaling had ceased, the Scouts waited -until Rhodes had returned to his cottage. Then rejoining -Ken at their own camp, they discussed the -strange flashes.</p> -<p>Reluctantly, the Scouts agreed with Mr. Livingston -that it would be folly to set off into wild country -in search of a bandit camp.</p> -<p>“With more definite information, we may be able -to get the authorities to step in,” the Scout leader -suggested. “I propose that we disregard Rhodes’ -order to leave, and stay here a few days longer to -see what we can learn.”</p> -<p>“If Rhodes was signaling Carlos, it’s a cinch he -plotted Mr. Corning’s kidnapping,” Jack speculated. -“But how can we prove it?”</p> -<p>When no one answered, he abruptly arose from -the fire. “Phillipe may be our answer,” he asserted. -“I’m going to try once more to talk to him.”</p> -<p>Pulling on a heavy jacket, he swung down a dark -path toward the miner’s hut.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_136">136</div> -<p>He had walked only a short distance when a figure -suddenly emerged from the shadows. Rhodes -stood there, blocking the trail.</p> -<p>“Out rather late, aren’t you?” the engineer asked.</p> -<p>“Just taking a walk,” Jack muttered.</p> -<p>“Better walk back to your camp.”</p> -<p>Jack hesitated, ready to give argument. But he -recalled Mr. Livingston’s advice that it would be -wise to make a show of cooperation.</p> -<p>“Okay,” he agreed, turning around. “This mountain -air is too chilly for comfort anyway.”</p> -<p>“It’s unsafe to go wandering around after dark,” -Rhodes continued, walking with Jack. “Someone -might misjudge your motives and take a shot at -you.”</p> -<p>“You go about though?”</p> -<p>“That’s different,” the engineer answered. “I’m -armed and the miners know me.”</p> -<p>He walked with Jack to the camp, and there left -him.</p> -<p>“It’s useless,” Jack reported his failure to the other -Scouts. “Rhodes will have this camp watched all -night.”</p> -<p>“We may as well turn in,” Mr. Livingston advised. -“Something may develop tomorrow.”</p> -<p>The Scouts spent a comfortable night in their -sleeping bags. As they were cleaning up the next -morning, Rhodes strode down the path. His quick -glance noted that no preparation had been made -for departure.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_137">137</div> -<p>“You’ll be pulling out soon?” he demanded.</p> -<p>“Hadn’t figured on it,” Mr. Livingston replied.</p> -<p>“I told you yesterday that you can’t remain here. -Company rules.”</p> -<p>“We’re not leaving until we learn if my friend is -still alive.”</p> -<p>“You can’t do him any good by staying here,” -Rhodes said, his eyes narrowing. “Return to Bogota. -If there is a ransom demand, I’ll notify you at once.”</p> -<p>“We plan to stay another day or so.”</p> -<p>“Impossible!”</p> -<p>“Why is it impossible? What reason do you have -for wanting us to leave at once?”</p> -<p>“Why, no reason,” the engineer replied. “I told -you it’s a company rule. You refuse to leave?”</p> -<p>“I’m afraid so.”</p> -<p>“I’ll have you driven out!” Rhodes exclaimed, losing -his temper. “I’ll show you who is in charge here. -I’ll—”</p> -<p>His tirade was interrupted by the arrival of -Phillipe. The miner’s grimy face was pale beneath -his broad, floppy hat.</p> -<p>“Come quick, <i>Senor</i>!” he urged.</p> -<p>“Trouble in the pit?”</p> -<p>“<i>Si, Senor</i>, the men refuse to dig. They say it is -not safe—danger of a slide.”</p> -<p>“That’s rot! There’s no danger!” Rhodes fumed. -“I’ll have a look.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_138">138</div> -<p>Temporarily forgetting his feud with the Scouts, -he went quickly with Phillipe. Curious to learn what -was happening, Mr. Livingston and the Explorers -followed.</p> -<p>Miners had clustered at the top of the pit, chattering -excitedly in their own tongue. As Rhodes came -up, they showed him a crack which had developed -in the rock wall above the big hole.</p> -<p>“It’s nothing,” Rhodes assured them. “Back to -your digging!”</p> -<p>The miners sullenly refused to budge. Rhodes -whipped out a revolver.</p> -<p>“There is no danger!” he shouted. “Get back to -work!”</p> -<p>Unwillingly, the miners picked up their tools and -slowly descended into the pit. Rhodes remained -above, his revolver held in readiness.</p> -<p>Mechanically, the miners worked, now and then -raising their eyes fearfully to the towering rock -above them. As their crowbars failed to dislodge -even powdery dust from above, they relaxed somewhat.</p> -<p>Presently a pocket of emeralds was uncovered. In -great excitement, Rhodes rushed down to examine -the gems. All were small and of poor color.</p> -<p>“This vein is playing out!” he exclaimed wrathfully.</p> -<p>Pocketing the gems, he started to climb the rough -rock steps. Watching from above, the Scouts saw -him halt to re-examine the emeralds.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_139">139</div> -<p>“Rhodes seems determined to get everything he -can from this pit without loss of time,” Mr. Livingston -remarked in a low tone.</p> -<p>Jack nodded. He had raised his eyes to the wall -of rock above the engineer. Suddenly he was struck -with horror! A new crack, much deeper than the -other, had formed.</p> -<p>Even as he gazed in sick fascination, it widened -and moved horizontally, like a runner in a silk -stocking.</p> -<p>Jarred to a realization of the danger, he shouted -a hoarse warning to the engineer below.</p> -<p>“A slide! Run for your life!”</p> -<p>Rhodes heard, but he seemed rooted to where he -stood. As he jerked his eyes up to stare at the towering -wall, the rock began to move.</p> -<p>With a choked, terrified cry, the engineer leaped -wildly up the steps. For a moment, it appeared that -he might make it safely.</p> -<p>The great main mass of rock and dirt fell behind -him, sending up a cloud of dust. But Rhodes was -caught by the edge of the slide. A huge rock felled -him.</p> -<p>Clawing and fighting, he was buried beneath the -debris.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_140">140</div> -<h2 id="c17"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 17</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">AN EARTH SLIDE</span></h2> -<p>Even before the dust from the slide had cleared -away, Mr. Livingston and the Scouts were frantically -at work. Descending into the pit, they organized -the miners and themselves seized shovels.</p> -<p>Rhodes’ left arm and his cap lay exposed. In a -matter of minutes, they had freed him from the -tomb of earth and rock.</p> -<p>Badly battered and unconscious, the engineer -nevertheless still breathed.</p> -<p>On an improvised stretcher, Rhodes was carried -to the cottage. His wife, meeting the procession, -gazed at the prone figure, and uttered an agonized -shriek. Becoming calm after a moment, she bade the -Scouts carry her husband into the bedroom.</p> -<p>“How badly is he hurt?” she asked anxiously.</p> -<p>“We don’t know yet,” Mr. Livingston told her. -“He’s lucky though, to be alive. How far is the nearest -doctor?”</p> -<p>“Bogota.”</p> -<p>“Then we’ll have to do what we can for him ourselves. -Get hot water and bandages. Antiseptic. Pain -drugs if you have them.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_141">141</div> -<p>Mrs. Rhodes hastened to obey the orders. Though -the Scouts never had admired the woman, they now -found themselves feeling very sorry for her. In the -emergency, she worked efficiently and did not allow -herself to become emotional.</p> -<p>Getting the engineer undressed and into bed, the -Explorers examined him for serious injury. Aside -from innumerable scratches and cuts from fallen -rock, the right arm was broken and he had a deep -gash across his thigh.</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston set the arm expertly and treated -the wounds. Rhodes’ breathing had become steadier, -but he did not regain consciousness.</p> -<p>“I’m worried,” the Scout leader confessed to the -Scouts who anxiously hovered near. “He should be -coming around unless he has a skull injury.”</p> -<p>“Should we send to Bogota for a doctor?” Ken -suggested.</p> -<p>“That would take more than a week, round trip. -By that time, Rhodes either will be much better, or -beyond help, I’m afraid. We can send Jose, but I’m -doubtful that it will do any good.”</p> -<p>Leaving Mr. Livingston and Jack with the patient, -the others sought their guide. He readily agreed to -go for a doctor, promising to return as quickly as -possible to the mine.</p> -<p>“When you reach the village, report Appleby -Corning’s absence,” Ken urged. “Ask the authorities -to send a search party.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_142">142</div> -<p>“<i>Si, Senor</i>,” Jose nodded.</p> -<p>He mounted a mule and rode away from the -mine, never to be seen by the Scouts again. An irresponsible -fellow, he pocketed the money they gave -him, and once well away from the area, promptly -forgot the mission on which he had been sent.</p> -<p>Left with Rhodes, Jack and Mr. Livingston remained -anxiously by the bedside. The patient tossed -and jerked restlessly, but his occasional mutterings -encouraged them to believe that he might yet recover -consciousness.</p> -<p>Mrs. Rhodes was in the kitchen when the engineer’s -eyes opened for a moment. He stared blankly -into Jack’s face, but without recognition.</p> -<p>“Corning—” he muttered, his voice bitter with -hatred. “I’ll get you—I’ll get you!”</p> -<p>As Mr. Livingston moved from the window to -join Jack at the bedside, the engineer again lapsed -into silence. The Scout leader stood watching him.</p> -<p>“He’s coming around, I think,” he told Jack. -“While he may be out of his head for awhile, this -is an encouraging sign.”</p> -<p>Within a few minutes, the patient became so -restless that he had to be restrained to keep him -from flinging off the bed covers.</p> -<p>“Don’t try to stop me!” he muttered. “I’m going -back to the mine—Corning can’t take over in my -place—I’ll get him for it!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_143">143</div> -<p>“You are at the mine,” Mr. Livingston told him -patiently. “Relax.”</p> -<p>Rhodes fell back on the pillow, but only for a -moment. A crafty smile overspread his pallid face.</p> -<p>“Carlos, you’re a wicked <i>bandido</i>,” he chuckled, -“but so very stupid! Now you will do as I tell you, -we both will profit—at the expense of Senor Corning, -who hates us both!”</p> -<p>As Jack and Mr. Livingston bent low to catch the -almost inaudible mutterings, Mrs. Rhodes came in -with a pitcher of water. She caught the mumbled -word “Corning” and stiffened alertly.</p> -<p>“My husband is conscious?” she demanded. “Why -didn’t you call me at once?”</p> -<p>“There seemed no need,” Mr. Livingston replied. -“He’s coming around, but he’s not himself yet.”</p> -<p>“What did he say?”</p> -<p>“Something about Corning and the bandit, -Carlos.”</p> -<p>Mrs. Rhodes laughed nervously. “His mind is -wandering. Why, he doesn’t even know Carlos!” -Setting the pitcher on the stand, she turned again -to the pair by the bedside. “I’ll take over now, thank -you.”</p> -<p>“We don’t mind staying,” Jack said. “You may -need us if he turns restless again.”</p> -<p>“If I do, I’ll call. I prefer to be alone with my -husband.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_144">144</div> -<p>“Very well,” Mr. Livingston agreed, with a nod to -Jack. “If you want us, we’ll be in our tent.”</p> -<p>Once well away from the cottage, the two discussed -the abrupt dismissal.</p> -<p>“She was afraid her husband would spill something,” -Jack declared.</p> -<p>“We might have learned a few things if we could -have stayed,” Mr. Livingston agreed. “This convinces -me Rhodes knows only too well what became -of Corning. It was no casual kidnapping.”</p> -<p>“I’ll bet Rhodes paid Carlos to pull off that raid!” -Jack replied. “He probably knows where Corning -is held.”</p> -<p>“He may. But Rhodes’ position here would be -most insecure should Corning escape and return.”</p> -<p>“So you figure if Rhodes planned the kidnapping, -he’d want to see to it that your friend never got -back?”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston nodded soberly. “I’d think Corning -already is out of the picture except for one -thing.”</p> -<p>“What’s that, Hap?”</p> -<p>“Carlos is a sly, treacherous fellow. Clever enough -to realize that alive, Corning could be a financial -asset.”</p> -<p>“He could blackmail Rhodes!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_145">145</div> -<p>“Yes, Jack, I figure if Carlos is wholly unscrupulous, -that’s what he may do. So I half expect a ransom -demand, but upon Rhodes—not the mine -owners.”</p> -<p>“That’s why you’ve been waiting here?”</p> -<p>“Partially. I’m hoping Carlos presently will show -his hand. If we can get a clue, he may lead us to -the hide-out.”</p> -<p>“With Rhodes laid up, the situation has changed!” -Jack chuckled. “He won’t be sending us away today!”</p> -<p>“No, and we’ll have a chance to talk to Phillipe. -Let’s do it now.”</p> -<p>The miner was not at his hut. However, they -found him at the mine. No work was being done. -Tons of rock and dirt had fallen into the pit, and -must be moved before emeralds again could be -mined. Disinterested, the men sat about, smoking -and talking. From the general tone of the conversation, -the Scouts gathered that no one grieved because -of Rhodes’ accident.</p> -<p>Drawing Phillipe aside, Mr. Livingston and Jack -questioned him again as to the bandit raid. The -miner repeated his previous story. He talked more -freely however, and nodded wisely when Jack -hinted that the kidnapping might have been plotted -by Rhodes.</p> -<p>“I can’t understand why Rhodes is so keen on -being in charge here,” Mr. Livingston went on. “The -vein of emeralds seems to be playing out. At least, -that’s what we’ve been told.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_146">146</div> -<p>“It is true, Senor. But greater riches not far from -here.”</p> -<p>“You’re speaking of the lost Spanish mine?” the -Scout leader interposed alertly. “We saw a map in -Rhodes’ office.”</p> -<p>“Senor Corning spend many weeks searching for -mine. He make big mistake in telling Senor Rhodes.”</p> -<p>“So that’s why Rhodes was so eager to get back -here!” Mr. Livingston exclaimed. “At last I begin to -see the picture!”</p> -<p>“<i>Si</i>, Senor, he find it by following Senor Corning’s -map. Then he change map, so no one else find -mine!”</p> -<p>“That explains why Rhodes left the map lying -around so carelessly,” Jack commented. “He figured -that if anyone tried to use it, they’d be mixed up.”</p> -<p>“Phillipe, who besides Mr. Corning and Rhodes -knows the location of the old Spanish mine?”</p> -<p>“No one, Senor.”</p> -<p>“No one?”</p> -<p>“Only me, Senor. I follow Senor Rhodes across -river, into wilderness. Learn secret.”</p> -<p>“Phillipe, could you take us to this mine?”</p> -<p>“Very difficult trip, Senor.”</p> -<p>“But you could guide us there?”</p> -<p>“<i>Si, Senor.</i>”</p> -<p>“We’ll make it worth your while. How far is the -mine from here?”</p> -<p>“Not far, Senor, but way hard.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_147">147</div> -<p>“How soon can we start?” Mr. Livingston urged.</p> -<p>“Tomorrow morning,” Phillipe said reluctantly.</p> -<p>It was obvious he had no zest for the adventure.</p> -<p>“Not sooner?”</p> -<p>“No, Senor. Trip very long. Bad to be on trail over -night.”</p> -<p>“To be on the safe side, we’ll take a tent and light -camping equipment,” Mr. Livingston decided. -“Jack, only you and Ken are to go with us. Phillipe, -be ready at dawn, and tell no one where we are -going.”</p> -<p>“Senor Rhodes make trouble if he finds out!” the -miner warned.</p> -<p>“Rhodes needn’t know about this little trip,” Mr. -Livingston answered. “Anyway, he’s in no condition -right now to ask any questions.”</p> -<p>Preparations rapidly went forward for the next -day’s expedition.</p> -<p>“If all goes well, we should be back here by tomorrow -night,” Mr. Livingston told Willie and War. -“Once I’ve learned the location of the lost mine, I’ll -have a leverage over Rhodes. I think then, if he -regains his sense, I can force him to tell me the truth -about Corning.”</p> -<p>“Rhodes is coming around all right,” Willie reported. -“I was up to the cottage a few minutes ago. -He was sitting up in bed, guzzling soup.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_148">148</div> -<p>“The man has the constitution of an ox,” Mr. -Livingston replied. “I’m not worried about him. -He’ll come through in fine shape.”</p> -<p>“We’ll have to work fast while he’s laid up,” asserted -Jack. “Once he begins to regain his strength, -he’ll start tightening up on us.”</p> -<p>That night, Mr. Livingston and the Scouts revisited -the engineer. Very much himself again, he -was in an ugly mood. Not even thanking them for -their efforts in saving his life, he said gruffly:</p> -<p>“My wife tells me you’re packing your stuff. -Leaving?”</p> -<p>“Only for a day,” Mr. Livingston returned.</p> -<p>“You’re not crazy enough to venture out into the -bush in search of your friend?”</p> -<p>“Would that be crazy?” Mr. Livingston countered.</p> -<p>“It sure would! I tell you that if you’ll wait, there -may be a ransom demand.” Sudden suspicion shone -in Rhodes’ dark eyes. “Say, maybe this excursion of -yours doesn’t concern your friend!”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston made no answer. He and the -Scouts already were turning toward the door.</p> -<p>“Just a minute!” the engineer called sharply. With -an effort, he half pulled himself from the bed. “If -you have anything else in mind, I’m warning you to -lay off or it may cost you your lives! I’m ordering -you to stay here in camp!”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston smiled. “First you order us to -leave. Now you order us to stay. Can’t you make up -your mind?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_149">149</div> -<p>“You’re taking advantage of me while I’m flat on -my back!” Rhodes snarled. “Oh, you’re not fooling -me one bit. I may be cooped up here, but I’m not -stupid. I know what you’re about. And I’m giving -you a last warning! Stay in camp, or you’ll regret it!”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston and the Scouts did not hear the -final threat. Leaving the man to his tirade, they -quietly closed the bedroom door and left the -cottage.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_150">150</div> -<h2 id="c18"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 18</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">DISASTER</span></h2> -<p>When the Scout party, led by Phillipe, slipped out -of camp shortly after dawn the next morning, they -saw Rhodes at the cottage window.</p> -<p>He sat in a big chair, wrapped in blankets. Obviously, -he had posted himself there to watch, and -was well aware of their intention.</p> -<p>“We’re not fooling him one bit,” remarked Ken. -“I’ll bet a cent he’ll have one of his men keep track -of us. He’d stop us if he could.”</p> -<p>Once well away from the mining camp, the Scouts -doubled back to the river. The stream, fed by recent -rains higher in the mountains, raced as fast as a mill -stream.</p> -<p>Phillipe guided the party to a log bridge crossing. -There Ken, Jack and Mr. Livingston parted with the -other Scouts.</p> -<p>“Return to camp and wait for us,” the Scout -leader instructed Willie and Warwick. “We’ll make -a fast trip to see what we can discover.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_151">151</div> -<p>“Rhodes probably won’t be able to get out of the -cottage,” Jack added. “But if he does, keep an eye -on him. Especially watch to see if he flashes any -more of those mysterious signals.”</p> -<p>“Sure,” Willie promised. “How long will you be -gone?”</p> -<p>“If all goes well, we should be back in camp by -nightfall. But don’t worry if we’re delayed. The -going will be rough, and the trip may take longer -than we expect.”</p> -<p>Crossing the narrow, log bridge, Phillipe and the -three explorers lost themselves in the dense vegetation. -For hours, they hacked their way through -tough creepers, and at times were compelled to chop -down small saplings.</p> -<p>By noon, as the party rested and ate a cold lunch, -it was difficult for the Scouts to maintain their customary -good cheer. Although accustomed to hard, -outdoor work, the boys suffered from strained -muscles and aching backs.</p> -<p>“We’re making about a mile every two hours,” -Ken calculated gloomily. “Maybe less. Phillipe, are -you sure you’re taking us the right way?”</p> -<p>“This the way,” the miner replied. “Trail very -bad.”</p> -<p>After resting, the Scouts forced themselves to -continue, though they had long ago lost zest for the -adventure.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_152">152</div> -<p>Phillipe seemed to know exactly where he was -headed, yet as the day wore on, the Explorers began -to lose faith that he ever could lead them to the lost -Spanish mine. Then, the little miner seemed to become -less certain. They saw him studying the ridges -with puzzled eyes, and occasionally shaking his head -as if confused.</p> -<p>“Phillipe doesn’t know where he’s going,” Ken -said to Jack as the party made another halt. “The -vegetation has closed in since he saw that mine. -This trip was a mistake.”</p> -<p>Phillipe would not admit confusion. But after -another hour of hard labor had brought them to a -relatively clear area overlooking the river, he had -to admit defeat.</p> -<p>“Very sorry, Senor,” he apologized to Mr. Livingston.</p> -<p>Phillipe’s regret was so genuine that the Scouts -could not believe that he had betrayed them deliberately. -His intentions, undoubtedly, had been -good. Given several days to search, they might find -the lost mine. But in the present circumstance, the -quest must be abandoned.</p> -<p>“Wish we’d followed directions on that map,” -Willie remarked regretfully.</p> -<p>“The result would have been the same,” Mr. -Livingston declared. “I’m sure the markings were altered. -We’ll rest awhile and start back.”</p> -<p>Anxiously, the Scouts noted how fast the sun was -lowering. The return trip, of course, would be much -easier. Even so, it would be nightfall before they -reached the Last Chance mine.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_153">153</div> -<p>After resting for awhile, Jack arose to hack at the -rocks with a pick. Among the fragments were a few -tiny green specks. But there was no fire in them.</p> -<p>“We must be close to the old vein,” he remarked. -“Too bad we can’t camp and try again tomorrow.”</p> -<p>He gazed questioningly at Mr. Livingston. The -Scout leader hesitated, then shook his head.</p> -<p>“I wish we could find that old mine, Jack. But -time is running out on us. We must get back to camp -and devote all our energy to finding Mr. Corning, -if he still is alive.”</p> -<p>“How we going to do it?” Ken asked in despair. -“Rhodes may have the answer, but he won’t help us. -As you pointed out, Hap, it’s hopeless to undertake -a search in this wild country unless one has a definite -clue.”</p> -<p>“The clues, I’m afraid, never will be forthcoming. -Our only one—those flashing signals—aren’t much -to go on.”</p> -<p>“Then what’s the program?” Jack questioned.</p> -<p>“When I get back to camp, we’ll start for the village -to notify the authorities. They may organize a -search, though I haven’t much hope.”</p> -<p>“Rhodes is the key to the whole situation,” Ken -insisted. “If only we could force him to talk—”</p> -<p>“That’s a forlorn hope too, I’m afraid,” the Scout -leader answered. “If we’d found this old mine, we -might have used our knowledge as a leverage. Having -failed, I don’t see what we can do.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_154">154</div> -<p>After hacking awhile at the outcropping of rock, -Jack walked down to the river’s edge. Foam was -back-washing against the boulders and the current -was very swift.</p> -<p>He stood there a moment, fascinated by the speed -of the wild torrent. Intending to rejoin his friends, -he chose a way different from the one he had come. -Soon he regretted it, finding himself in a mat of -dense vegetation.</p> -<p>As he hacked a path, he felt his footing give beneath -him. Unexpectedly, the floor of creepers dissolved.</p> -<p>Down he plunged, uttering a terrified shriek as -he fell!</p> -<p>Jack struck solid earth some distance below. -Stunned by the suddenness of the fall as well as the -impact, he lay for a moment, unable to move.</p> -<p>Then gingerly, he sat up. No bones had been -broken. He felt for his flashlight and was relieved to -discover it intact.</p> -<p>The beam of light disclosed that he had fallen into -a cave-like hole perhaps ten feet below the surface -of the ridge above.</p> -<p>Slowly, Jack pulled himself to an upright position, -discovering that he could stand without stooping. -It was then that he made an exciting discovery.</p> -<p>The ceiling overhead had a distinct curve!</p> -<p>“This looks like part of an old tunnel!” he thought -in elation.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_155">155</div> -<p>Before Jack could investigate further, he heard -a shout from above.</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston peered down through the narrow -opening, calling anxiously:</p> -<p>“Jack, are you hurt?”</p> -<p>“Hardly a scratch,” the Scout replied with a -chuckle. “This is a deep hole though, and I can’t get -out by myself.”</p> -<p>“Stay where you are,” Mr. Livingston directed. -“We’ll get a rope and haul you up.”</p> -<p>“Don’t be in too big a hurry, Hap. I want to look -around a bit while I’m here. It appears to me that -I’ve fallen into a tunnel.”</p> -<p>“A tunnel, Jack? What makes you think so?” The -tone of Mr. Livingston’s voice plainly disclosed that -the information had startled him.</p> -<p>“This is no cave. The walls have been hewn, and -the ceiling is arched.”</p> -<p>“It may be the lost mine!”</p> -<p>“I suspect so,” Jack agreed cheerfully. “While -you’re getting that rope, I’ll see what I can learn.”</p> -<p>Venturing forward, the youth flashed his light -over one of the side walls. Distinctly, he could make -out ancient pick marks.</p> -<p>That the tunnel was an old one he no longer had -the slightest doubt. Mr. Livingston had told him -that the Spaniards, being amateurs at mining, had -used the tunnel method in their quest for emeralds.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_156">156</div> -<p>Focusing his beam ahead of him, he walked until -his way was blocked by earth and debris. Unable -to proceed farther, he returned to find his friends -anxiously lowering a knotted rope through the opening.</p> -<p>“It’s the lost mine!” Jack reported jubilantly. “I’m -sure of it!”</p> -<p>“Bring up a handful of emeralds,” Ken shouted -with a laugh.</p> -<p>“Toss down a pick and I’ll try!”</p> -<p>“There’s no time for exploration,” Mr. Livingston -objected. “We’re mighty lucky to have found the -mine!”</p> -<p>“It may not be the one Corning mapped,” Ken -commented. “It looks like an old Spanish tunnel -though.”</p> -<p>“This mine same one Senor Corning find,” Phillipe -asserted. “Senor Rhodes later on cover vein with -earth and rock to hide it and keep gems safe.”</p> -<p>“That debris certainly looked as if it might have -been piled on deliberately,” Jack informed the group -above. “Lower a pick and I’ll find out.”</p> -<p>Persuaded against his better judgment, Mr. Livingston -lowered the requested tool. Phillipe also -went down by means of the rope.</p> -<p>He and Jack removed some of the loose debris, -exposing a streak of rock, narrow but with a well-defined -green color.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_157">157</div> -<p>“We strike vein,” Phillipe said, resting for a -moment from his labors. “If emeralds form, they big -ones I think.”</p> -<p>On they labored, taking turns with pick and crowbar. -Above, Mr. Livingston and Ken warned them -that the day fast was waning.</p> -<p>“We’ve found the mine and that’s the important -thing.” the Scout leader called down impatiently. -“We’ll mark it well, and hope we can return. Now -we must leave or we’ll never reach camp tonight.”</p> -<p>Deep in the earth, Jack and Phillipe scarcely -heard. In a fever of excitement, they sensed that -they were on the verge of a great discovery.</p> -<p>Phillipe struck again with his bar, using infinite -skill. The sharp point split the rock neatly, exposing -a section of dark green beryl. Embedded in it were -several large, well-formed emeralds.</p> -<p>Phillipe sucked in his breath. “Senor,” he murmured, -“Great wealth is here! A fortune!”</p> -<p>Jack scooped out the emeralds, examining them -in the beam of the flashlight. All were perfect gems, -dark green, with a deep smoldering fire.</p> -<p>“Senor, you hold great riches in your hand,” Phillipe -whispered.</p> -<p>“Appleby Corning’s ransom perhaps.” Hypnotized -by the warm glow of the gems, Jack turned them -over and over in his palm.</p> -<p>He was brought from his reverie by an echoing -shout from above.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_158">158</div> -<p>“Jack!” It was Mr. Livingston who called. “Get up -here! It’s late.”</p> -<p>“Coming,” Jack replied.</p> -<p>Swiftly he and Phillipe recovered the vein with -earth and by means of the rope climbed out of the -tunnel.</p> -<p>“Gosh, do you realize how late it is?” Ken greeted -them.</p> -<p>“Does it matter?” Jack asked, still in a land of -enchantment. “We found the mine, didn’t we? And -look at this!” He flashed the handful of emeralds.</p> -<p>In awe, the others examined the treasure.</p> -<p>“They’re first quality gems, or I’m no judge,” Mr. -Livingston asserted. “No wonder Rhodes wants to -reestablish himself here.”</p> -<p>“You think he knows the value of the vein?” Jack -asked.</p> -<p>“He must. I believe it was because of this vein -that he went to so much trouble to set himself up -in Corning’s place. He’s kept the knowledge from -the miners and probably from company officials, -hoping to profit personally!”</p> -<p>“We’ll spike his little game,” Jack chuckled.</p> -<p>“We may,” Mr. Livingston nodded. “The important -thing now is to get back to camp.”</p> -<p>“Fast,” Ken added, with an uneasy glance at the -lowering sun. “We can’t possibly make it by dark -now.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_159">159</div> -<p>Before starting back, the Scouts carefully disguised -the hole through which Jack had fallen, -marking the locality. The work completed, they -shouldered their packs and started off at a fast pace.</p> -<p>Though the return trip was much easier, darkness -soon overtook them. Doggedly they followed the -stream which rushed over the rocks in a foaming, -angry torrent.</p> -<p>Unwilling to waste even a moment, the party did -not pause to prepare supper. Aching in every -muscle, the Scouts nevertheless kept moving.</p> -<p>“Shouldn’t we be coming to the log bridge?” Ken -complained after a while.</p> -<p>“Seems like it,” Jack said, halting to shift his pack. -“Around this next bend, I think.”</p> -<p>Realization that the long trek was nearing its end -gave the four renewed strength. On they went -through the darkness. The night air was cold and -very still, and the only sound that of the rushing -torrent.</p> -<p>Phillipe, who was a little ahead of the other three, -abruptly halted. He uttered a grunt of surprise and -dismay.</p> -<p>“What’s wrong?” Mr. Livingston demanded.</p> -<p>Receiving no answer, he and the Scouts pressed -quickly on.</p> -<p>They came upon Phillipe standing on the rocks, -staring at the racing stream. For a moment, they -could not comprehend the reason for his dead -silence.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_160">160</div> -<p>“Say, isn’t this the place where we crossed this -morning?” Jack finally asked, noting several vaguely -familiar landmarks.</p> -<p>Phillipe inclined his head. “Same place.”</p> -<p>“But it can’t be!” burst out Ken. “There’s no -bridge!”</p> -<p>“Bridge gone. Swept away.”</p> -<p>No one spoke as the full import of Phillipe’s words -soaked in.</p> -<p>“Gone,” Jack finally echoed in a faint voice. “That -means—”</p> -<p>“We stay here,” Phillipe said, sinking wearily -down on a flat rock. “There is no other bridge—no -way to cross.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_161">161</div> -<h2 id="c19"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 19</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">A RACING STREAM</span></h2> -<p>The situation, though alarming, did not dismay -Mr. Livingston or the two Scouts. Knowing that the -washed-out log bridge was not far from the mining -camp, they reasoned that Willie and War soon -would become aware of their plight.</p> -<p>“We’re stranded here for awhile, that’s certain,” -Mr. Livingston commented, staring at the foaming -waters. “It won’t be easy to build another bridge -across that span.”</p> -<p>“Assuming that Rhodes will assign his men to the -task,” added Ken gloomily. “He’ll probably be -tickled pink that we’re bottled up here.”</p> -<p>“Queer that bridge went out just when it did,” -muttered Jack. “It seemed sturdy and secure early -this morning when we passed over. Guess the current -must be even stronger than we figured.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_162">162</div> -<p>For an hour, the Scouts took turns flashing signals -with their lights. The distant mining camp was completely -blocked from view by trees and rocks. They -had little hope that the flashes would be seen, but -did think that War and Willie, alarmed by their -long absence, might venture toward the river to -investigate.</p> -<p>“We’re bushed,” Mr. Livingston declared, after -the effort to attract attention had proved futile. -“Let’s try to sleep. In the morning, we can find a -way to get help or to rescue ourselves.”</p> -<p>Following Phillipe’s example, Ken and Jack -sought shelter. The night was bitterly cold. Nevertheless, -in their thickly lined sleeping bags, they -spent fairly comfortable hours.</p> -<p>When they awakened at dawn, Mr. Livingston -had the fire built, and was preparing a hot breakfast.</p> -<p>Stretching their cramped limbs, Jack and Ken -went down to the river to wash.</p> -<p>As they bent down to dash the icy water on their -faces, the torrent rushed past, foaming and hissing.</p> -<p>“This stream is plenty swift,” Ken remarked. “Too -deep to wade across, and a fellow couldn’t hope to -swim it, either.”</p> -<p>“Rapids and whirlpools below here,” Jack reminded -him. “Rhodes told me that. He probably was -telling the truth too.”</p> -<p>“It’s darn funny War and Willie don’t take any -interest in what became of us,” Ken went on, scanning -the rugged shoreline. “Wouldn’t you think -they’d see the smoke from our fire?”</p> -<p>“Probably not up yet,” Jack rejoined with forced -cheer. “You know how War is—with no one to pull -him out of bed, he’d sleep until noon.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_163">163</div> -<p>“Even so, he and Willie must have realized that -something went wrong with our plans. Common -sense would tell ’em we’re in trouble.”</p> -<p>“Maybe not, Ken. You remember, Mr. Livingston -told them we might be gone over night.”</p> -<p>“What bothers me, is how are they going to help -us even after they discover our situation? One can’t -build a bridge in five minutes.”</p> -<p>“We’ll have to risk a raft probably.”</p> -<p>“And maybe be swept down into the whirlpool. -No thanks!”</p> -<p>The two Explorers rejoined Mr. Livingston and -Phillipe, who were dishing up breakfast. The meal -revived everyone’s spirits.</p> -<p>“What’s the plan?” Jack questioned the Scout -leader.</p> -<p>“We’ll send up some smoke signals,” Mr. Livingston -advised. “That should draw attention to our -plight.”</p> -<p>The morning was clear and windless. Knowing -that a column of smoke would rise high, the Scouts -were hopeful that despite the rim of mountain -peaks, it would be visible at the mining camp.</p> -<p>“War and Willie will soon know we’re in trouble,” -Ken asserted, starting to gather an armful of dry -twigs.</p> -<p>Jack already was accumulating a pile of green -leaves and had dampened a blanket at the stream.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_164">164</div> -<p>With everything in readiness, the group built up -their fire and when it was burning briskly, threw on -the leaves. A heavy column of smoke arose.</p> -<p>After a moment, Jack and Ken interrupted the -smoke by means of the blanket. Over and over they -flashed a distress signal.</p> -<p>“We should be getting a reply soon now,” Jack -asserted, anxiously scanning the sky in the direction -of the mining camp.</p> -<p>For fifteen minutes, the Scouts kept up the signals. -Then, as the smoke column faded away, they -continued to watch for a response. None came.</p> -<p>“Our signals must have been seen at the camp,” -Mr. Livingston declared. “I can’t understand it. -What’s happened to War and Willie?”</p> -<p>More disturbed than at any time since they had -found themselves stranded, the Scout leader went -down to the stream’s edge. He studied the swift -current and then directed attention to the spot -where the log bridge had washed out. Only a few -broken wires remained. These he carefully examined.</p> -<p>“This bridge didn’t wash out,” he told Jack, who -had followed him over the slippery rocks.</p> -<p>“It was weakened deliberately?”</p> -<p>“Looks that way, Jack.” Mr. Livingston showed -him where the wires had been snipped with a cutter.</p> -<p>“Rhodes?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_165">165</div> -<p>“I’d guess so. He may be on his feet by this time, -or he could have ordered his men to let the bridge -go.”</p> -<p>“Willie and War wouldn’t have stood for that.”</p> -<p>“Not if they could have prevented it. But they -haven’t answered our smoke signals. I’m afraid they -may be in trouble too.”</p> -<p>“It might suit Rhodes very well to have us -stranded on this side of the river.”</p> -<p>“We know he didn’t swallow our story about looking -for Appleby Corning,” Mr. Livingston nodded. -“He must have suspected we were searching for the -old mine. Now he intends to keep us stranded until -he and his wife can get away.”</p> -<p>“We’re stranded, all right,” Jack muttered, staring -at the boiling waters. “No big trees close by, even -if we could fell one and cross on its trunk.”</p> -<p>“We can’t stay here much longer,” Mr. Livingston -said. “Willie and War may need us as much as we -need them. We’ve got to get back to camp!”</p> -<p>“A raft?”</p> -<p>“It’s our best bet, I think. We’re all good swimmers, -with exception of Phillipe. The current is -swift, but I think we can make it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_166">166</div> -<p>The Scouts set to work, pegging out a rounded -shape, somewhat smaller than a waterproof tarp included -in their equipment. This accomplished, they -used dry twigs and small pieces of wood to fill in -between the pegs, and lashed it all firmly together -with stout twine.</p> -<p>Next, they built a floor of webbed sticks and then -removed the pegs. Finally the bundle was slid onto -the waterproof tarp which was lashed securely in -place around the circle. As the last step, they attached -a long rope.</p> -<p>“Not a bad little raft,” Jack declared, surveying -the finished job. “She should carry one of us at a -time without trouble.”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston offered to go first, but the others -would not have it so. Jack insisted that he was the -strongest swimmer, and after some argument, the -Scout leader reluctantly agreed that he might make -the initial trip. Phillipe, meanwhile, had hacked out -a crude paddle.</p> -<p>With Ken and Mr. Livingston holding an end of -the rope, Jack settled himself firmly on the circular -tarp raft, and shoved off.</p> -<p>The fast current caught the craft, whirling it. For -a minute, Jack was afraid he was going under. Icy -water splashed over his legs. The awkward craft -twisted and turned in the grasp of the racing stream.</p> -<p>Paddling desperately, he regained control. Without -disaster, he reached the opposite shore, though -some distance down stream. Ken, Phillipe and Mr. -Livingston promptly pulled the raft back to their -side of the shore. The Scout leader next made the -trip across, followed by Ken.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_167">167</div> -<p>Phillipe, desperately afraid of the racing water, -had to be coaxed before he too attempted the -stream.</p> -<p>All went well until the miner was close to shore. -Then unexpectedly, the make-shift paddle snapped, -leaving him with a useless stub of wood.</p> -<p>A gasp of horror escaped his lips as the current -viciously seized the little craft.</p> -<p>“Throw the rope!” shouted Jack, running along -the jagged rocks at the stream’s edge.</p> -<p>Paralyzed with fear, Phillipe sat frozen. He fancied -he could hear the roar of rapids below and was -certain he would be swept to his doom.</p> -<p>“Throw the rope!” Jack yelled again. “Quick!”</p> -<p>Recovering from paralysis, Phillipe suddenly -hurled the free end toward shore. His throw was -powerful. To the relief of the Scouts, the rope fell -on the rocks, and they were able to seize it. Fighting -the current, they slowly pulled the raft to safety.</p> -<p>Dripping wet and shivering from terror, Phillipe -stumbled out onto shore.</p> -<p>“<i>Gracias Senors</i>,” he mumbled, collapsing in a -shivering heap. “You save my life!”</p> -<p>“We may have saved you a wild ride down the -canyon,” Jack conceded as he salvaged the water-soaked -tarp. “This rope is badly frayed. A few more -hard jerks against the sharp rocks and it would have -been cut in half.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_168">168</div> -<p>After wringing out their damp clothes, the Scouts -started for the mining camp. Passing the locked, -deserted office, they went on to the tent area.</p> -<p>“No fire,” Ken observed from a distance. “No one -around, either.”</p> -<p>Slightly in advance of the others, he went quickly -to the tent occupied by Willie and War. Everything -was in order. But no one was there.</p> -<p>Meanwhile, Jack and Mr. Livingston had been -looking around outside. The fire, they noted in -alarm, had been dead many hours.</p> -<p>“Where are they?” Jack demanded. “What’s happened -to War and Willie?”</p> -<p>“Rhodes must know!” Mr. Livingston asserted, his -voice grim. “Come on fellows! We’re going to have -a show-down with him right now!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_169">169</div> -<h2 id="c20"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 20</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE MISSING SCOUTS</span></h2> -<p>The Scouts found the mining engineer at the -cottage, breakfasting with his wife. Though somewhat -pale, Rhodes looked much better, and was -able to be about. His right arm remained in a splint, -but he managed his coffee cup fairly well with his -left one.</p> -<p>As the three came to the screen door, the engineer’s -first look of shocked surprise revealed very -plainly that he had not expected their return so soon.</p> -<p>Quickly recovering, however, he invited them in. -“Have some coffee?” he offered with more cordiality -than usual.</p> -<p>“No, thanks,” Mr. Livingston spoke shortly. -“We’re here to learn what became of War and -Willie.”</p> -<p>“Don’t ask me,” the engineer shrugged. “I haven’t -seen them since they left camp last night.”</p> -<p>“They didn’t start for Bogota?”</p> -<p>“I wouldn’t know.”</p> -<p>“It’s not like them to start off anywhere without -leaving word. Which way did they go?”</p> -<p>“Down the valley.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_170">170</div> -<p>“Then they couldn’t have gone off in search of -us,” Ken replied. The remark slipped out before he -considered how it would be taken.</p> -<p>Rhodes regarded him steadily as he reached for -another muffin.</p> -<p>“So you didn’t go off in quest of your friend, -Corning after all?” the engineer inquired in a soft, -faintly amused tone.</p> -<p>“You know very well where we went!” Jack accused, -losing his temper. “You thought you’d arrange -things too so we wouldn’t get back until it -suited your convenience!”</p> -<p>“I don’t know what you’re talking about, young -man. Suppose you explain.”</p> -<p>“Gladly. You weakened the log bridge so it -washed out, leaving us stranded on the other side -of the river!”</p> -<p>“And what were you doing over there?” the engineer -questioned insolently. “Searching for your -friend Corning, I suppose?”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston had seated himself at the breakfast -table, opposite Rhodes and his wife.</p> -<p>“We’re not trying to hide anything,” he informed -the engineer quietly. “Frankly, we were trying to -find the old Spanish emerald mine that Corning -came upon some months ago.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_171">171</div> -<p>Rhodes laughed unpleasantly. “I suspected as -much,” he said. “Every greenhorn that comes to -Colombia falls for those romantic tales about lost -mines. Corning was as big a sucker as anyone. But -he never found the mine.”</p> -<p>“You’re sure?” Mr. Livingston questioned.</p> -<p>“Of course, I am. He fell heir to an old map when -he took over here. But it was worthless. If the -Spaniards ever mined in this area, the emeralds are -pretty well gone, except in this pit we’re working -now. Any day it will play out. Then the mine is -finished and should be closed.”</p> -<p>“What do you say to this?” Carelessly, Mr. Livingston -dropped a large emerald on the table.</p> -<p>Both Rhodes and his wife gasped as they saw the -handsome green stone. In the morning sunlight, it -burned with a rich fire and appeared flawless.</p> -<p>Carefully, the engineer examined the gem. For a -long moment, he did not speak.</p> -<p>“Well?” the Scout leader prompted.</p> -<p>“So you found the old mine after all?” Rhodes -returned, his eyes glittering. “Or shall we say you -were guided there? You never could have come -upon it by your own efforts.”</p> -<p>“At any rate, we have discovered the mine—apparently, -a rich one. The Last Chance should take -on new life now.”</p> -<p>“That remains to be seen. One emerald doesn’t -make a mine, you know. I’ll send this sample to -Bogota to be assayed. Meanwhile, I’ll put the men -over there, opening up a new pit.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_172">172</div> -<p>Ken and Jack were rather dismayed at Rhodes’ -proposal that he keep the emerald. To their surprise, -Mr. Livingston appeared to fall in with the suggestion.</p> -<p>“How soon can the emerald be taken to the -Bogota office?” he inquired.</p> -<p>“My wife had planned to return there today or -tomorrow. She can take the gem.”</p> -<p>“You’re not afraid to have her travel alone with a -valuable stone? She might meet Carlos.”</p> -<p>“I have no fear of him,” Mrs. Rhodes spoke up -quickly. “Anyway, I have a means of carrying the -gem—”</p> -<p>“You’ll start early tomorrow,” her husband interrupted, -deliberately cutting her off.</p> -<p>“I’ll have one of my boys go along,” Mr. Livingston -said, off hand. “Corning’s disappearance must -be reported to the authorities.”</p> -<p>“My wife can take care of it.”</p> -<p>“I’d prefer to have a Scout along. Besides, your -wife should have someone with her on the trail.”</p> -<p>Rhodes started to protest, then seemed to think -better of it. “Suit yourself,” he shrugged.</p> -<p>“About Willie and War,” the Scout leader resumed. -“You’ll send out a searching party?”</p> -<p>“No, I can’t!” Rhodes snapped. “We’re running -a mine—not a kindergarten. I didn’t ask you and -your party to come here! You’ve interfered with -operations!”</p> -<p>“We did discover the old mine, don’t forget.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_173">173</div> -<p>“Oh, that! You didn’t make such an important -discovery. I’ve always known—”</p> -<p>“You’ve known the location for some little time?” -Mr. Livingston quietly supplied. “Perhaps that was -why you were so eager to get back here again as -engineer?”</p> -<p>“No such thing!” Rhodes denied. “Now get out of -here, will you? Let me finish my breakfast in peace!”</p> -<p>“Sorry to have disturbed you,” Mr. Livingston -returned. “Good morning.”</p> -<p>He and the two Scouts left the cottage. Once they -were well beyond hearing, Jack and Ken anxiously -questioned their leader as to his plan of procedure.</p> -<p>“Don’t you think it may have been a mistake to -let Rhodes have that emerald?” Ken demanded. “It -must have high value.”</p> -<p>“Whatever its worth, Ken, the gem belongs to the -mining company.”</p> -<p>“Sure, but will Mrs. Rhodes turn it over to agents -in Bogota or Cartagena?”</p> -<p>“That’s one thing I want to learn, Ken. I have a -hunch Rhodes doesn’t want to reveal to company -officials that the old mine has been located. If his -wife delivers the emerald, it will be a dead give-away -because any expert will know immediately that -the gem didn’t come from the Last Chance.”</p> -<p>“And if she fails to turn it in?” Jack suggested.</p> -<p>“That would be enough to arouse company officials.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_174">174</div> -<p>“So you’re figuring Rhodes and his wife may be -forced to show their hand one way or the other?”</p> -<p>“I have a hunch Rhodes is trying to bleed this -mine for his own benefit,” the Scout leader replied. -“His decision to open a pit at the new mine before -the sample is assayed, convinces me of that. He figures -on working the vein fast, and getting out with -what he can before the company clamps down on -him.”</p> -<p>“And before Corning is found, either dead or -alive,” supplied Ken.</p> -<p>“That’s the way I see it,” Mr. Livingston nodded. -“Unless Willie or War can be found in the next few -hours, you must go to Bogota with Mrs. Rhodes, -Jack. See that she turns the emerald over to company -officials. Report Corning’s disappearance, and -that Willie and War are missing.”</p> -<p>“I’ll send the authorities.”</p> -<p>“That may take some doing, Jack. I’ve been told -they maintain a hands-off policy with respect to this -mine. There’s one thing you can do. When you reach -Bogota, rent a plane and fly back here.”</p> -<p>“Fly? There’s no possible landing place.”</p> -<p>“True. You’re to survey the area, especially Emerald -Valley in the locality where we saw those flashing -signals. See if you can spot anything remotely -resembling a bandit hide-out.”</p> -<p>“From the air that might be done! If I see anything -suspicious, I’ll drop a message!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_175">175</div> -<p>“I hate to spare you for the trip, Jack,” Mr. Livingston -went on anxiously. “But there’s no other way -unless we get a trace of Willie and War.”</p> -<p>In an attempt to gather some information about -the missing pair, the Scouts talked to several of the -miners. They were able to confirm that Willie and -War had left camp the previous night, starting down -trail with only light equipment.</p> -<p>“Something important must have come up,” Ken -said. “But it’s mighty queer they left no word.”</p> -<p>With Mr. Livingston, the Scouts searched the -camp thoroughly without finding even a clue as to -the strange disappearance. Nor could the missing -boys be sighted through field glasses. Ken was in -favor of seeking them afoot, but the trail had not -been marked. If Willie and War had left the main -path to wander in the bush, they might be hopelessly -lost.</p> -<p>“I’m depending upon their good common sense,” -Mr. Livingston asserted. “They know the dangers. -If we wait a few hours, I think they may come dragging -in under their own steam.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_176">176</div> -<p>As the morning wore on, the Scouts fretted at delay, -yet acknowledged that hasty action would accomplish -nothing. Rhodes, meanwhile, spurred by -their discovery of the old Spanish mine, had put -men to work rebuilding the washed out bridge. -Watching the engineer direct the laborers, the -Scouts lost some of their conviction that he previously -had weakened the structure.</p> -<p>“Maybe that bridge did go out by itself,” Jack -remarked to Ken.</p> -<p>“Don’t you believe it! He’s putting on a show for -our benefit. Anyway, he’s anxious to dig emeralds in -a new pit now that he knows we’ve uncovered the -vein.”</p> -<p>After watching the bridge building for awhile, the -two Scouts rejoined their leader. Mr. Livingston had -just returned from down-trail where he unsuccessfully -had sought clues with respect to the disappearance -of their chums.</p> -<p>“No signs anywhere along the path,” he reported -in discouragement. “Apparently, when they left, -they were confident they could get back without any -trouble.”</p> -<p>Uncertain what to do, the Scouts kept close watch -of the trail as the morning wore on. They were discussing -the possibility of a mule-back search, when -Jack suddenly cried:</p> -<p>“Say, I think they’re coming now!” Excitedly, he -pointed down through the dense trees hemming -much of the winding trail.</p> -<p>The three watchers glued their eyes on a visible -stretch of path some distance below. Before Mr. -Livingston could adjust his field glasses, the two -missing Scouts were sighted trudging wearily around -a bend.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_177">177</div> -<p>“It’s War and Willie all right!” Jack shouted in -relief. “Safe and sound too! Who do they think they -are, anyhow, scaring the living daylights out of us? -I’ll give ’em a piece of my mind!”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston smiled, but shook his head. “Don’t -be too hasty,” he advised as the three started down -the trail to meet the truants. “Unless I’m mistaken, -War and Willie probably had a good reason for taking -off from camp. Let’s give ’em a chance to explain.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_178">178</div> -<h2 id="c21"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 21</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">A MISSION</span></h2> -<p>Spent from the long, hard climb up the steep trail, -War and Willie nevertheless greeted the other -Scouts with good humor.</p> -<p>“Where you fellows been?” Ken demanded as the -party retired to the shelter of the tents. “We thought -you were lost on the mountain.”</p> -<p>“You don’t think we’d be that dumb?” War -scoffed, flinging himself down near the fire which -Jack had rekindled.</p> -<p>“As a matter of truth, we were lost for a little -while,” Willie admitted with a laugh. “We went exploring.”</p> -<p>“That was a very risky thing to do in this country,” -Mr. Livingston chided. “You shouldn’t have left -camp.”</p> -<p>“Sure, we know that now,” War agreed. “But we -had to find out the hard way.”</p> -<p>“What happened after we left?” Ken questioned -impatiently. “You started off in search of us—or -were you hoping to find Mr. Corning?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_179">179</div> -<p>“It was like this,” War said, stirring the fire with -a stick. “Last night, shortly after dusk, we saw those -signals again.”</p> -<p>“The light flashes?” Jack asked.</p> -<p>“Yeah,” War nodded, “only the signals didn’t -come from this camp. They were being flashed from -half way down to the valley floor.”</p> -<p>“It didn’t look more than a mile or so away,” Willie -added.</p> -<p>“Then what?” prompted Mr. Livingston.</p> -<p>“Well, we watched ’em for a minute or two. Someone -down below kept sending three long flashes.”</p> -<p>“Any answer from this camp?” Jack asked.</p> -<p>“None,” Willie told him. “We figured that with -Rhodes confined in the cottage, there wouldn’t be -any.”</p> -<p>“He didn’t catch the flashes?” Mr. Livingston inquired.</p> -<p>“Apparently, not. At any rate, he didn’t leave the -cottage,” Willie replied. “Probably wasn’t feeling up -to it.”</p> -<p>“So you decided to investigate?”</p> -<p>“Well, it looked like a perfect opportunity,” Willie -confessed sheepishly. “It proved to be a mistake.”</p> -<p>“What happened?” Mr. Livingston questioned.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_180">180</div> -<p>War took up the story. “Not very much, Hap,” he -admitted. “We took careful note of those flashes and -started off down the trail. After awhile, the fellow -who was signaling, gave up. We had nothing to -guide us. We thought we had a good idea where the -signals originated, but at night the forest all looks -pretty much the same.”</p> -<p>“You got lost?” Jack demanded.</p> -<p>“Not exactly.”</p> -<p>“What d’you mean, not exactly?”</p> -<p>“Well,” War grinned, “we did come upon a path -that led off into the forest from the main trail. We -decided to follow it.”</p> -<p>“Where did it take you?” Ken interposed. “To the -middle of nowhere?”</p> -<p>“Something like that,” War acknowledged. “It -just kept on and on, and after awhile, we decided -we’d have to turn back.”</p> -<p>“You’d marked you way, I take it?” Mr. Livingston -asked.</p> -<p>“Well, in a fashion,” War answered, avoiding the -Scout leader’s direct gaze. “We figured we couldn’t -go astray following a regular path. But somehow in -the semi-darkness, we slipped up and got off the -darn thing. Getting back was what took so long.”</p> -<p>“We had to wait until dawn,” Willie confessed. -“Once it was daylight, we figured things out, and -were able to retrace our way.”</p> -<p>“At least you used your head on that point,” Mr. -Livingston said. “Your excursion, I take it, netted no -real information.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_181">181</div> -<p>“Not a scrap,” War acknowledged ruefully. “We’re -almost certain though, that that path we started to -follow must lead to either a village or to the bandit -hide-out.”</p> -<p>“You’re probably right,” the Scout leader nodded. -“It confirms my own opinion that we can do nothing -without definite information and assistance from the -authorities.”</p> -<p>He then told Willie and War what had happened -during their absence from camp.</p> -<p>“Mrs. Rhodes leaves tomorrow for Bogota with -the sample emerald to be assayed,” he added. “Willie, -if you and War are up to it, I’d like you both to -go along.”</p> -<p>“We’ll be okay after a few hours sleep,” Willie replied -at once. “What’s the plan?”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston outlined the proposal he previously -had made to Jack. The two Scouts were to accompany -Mrs. Rhodes, and without arousing her -suspicion, make certain that she delivered the emerald -to company officials. Once the mission was -accomplished, they were to charter a plane and fly -back over the area in an attempt to locate the bandit -hide-out.</p> -<p>“With a plane, you should be able to scout the entire -area in a matter of hours,” Mr. Livingston declared. -“By mule or afoot it would be a hopeless -task.”</p> -<p>“Once we’ve surveyed the area, then what?” War -asked.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_182">182</div> -<p>“You can’t land here. Your job done, you’re to -drop a message and return to the nearest landing -field. Bogota probably. If your information warrants -it, try to get authorities to organize a search -party.”</p> -<p>“You believe Mr. Corning still is alive?” Willie -asked quickly.</p> -<p>“I do. Until we have proof otherwise, I’ll assume -he is being held captive.”</p> -<p>“When do we start?” War asked with a drowsy -yawn.</p> -<p>“Soon after dawn tomorrow. Get some sleep now. -You’ll need it.”</p> -<p>Willie and War promptly turned in and fell at -once into heavy slumber. When they awakened in -late afternoon, Jack was preparing a hearty supper -over the camp fire.</p> -<p>“What’s new?” Willie asked, ambling over. “I feel -like Rip Van Winkle—all out of touch.”</p> -<p>“Nothing very exciting,” Jack reported. “Rhodes -finished getting up the bridge. Late this afternoon, -the miners started digging at the tunnel across the -river. Our orders are to stay in camp.”</p> -<p>“He doesn’t want you to see what’s going on!”</p> -<p>“That’s the size of it,” Jack nodded, squatting by -the fire. “He pretended it was all news to him, our -finding that old vein. But he sort of let it slip later -that he’d uncovered it himself, probably by using -Corning’s map.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_183">183</div> -<p>“Which he cunningly redrew, to keep others from -learning the exact location,” Ken contributed. “Now -that we’ve tumbled to his secret, he’s decided to dig -emeralds as fast as he can!”</p> -<p>“Has he found many at the new site?”</p> -<p>“He claims not,” Jack said, “but that’s only his -story. We know the emeralds are there.”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston joined the Scouts at the fire. -“Rhodes, I suspect, intends to clean up what he can -for himself, and pull out,” he remarked. “So far as I -know, the company isn’t even aware that he’s seized -control here.”</p> -<p>“In that case, we ought to put a little crimp in his -plans,” Willie muttered.</p> -<p>“That’s where you and War fit into the picture,” -the Scout leader nodded. “When you get to Bogota, -talk to company officials. We have no proof of -Rhodes’ treachery, so you’ll have to be careful. Use -your best judgment, and don’t let Mrs. Rhodes -catch on.”</p> -<p>“It’s quite a responsibility,” War said anxiously.</p> -<p>“You’ll do all right,” Mr. Livingston assured him. -“Just don’t tip your hand too soon, because Mrs. -Rhodes and Ferd Baronni probably are working together.”</p> -<p>“The rest of you intend to stay here and keep -watch of Rhodes?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_184">184</div> -<p>“Yes, I have a hunch he’ll over-play himself before -long,” the Scout leader declared. Taking a roll -of bills from his leather fold, he gave them to War. -“You’ll need this,” he said. “But use it carefully.”</p> -<p>“I sure hope we don’t run into Carlos on the trail,” -War replied, placing the money in a belt at his -waist. “That boy has taking ways! I’d hate to be -robbed.”</p> -<p>“It’s a risk that must be taken,” Mr. Livingston -said. “Mrs. Rhodes will be carrying the emerald—and -that might be quite an attraction. Just be cautious.”</p> -<p>“We will,” War promised soberly. “All the same, -I’d feel better if the rest of you were going along.”</p> -<p>The Scouts ate the tasty supper Jack had prepared. -After the camp work had been done, they -wandered down to the river to inspect the new -bridge. On the way back, as a gesture of courtesy, -they stopped briefly at the cottage to discuss the -next morning’s departure with Rhodes.</p> -<p>“My wife will be ready by seven o’clock,” the engineer -curtly informed them. “You’ll all be leaving, -I assume?”</p> -<p>“No, only War and Willie,” Mr. Livingston told -him. “The rest of us are sticking around for a few -days.”</p> -<p>Rhodes made no attempt to hide his displeasure. -“You can do nothing here,” he said shortly. “I’ve told -you, if a ransom demand is made, I’ll refer it to the -company.”</p> -<p>“We’ll feel better by staying.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_185">185</div> -<p>“Suit yourself,” Rhodes gave in. “It’s useless -though.”</p> -<p>Back in the Scout camp once more, the Explorers -began to get ready for bed. War and Willie made a -last check of their belongings to be certain that -everything was in readiness for the early morning -departure.</p> -<p>By nine o’clock, everyone had turned in for the -night. Jack, however, could not get to sleep. He -rolled and tossed, and finally arose and dressed.</p> -<p>Standing with his back to the tent, he studied the -sky. The night was cold but clear. Stars winked -overhead and a sliver of moon was rising above the -jagged mountain peaks.</p> -<p>Tossing wood on the fire, he ambled down the -path. The miner’s huts were dark. In fact, the only -glow of light came from the engineer’s office.</p> -<p>Turning in that direction, Jack approached the -building from the rear. A shade had been pulled -down, blocking the office window, but it gaped a -full inch at the bottom.</p> -<p>Jack glimpsed Rhodes and his wife inside the -inner office. Rhodes had opened the heavy door of -the big safe. As the Scout watched, he removed a -cardboard box.</p> -<p>No word was exchanged by the engineer and his -wife. Rhodes rolled the contents of the box out on -the table—a collection of emeralds so large that it -snatched Jack’s breath.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_186">186</div> -<p>“There’s enough wealth here to give us a new start -in the States,” he heard the engineer say. “I hadn’t -intended to open the new vein until I was certain -Corning was safely out of the way. But with those -Scouts poking their noses in, I couldn’t afford to -risk delay. I’m depending upon you to get these -gems safely out, my dear. I’ll follow within a few -days.”</p> -<p>“Those Scouts may suspect—”</p> -<p>“They can’t prove anything without Corning, and -they’ll never find him.”</p> -<p>“How about the two that are accompanying me?” -Mrs. Rhodes asked anxiously. “If they learn about -these gems—”</p> -<p>“Don’t worry about those lads, my dear. They -have no reason to believe that you’re carrying more -than the one sample to be assayed. Handle the -others in the usual way, and no one will suspect.”</p> -<p>“Carlos?”</p> -<p>“Give him no thought, my dear. He will not -trouble you on the trail. I will see to that.”</p> -<p>“I don’t trust him,” Mrs. Rhodes answered. “He -will betray you—”</p> -<p>“Will you stop worrying?” her husband cut in -impatiently. “Let me handle this end of it. Your job -is to get those gems through safely.”</p> -<p>Rhodes replaced the empty cardboard box in the -safe. He blew out the light and the couple started -to leave together.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_187">187</div> -<p>Jack, fearful of being seen, quickly moved back -behind the rear building wall. His heart pounded -with excitement! He had seen and heard enough to -convince him that distrust of the engineer was well -founded!</p> -<p>Obviously, Rhodes was scheming to defraud the -mining company officials. Furthermore, his conversation -with his wife indicated that he was in close -touch with Carlos, the bandit!</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_188">188</div> -<h2 id="c22"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 22</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">ORDERS FROM BOGOTA</span></h2> -<p>From his hiding place, Jack watched Rhodes and -his wife walk to the cottage. Taking leave of Mrs. -Rhodes at the doorstep, the engineer went directly -to a supply shed nearby.</p> -<p>Presently he emerged with an unlighted lantern.</p> -<p>Jack’s curiosity was aroused. When Rhodes took -the trail leading away from the mining camp, he -followed at a safe distance.</p> -<p>The engineer did not go far. Leaving the well-defined -path, he made his way to a projecting, flat -rock which gave a clear view of the valley below.</p> -<p>Jack guessed that the man intended to signal, and -he was right.</p> -<p>Rhodes lighted the lantern. Uneasily, the engineer -glanced about. No sound had given warning that -Jack crouched behind the bushes, yet the man -seemed to sense that he was not alone. However, -after carefully surveying the area close by, he -slowly began to move the lighted lantern back and -forth.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_189">189</div> -<p>After awhile, he set it down on a rock and waited. -From his hiding place, Jack could not see below the -ridge. He knew, however, from Rhodes’ reaction, -that no answering signal had been received.</p> -<p>After perhaps ten minutes, the engineer repeated -the lantern signals. Again he failed to obtain answering -flashes.</p> -<p>After another long wait, the man tried a third -time. The valley below remained dark.</p> -<p>“Stupid fool!” Rhodes muttered, losing patience. -“Doesn’t he see my signal? Or has something gone -wrong?”</p> -<p>Angrily, the engineer extinguished the lantern -and left the high rock. Jack saw him retrace his way -to the cottage. A moment later, the light went out, -telling him that Rhodes had gone to bed.</p> -<p>Satisfied that he could learn no more by remaining -abroad, Jack ambled back to camp. To his surprise, -he found Mr. Livingston up and dressed.</p> -<p>“Oh, here you are!” the Scout leader greeted him -in relief. “I discovered you were gone, and I was -worried. What’s wrong?”</p> -<p>“Couldn’t sleep,” Jack explained. “Lucky too, I -guess, because while I was prowling around, I -picked up some useful information.”</p> -<p>He then related to Mr. Livingston the entire conversation -he had overheard between Rhodes and -his wife.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_190">190</div> -<p>“That confirms what we have suspected,” the -Scout leader nodded. “Rhodes must know what became -of Corning! That raid Carlos pulled off probably -was a phony!”</p> -<p>“Then you think Rhodes arranged it? He hired -Carlos to get rid of your friend?”</p> -<p>“If he didn’t, Jack, at least he’s making no honest -effort to ransom Corning.”</p> -<p>“Corning may not be alive.”</p> -<p>“I refuse to take any view except that he is being -held for ransom, Jack. Carlos is a cunning fellow. -Even if he did team up with Rhodes, it wouldn’t be -to his advantage to do away with Corning.”</p> -<p>“That’s so,” Jack agreed. “Mrs. Rhodes hinted as -much when she told her husband she was afraid of -treachery. Carlos may try to play both sides! But -why doesn’t he show his hand?”</p> -<p>“That’s why we’re staying here and I’m sending -War and Willie with Mrs. Rhodes. Sooner or later, -Carlos will make a demand, I believe. I don’t trust -Rhodes. So I want to be here when it comes.”</p> -<p>“What about the gems Mrs. Rhodes will be carrying? -Shall we let her get away with it?”</p> -<p>“Theoretically, as the wife of Rhodes, she’d be -acting as his agent. If she delivers the emeralds to -the company office, we have no complaint.”</p> -<p>“Sure, but that’s not the plan,” Jack protested. -“She intends to get them through, but for her own -and her husband’s use.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_191">191</div> -<p>“We’ll tip Willie and War to what’s going on,” -Mr. Livingston decided. “They can keep an eye on -Mrs. Rhodes, and turn her in, if she doesn’t deliver -the gems. Now get some sleep, Jack. Tomorrow may -be a hard day.”</p> -<p>Shortly after dawn the next morning, Willie and -War set off with Mrs. Rhodes on the difficult trip -back to Bogota.</p> -<p>Aloof as always, the engineer’s wife coldly ignored -her Scout escorts. She carried a minimum of -personal luggage, but had provided herself with a -more than generous supply of food, including a basket -of bananas.</p> -<p>“Why does she take bananas?” Willie demanded -in an undertone to Jack, just prior to the start down -the lonely mountain trail.</p> -<p>“You got me!” Jack replied with a shrug. “Seems -to me that back at Santa Marta, she said she disliked -them.”</p> -<p>“That’s right! But she’s got some reason for carrying -’em. Mrs. Rhodes never does anything without -a reason. Say, I got a hunch—”</p> -<p>His “hunch” remained unrevealed, for the caravan -had started to move away. Mr. Livingston addressed -a quiet word of warning to Willie as they -shook hands in farewell.</p> -<p>“Don’t underrate Mrs. Rhodes,” he told the Scout. -“And keep an alert watch for Carlos. I doubt he’ll -make any trouble, but he might try to hold up your -party.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_192">192</div> -<p>“I’ll sure be glad to get to Bogota,” Willie sighed. -“I got an uneasy feeling about this trip.”</p> -<p>After the Scouts and Mrs. Rhodes had departed, -the camp resumed its usual routine of work. Mr. -Rhodes, in a driving mood, assigned miners across -the river to the newly opened pit. However, he -would not permit Jack, Ken, Phillipe or Mr. Livingston -to visit the area.</p> -<p>“He’s sore because we discovered the old vein,” -Ken asserted.</p> -<p>“There’s more to it than that,” Jack insisted. “He’s -accumulating emeralds fast, and he doesn’t want us -to know the extent of his haul.”</p> -<p>Two days elapsed. The weather was unpleasantly -cold and the Explorers found it difficult to keep -comfortably warm in their tents.</p> -<p>Rhodes, though he now lived alone in the cottage, -did not invite Mr. Livingston, Ken and Jack to -move in with him. They were too proud to make the -request.</p> -<p>The mining engineer worked hard. He was up -before dawn and at the new emerald vein soon after -breakfast. There he remained for the greater part -of the day. Upon his return each night, he locked -the diggings in the big office safe.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_193">193</div> -<p>During the engineer’s absence from camp, Jack -and Ken made leisurely inspections of the office and -even the cottage. Rhodes however, had anticipated -the investigation and if any evidence existed, carefully -had destroyed it.</p> -<p>“We can’t hold out here much longer,” Mr. Livingston -remarked on the afternoon of the third day. -“Our supplies are running low. Rhodes might let -us have what we need from the company stores, but -I doubt it.”</p> -<p>“I’d rather starve than go begging to him!” Ken -asserted. “Wonder what’s happened to Willie and -War?”</p> -<p>“It’s a long, hard trip to Bogota,” Mr. Livingston -reminded him.</p> -<p>“Sure, I know,” Ken nodded. “They’ll do the best -they can. But it’s hard waiting—especially with -nothing to do.”</p> -<p>The day wore on with the Scouts becoming increasingly -restless. They yearned for action. Anything, -it seemed to Ken and Jack, would be better -than to remain inactive, merely waiting.</p> -<p>“If we just had some idea where to search for -Corning,” Jack fretted. “As it is—”</p> -<p>Hearing heavy footsteps, he did not finish what -he had intended to say. Rhodes strode into camp. -He had fully recovered now from his accident, save -that his arm remained in a sling.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_194">194</div> -<p>The engineer directed himself to Mr. Livingston, -who was occupied writing in a daily journal which -he kept. Expectantly, the Scouts gathered close, -wondering what had brought Rhodes. He did not -waste words in informing them.</p> -<p>“I’ve just received a message from the company,” -the engineer asserted. “My wife reached Bogota -and had the sample assayed.”</p> -<p>“You’ve heard so soon?” Mr. Livingston asked in -astonishment. “We saw no one arrive here at the -camp.”</p> -<p>“The messenger came and departed a few minutes -ago. My orders are to close the mine.”</p> -<p>“To close it!” Mr. Livingston echoed incredulously. -“In view of the new discovery?”</p> -<p>“The pit is not worth the expense involved. Your -sample assayed as practically worthless.”</p> -<p>“It can’t be! That emerald looked flawless!”</p> -<p>“Emeralds are deceptive. I admit I was deceived -myself as to its value. But my orders are definite. -The vein must be sealed, and the mine closed no -later than tomorrow.”</p> -<p>“What will you do?” Mr. Livingston asked slowly.</p> -<p>“Naturally, I’ll have to obey orders. I’ll dismiss -the miners tonight and join my wife in Bogota. -You’ll have to leave in the morning. I advise an early -start.”</p> -<p>The Scout leader made no reply.</p> -<p>“You understand?” Rhodes said sharply. “This is -not a bluff. The mine will be shut down tomorrow.”</p> -<p>“We understand,” Mr. Livingston replied.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_195">195</div> -<p>After Rhodes had gone, he and the two Scouts -discussed the predicament in which they now found -themselves. They were reluctant to leave the mine -with Corning missing, and word expected momentarily -from Willie and War.</p> -<p>“Maybe Rhodes is just pulling another trick to -get us out of here,” Ken suggested. “Couldn’t we -defy him and stick?”</p> -<p>“Our supplies are nearly gone,” Mr. Livingston -reminded him. “Once the mine closes, the camp -likely will be looted by hill bandits or the dismissed -miners.”</p> -<p>“Carlos might show up here,” Jack suggested. “If -so, we might make a deal with him, or pry out of -him what became of Mr. Corning.”</p> -<p>“I’d like to stay,” Mr. Livingston answered, “but -it seems too risky.”</p> -<p>“It’s sure funny that Rhodes would get word back -so fast from Bogota,” Ken muttered. “We haven’t -heard anything, and our boys were to have chartered -a plane.”</p> -<p>“I think Rhodes is lying,” Jack stated flatly. “Oh, -he may close the mine as he threatens, but I can’t -believe that emerald we sent to Bogota was worthless.”</p> -<p>“Maybe he’s just scared and intends to pull out,” -Ken speculated. “That strikes me as more likely.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_196">196</div> -<p>The discussion continued for some little time. It -ended by Mr. Livingston advising the Scouts to -pack up their belongings and equipment.</p> -<p>“Let’s be ready for an early start from here in the -morning,” he advised. “We don’t have to go, if we -change our minds. But we’ll be set, and Rhodes will -assume that we intend to leave.”</p> -<p>Jack began to pack the items which would not be -needed that night. The task finished, he set off to fill -the canteens with fresh water from a nearby spring.</p> -<p>Passing the office and cottage, he noted that both -appeared deserted. Rhodes was not to be seen anywhere -in camp.</p> -<p>“He’s probably across the river again,” Jack reflected.</p> -<p>A faint humming sound overhead, caused the -Scout to halt abruptly. Shading his eyes from the -lowering sun, he scanned the sky.</p> -<p>At first he could see nothing. Then, with a pounding -pulse, he observed a moving speck against the -blue. An airplane!</p> -<p>Jack glued his eyes upon the craft, scarcely daring -to hope. Could it be Willie and War obeying Mr. -Livingston’s instructions to survey the forest area? -The plane was a long distance away, flying straight -north over the sea of trees.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_197">197</div> -<p>Jack dropped the canteens and raced back to find -Mr. Livingston and Ken. The pair joined him on the -path, having themselves heard the hum of the -distant motor.</p> -<p>“It must be Willie and War!” the Scout leader -asserted jubilantly. “I knew I could depend on them! -But why don’t they fly over the camp?”</p> -<p>For twenty minutes the watchers caught tantalizing -glimpses of the plane. At times it passed beyond -their line of vision, being hidden by the mountain -ridges or the clouds.</p> -<p>Then, as the trio became more impatient, Jack -noted that the craft had turned toward Emerald -Valley once more. This time, the plane came steadily -on, flying directly in a line with the mining camp.</p> -<p>Drawing close, it dropped lower and began to -circle.</p> -<p>“It’s Willie and War all right!” Ken chortled. -“They’ll probably drop a message because they -can’t hope to land. I hope they’ve picked up some -information that’s worth while!”</p> -<p>The plane circled three times. Mr. Livingston and -the Scouts signaled their readiness to receive a -message.</p> -<p>At length the cylinder was dropped. It flashed -down, but was caught in a strong gust of wind, and -deflected from its target. Jack saw it fall into a -clump of bushes near the river.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_198">198</div> -<p>Even as he and Ken started off to retrieve the -cylinder, Rhodes came hurriedly across the bridge. -From the grim expression of his face and his manner -of walking, the Scouts instantly knew that he -had seen the cylinder dropped from the plane.</p> -<p>“Quick!” Mr. Livingston urged the two Explorers. -“Don’t let him see that message. If he gets it, all -our plans will be ruined!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_199">199</div> -<h2 id="c23"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 23</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">TRAILING RHODES</span></h2> -<p>Scrambling over rocks and through a tangle of -vines and bush, the two Scouts sought to obtain the -cylinder before the mining engineer could do so.</p> -<p>At the risk of a bad fall, Jack half slid down a -steep slope. The cylinder had tumbled into a crevice -but he retrieved it before Rhodes could get there.</p> -<p>There was no opportunity to examine the message. -In a matter of moments, Rhodes had joined -him, moving cautiously because of his useless arm.</p> -<p>“Let me have that cylinder!” the engineer ordered.</p> -<p>Jack shook his head. Turning his back, he started -to climb the rocks to rejoin Ken on a ledge above.</p> -<p>“Your friends dropped a message!” Rhodes accused. -“You’re working with them to make it hard -for me here! What’s your game?”</p> -<p>Jack still made no answer. He climbed steadily, -handing the cylinder up to Ken who passed it on to -Mr. Livingston.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_200">200</div> -<p>Impeded by his injured arm, Rhodes had to climb -very slowly. While Ken and Mr. Livingston went to -their camp with the retrieved cylinder, he waited -to give the engineer a helping hand up the steepest -part of the slope. Rhodes did not thank him.</p> -<p>Instead, the engineer gazed at the youth with -undisguised hatred.</p> -<p>“You and your friends have ruined me here!” he -asserted wrathfully. “Except for you, everything -would have gone off well. What was the reason for -that plane circling this camp?”</p> -<p>Jack’s answer was a smile and a shrug.</p> -<p>“All right, don’t answer!” Rhodes snapped. “But -if you think you’ve won this little game, you have -another guess coming! I might have helped you find -Corning. Now I’ll never do it!”</p> -<p>With that, the engineer strode off to the cottage.</p> -<p>Jack quickly joined Mr. Livingston and Ken at -the tent camp. The other two had opened the cylinder -and already were scanning the somewhat -lengthy message from Ken and Willie.</p> -<p>“Read it aloud,” Jack urged.</p> -<p>“Okay,” Mr. Livingston agreed. “Rhodes isn’t -sneaking up here to listen, is he?”</p> -<p>“He went to the cottage in a dreadful fury,” Jack -answered. “I’ll keep an eye out for him though.”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston began to read slowly so that every -word of the message could be grasped.</p> -<p>“Emerald sample assayed. Highly favorable—”</p> -<p>“Highly favorable!” Ken broke in excitedly. “Then -Rhodes lied again!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_201">201</div> -<p>Mr. Livingston nodded and read on: “Mrs. -Rhodes tried several tricks, substituting poor grade -emeralds for one of top quality. Certain she is -teamed up with Ferd Baronni on deal to defraud -company. We went over their heads and got the -emerald sample to higher officials.”</p> -<p>“Good lads!” Jack chuckled. “I knew we could -depend on ’em. What else do they say?”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston continued to read: “Only visible -habitation in mine area a group of huts above Emerald -Valley. This may be bandit hide-out. Returning -to Bogota.”</p> -<p>A map had been included with the hastily -scrawled message. Studying it, Mr. Livingston and -the Scouts estimated that the cluster of huts might -be about seven miles from the mining camp in the -more rugged area.</p> -<p>A portion of the way could be traveled by means -of the narrow trail which gave access to the outside -world. But to reach the hide-out, if such it was, -would require a hard trek over a bisecting path in a -densely overgrown area.</p> -<p>“Willie and War have done their part well,” Mr. -Livingston asserted. “Now the rest is up to us.”</p> -<p>“Maybe we can get in there,” Jack urged. “It’s a -cinch we’ve learned all we can here. No use hanging -on even another day.”</p> -<p>“When do we start?” Ken demanded, eager to be -off. “Right away?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_202">202</div> -<p>“We may as well,” the Scout leader nodded. “We -can let Rhodes assume we’re starting for Bogota.”</p> -<p>“How about taking Phillipe along?” Jack suggested.</p> -<p>“Good idea, if you can persuade him,” Mr. Livingston -nodded. “With the camp here closing down, he -should be willing to come with us, and he’ll be -useful. See what you can do, while Ken and I round -up the mules.”</p> -<p>Jack found Phillipe in his shack, sharing a meal -with his family. However, nothing he could say -would induce the miner to become a member of the -exploring party. Firmly, the man rejected an offer -of money.</p> -<p>“Senor, I am not a coward,” he said, “but I would -not face Carlos in his own lair! No, Senor. You are -very brave to attempt it.”</p> -<p>Discouraged by his failure to interest Phillipe in -the expedition, Jack started back to the tent camp.</p> -<p>In passing the little office, he heard someone -stirring around inside, and impulsively opened the -door and peered in.</p> -<p>Rhodes was in the inner room, beside the safe. -For a moment he did not hear or see the youth. The -engineer was deeply engrossed in emptying the -vault of valuables, including the little box of newly -mined emeralds.</p> -<p>“So the vein has been producing?” Jack remarked -to draw the man’s attention.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_203">203</div> -<p>Rhodes whirled around, thrusting the emeralds -into his pocket.</p> -<p>“These samples are worthless,” he muttered, his -eyes smoldering.</p> -<p>“Then why bother to take them with you? You -are leaving, aren’t you?”</p> -<p>“That’s right,” Rhodes returned with a sneer. “I’m -shaking the dust of this mine from my feet forever. -Why should I worry what becomes of the place or -whether bandits take over as soon as I’ve cleared -out? Why should I worry about the company? Did -it ever do anything for me?”</p> -<p>“Going to Bogota?”</p> -<p>“I am! I’ll be away from here within the hour, to -join my wife. I hope I never see you or the lousy -place again!”</p> -<p>“Corning?”</p> -<p>“What about him?”</p> -<p>“You’re not forgetting that he’s still missing? A -prisoner probably of the bandit, Carlos?”</p> -<p>“Corning is nothing to me, and I don’t mind telling -you so! Didn’t he set himself up here as engineer -in my place? He made me look bad to the -company—convinced them that I was stealing half -the emeralds that were mined.”</p> -<p>“You weren’t, of course.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_204">204</div> -<p>“If I could salvage anything for myself, I’d be -entitled to it,” Rhodes retorted. “I gave the best -years of my life to the company for very little return. -I’m fed up! I’m getting out.”</p> -<p>“Before you leave, why not tell us what really -became of Corning?” Jack urged earnestly.</p> -<p>Rhodes slammed the safe door shut and turned -slowly to face the Scout. For just an instant, Jack -was hopeful that the engineer meant to make a full -revelation of the facts. Then, the man’s mood -changed again.</p> -<p>“I’ve told you exactly what happened,” Rhodes -said shortly. “Carlos raided the place and took Corning -as hostage. There’s been no ransom demand, so -I assume your friend is dead.”</p> -<p>“Mr. Livingston never will be satisfied unless we -establish the truth.”</p> -<p>“Let him go ahead if he wants to,” Rhodes -shrugged. “Who’s stopping him?”</p> -<p>“You know this country well. You could help us -if you would.”</p> -<p>“I’m heading for Bogota to join my wife! Nothing -will make me change my mind.”</p> -<p>“At least tell us where Carlos has his hide-out.”</p> -<p>“I haven’t the slightest idea. He shifts from place -to place. To find Carlos would be very much like -chasing a humming bird.”</p> -<p>Jack realized that it was useless to try to obtain -the cooperation of the engineer. Giving up, he went -back to report to Mr. Livingston and Ken.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_205">205</div> -<p>“I’m almost certain he’s made a big haul of emeralds -and is taking the pile to Bogota for his own -use,” he concluded his account. “What’ll we do? -Try to stop him?”</p> -<p>“He’s armed,” the Scout leader pointed out. “Besides, -we have no absolute proof that he won’t turn -the gems over to Baronni when he reaches the -home office.”</p> -<p>“We’ll return to Bogota with him?”</p> -<p>“Not with him, Jack. We’ll trail along behind to -see if we can find that village Willie and War spotted -from the air.”</p> -<p>The Scouts resumed their packing. Long before -they had finished, they saw Rhodes ride away from -camp, carrying only the necessities of the trail.</p> -<p>After giving the engineer a little start, the Scouts -followed. Burdened by camping equipment, they -fell farther and farther back. As dusk approached, -they began to feel uneasy lest they lose him entirely.</p> -<p>“I don’t like to make camp after dark,” Mr. Livingston -said. “On the other hand, if Rhodes can -press on, I guess we can too.”</p> -<p>Eager to make time, the Scouts did not halt to -cook supper. Instead, they ate cold snacks as they -jogged on over the uneven trail. Presently, they -gained on Rhodes and in the gathering darkness -dimly could make out his figure ahead.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_206">206</div> -<p>The party approached the bisecting path which -Willie and War had marked on their crude map -dropped from the plane. Mr. Livingston was consulting -it with a shielded flashlight, when Jack, who -was leading, suddenly halted his mule.</p> -<p>“Hey, what’s the idea?” Ken demanded.</p> -<p>“Rhodes is at the trail junction!” Jack informed -him in a whisper. “Something’s wrong! I think he’s -been held up!”</p> -<p>“Held up!” Ken echoed, peering ahead. “Jeepers!”</p> -<p>From the bushes on the trail some distance below -them, a dapper little man had emerged. By his body -build, the Scouts were sure that it was Carlos, the -bandit. Though they could not see plainly, they -knew that the man must have the engineer covered.</p> -<p>“We haven’t been detected yet,” Jack warned in -a whisper. “Those sharp bends in the trail protected -us from view. Let’s see what happens!”</p> -<p>The Scouts could hear heated conversation in -Spanish and Rhodes’ violent protests. But they were -to no avail. The engineer was forced to dismount -and set his mule free. Carlos then ordered him to -start afoot ahead of him up the steep bisecting trail.</p> -<p>“Can you beat that!” Jack muttered. “Rhodes a -captive! What do we do? Try to rescue him?”</p> -<p>“He’s not worth the trouble,” Ken said in disgust.</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston, however, had another opinion. -“Evidently, Rhodes is being taken to the bandit -village,” he said thoughtfully. “The one Willie and -War spotted. This, I think, is our chance!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_207">207</div> -<p>“To trace Corning?” supplied Jack.</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston nodded as he dismounted. “We’ll -have to rescue Rhodes, but there’s no great hurry. -Let’s follow Carlos and his captive for awhile, and -learn where the trail leads.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_208">208</div> -<h2 id="c24"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 24</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">FLIGHT</span></h2> -<p>Leaving their mules at the trail entrance, the -Scouts plodded up the narrow, rocky path in the -wake of Rhodes and Carlos. Fearful of losing the -pair in the darkness, they kept as close as they -dared.</p> -<p>The going was hard. But after more than a half -hour’s struggle over tree roots and creepers, the -path widened a bit. A short distance farther on, the -trees suddenly opened up into a small clearing.</p> -<p>Peering cautiously down, the Scouts made out a -cluster of seven thatched huts scattered over a small -area. A camp fire burned brightly in the center of -the little village.</p> -<p>“This is the bandit hide-out, all right,” Mr. Livingston -asserted. “But why has Carlos brought -Rhodes here? If robbery were the motive, he could -have accomplished it with less trouble.”</p> -<p>“Want me to sneak down there to see what I can -learn?” Jack offered.</p> -<p>“It’s risky.”</p> -<p>“I’ll be careful,” Jack promised. “Wait here for -me. If I need help, I’ll whistle. Otherwise, you’ll -know I’m okay.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_209">209</div> -<p>“Learn what you can and report back,” Mr. Livingston -advised. “Don’t take any unnecessary -chances.”</p> -<p>Jack slipped away in the darkness, avoiding the -open clearing. Keeping low, he circled until he came -out directly behind a thatched hut. Peering cautiously -in, he saw that it was deserted.</p> -<p>A man with long, shaggy black hair came out of -one of the buildings, a bush knife swinging from his -leather belt. Jack drew back and waited until he had -moved out of view. Then, making certain that no -one else was about, he crept stealthily on toward -the doorway of a larger hut.</p> -<p>Only a dim light burned inside. It gave forth -enough illumination however, for Jack to discern the -figures of Rhodes and the bandit.</p> -<p>They were seated opposite each other at a crudely -made wooden table. The bandit seemed in an ugly -mood, for he spoke in a loud voice, his talk an incoherent -mixture of Spanish and English.</p> -<p>At first, crouching against the flimsy wall, Jack -could not gain the conversation’s drift. But he saw -Rhodes lay several bills on the table in front of -Carlos.</p> -<p>“This will pay you well for your work, Carlos,” -the engineer said. “Believe me, I wasn’t trying to -give you the slip. You’d have had your pay for getting -rid of Corning.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_210">210</div> -<p>With gesture of contempt, Carlos brushed the -money aside.</p> -<p>“It is not enough, Senor.”</p> -<p>Unwillingly, Rhodes laid two more bills on the -pile.</p> -<p>Carlos sneered at him. “Senor, you are very rich. -I am very poor.”</p> -<p>Rhodes shoved back his chair, getting to his feet. -“Don’t think you can blackmail me, Carlos!” he -said sharply. “I’ve paid you too much now. What -you do with Corning is nothing to me—nothing! -I’m leaving this country.”</p> -<p>“Oh, no, Senor,” Carlos corrected softly. “Not -until you pay. Money is no good. I will take the -emeralds.”</p> -<p>“There are none. The mine has played out.”</p> -<p>“You take Carlos to be a stupid fool? Senor, my -men have watched. You have mined many gems and -you carry them with you. Give them to me now.”</p> -<p>“You’re crazy, Carlos!”</p> -<p>“Senor would like to have me tell what I know? -That it was you who planned the little raid? That it -was the Senor who ordered Corning kidnapped and -put to death? Carlos much too smart to obey orders. -Corning more valuable to Carlos alive.”</p> -<p>“You’re a dirty blackmailer!” Rhodes accused. -“But you won’t get by with it, because it means -nothing to me whether Corning is dead or alive. -I’m leaving the country.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_211">211</div> -<p>“Senor stay with Carlos until he hand over the -emeralds.”</p> -<p>With his uninjured hand, Rhodes drew for a revolver -secreted at his waist. Carlos was much quicker. -His shot winged the engineer in the fingers.</p> -<p>“Try that again, Senor, and I shoot to kill,” Carlos -warned. He spoke in Spanish and Jack did not -catch the words that followed.</p> -<p>But he saw the bandit confiscate the weapon, -which he recognized as his own. It was the automatic -Jack had taken from Carlos, and that later -had disappeared from the Scout tent.</p> -<p>Rhodes sagged back into a chair, nursing his -wounded hand.</p> -<p>“The gems,” Carlos reminded him.</p> -<p>When Rhodes made no move to hand them over, -the bandit tore a small pouch from the leather belt -beneath the engineer’s shirt.</p> -<p>“You are welcome to half the emeralds,” Rhodes -muttered.</p> -<p>“All, Senor.”</p> -<p>“Why have you brought me here? You are a worse -rascal than I knew! Now that you have stripped -me clean, release me!”</p> -<p>“No, Senor,” the bandit said in his silken voice.</p> -<p>“What’s your game, Carlos? You have the gems. -What more do you want?”</p> -<p>“Your wife, she loves you, eh? She will pay well -to see you again. No?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_212">212</div> -<p>“Scoundrel!”</p> -<p>“Senor Rhodes will now go to see his old friend, -Senor Corning,” the bandit chuckled. “You two -have much to talk over. Go, Senor! Walk ahead of -me.”</p> -<p>Jack pulled back behind the hut only a moment -before the strutting little bandit marched Rhodes -out into the open. The engineer was forced to enter -another hut at the far end of the village, one -guarded by two natives armed with knives and guns.</p> -<p>Making no attempt to approach the prison hut, -Jack rejoined his companions and made a terse -report.</p> -<p>“Rhodes got what he deserved,” he informed the -group. “Apparently, Carlos has tossed him in with -Corning. The hut is well guarded.”</p> -<p>“How many in camp?” Mr. Livingston asked.</p> -<p>“I saw four men. There must be others. We’re -outnumbered.”</p> -<p>“Then our only hope of getting Corning out of -that hole is to start a diversion,” Mr. Livingston said.</p> -<p>“We might fire one of the huts,” Jack suggested.</p> -<p>“Any of them empty?” the Scout leader asked.</p> -<p>“One of ’em appeared to be.”</p> -<p>“It’s a wild scheme,” Mr. Livingston said dubiously. -“But it might work. If it shouldn’t, we’d likely -wind up prisoners of Carlos.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_213">213</div> -<p>“Let’s try it,” Jack urged. “If we can free Corning, -we’ll have another helper. Two, if we count -Rhodes.”</p> -<p>After discussing the plan in detail, a decision was -made that Ken should remain behind. He was instructed -that if the rescue scheme miscarried, he -was to escape at once and try to seek help at the -closest village or Bogota.</p> -<p>Details arranged, Jack and Mr. Livingston slipped -quietly down to the hut village.</p> -<p>Unable to get close to the cottage where Rhodes -and Corning were imprisoned, the pair spotted a hut -some distance away. It was empty, and apparently -had not been used in many weeks.</p> -<p>“I wish we had some gasoline,” Jack muttered. -“That would send her up in a flash.”</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston instructed Jack to set a series of -fires in the straw along the back wall.</p> -<p>Swiftly, they both worked. Once they were assured -that the empty building was well afire, they -crept through the darkness toward the rear of the -guarded prison hut.</p> -<p>For awhile, nothing happened. Then as the roof -straw began to blaze, the attention of one of the -guards suddenly was attracted. With a wild yell, -he alerted his companion.</p> -<p>Leaving the other alone to guard the hut, he -rushed toward the flaming building.</p> -<p>“This is our only chance!” Mr. Livingston whispered. -“Now!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_214">214</div> -<p>He and Jack crept through the darkness. The -guard did not hear nor see them, for his eyes were -upon the blazing hut some distance away.</p> -<p>Before he was aware of danger, the two were -upon him. They tackled hard, and with only a grunt -of surprise, he went down.</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston wrested the gun from his hand, -while Jack seized the knife. A handkerchief was -stuffed into his mouth.</p> -<p>Leaving Mr. Livingston to hold the guard at bay -with his own weapon, Jack rushed into the hut. -Rhodes was there, his hands now tied behind his -back.</p> -<p>Another man, whom the Scout took to be Corning, -also had his hands bound. He lay upon a heap of -straw, face unshaven.</p> -<p>“You’re Corning?” Jack demanded.</p> -<p>“Yes,” was the quick answer. “Untie me, quick!”</p> -<p>Jack slashed the cords which held the engineer’s -hands. He was tempted to ignore Rhodes, but a -realization of the fate that awaited the man if he -were left behind, softened him. A quick thrust of -the knife, and he too was free.</p> -<p>“Quick! Make for the trail!” he directed. “Ken is -waiting there.”</p> -<p>Rhodes started off at a run. Corning would not -abandon his rescuers. He helped Mr. Livingston tie -up the guard. Then with Jack and the Scout leader, -he made a fast break for the path.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_215">215</div> -<p>As they struggled up the incline, a shout arose -from the direction of the blazing hut.</p> -<p>“They’ve seen us!” Corning cried. “Go on! I’ll try -to hold ’em while you get away.”</p> -<p>Jack seized his arm, pulling him along. “No one -stays behind,” he insisted. “We’ll make it!”</p> -<p>Several shots were fired. Ignoring them, and -crouching low, the two ran for the trees. In the darkness, -the bandits could not see their targets. All -shots went wide of the mark.</p> -<p>Breathless from exertion, Corning and Jack -reached the trail where Ken nervously waited. -Rhodes already was plunging down the path in fast -retreat.</p> -<p>“Where’s Hap?” Jack demanded anxiously. “He -was with us until a minute ago.”</p> -<p>Just then the Scout leader came crushing through -the bushes.</p> -<p>“There’s a swarm of ’em!” he reported tersely. -“They’re hot after us!”</p> -<p>The four quickly caught up with Rhodes who was -in a near panic. Slipping and sliding, they made -no attempt to move quietly as they crashed along -the narrow, treacherous trail.</p> -<p>After awhile, Jack wheeled up for a moment to -listen. “They’re drawing in close!” he gasped. “Maybe -we ought to make a stand—”</p> -<p>“No!” shouted Rhodes. “Keep on! If we can make -the trail junction, we can stop those devils!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_216">216</div> -<p>“How? With our fists? We have no ammunition.”</p> -<p>Rhodes’ laughter had a wild ring. “Ammunition!” -he chortled. “If we can get to the junction, I’ll supply -you with enough to blow Carlos to kingdom -come! Steal from me, will he? I’ll show that blackguard -he’s dealing with McClellan Rhodes!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_217">217</div> -<h2 id="c25"><span class="h2line1">Chapter 25</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">GOING HOME</span></h2> -<p>At the union of the trails, the Scouts and the two -engineers elected to make their stand against the -bandits.</p> -<p>In a frenzy of excitement, Rhodes led the others -to a rock cavity where he had cached a supply of -dynamite. He had hidden it there weeks before, -intending to use it in an emergency if his plot to -gain possession of the Last Chance mine failed.</p> -<p>“I’ll dynamite the path ahead of Carlos!” Rhodes -shouted. “He’ll be trapped behind the rock slide!”</p> -<p>“They’re coming fast,” the other engineer warned. -“Get busy!”</p> -<p>The dynamite was planted with its fuse ready to -light. But Rhodes deliberately delayed setting it off. -Corning spoke sharply to him, saying he would be -no party to a massacre.</p> -<p>“That demon has the emeralds,” Rhodes muttered. -“He’s a traitor. I want to finish him!”</p> -<p>“Set off the charge,” Corning ordered. “Now!”</p> -<p>Carlos and his men still were a considerable distance -away.</p> -<p>Rhodes hesitated, but realized that his will was -not to prevail. With a shrug he lighted the fuse and -everyone rushed for cover.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_218">218</div> -<p>The minutes of waiting seemed endless. As the -explosion failed to materialize, Rhodes began to -fret and worry.</p> -<p>“That dynamite was stored too long,” he muttered. -“I was afraid it had lost its juice. I’m going -to take a look. The fuse may have gone out.”</p> -<p>Corning hauled him back to cover. Scarcely thirty -seconds elapsed when a terrific explosion shook the -earth.</p> -<p>Jack, Ken and Mr. Livingston flattened themselves, -face downward. Even so, they were showered -with dirt and chips of rock.</p> -<p>When the dust had settled, Corning and Rhodes -went to investigate. They returned to report jubilantly -that tons of rock now blocked the path giving -access to Carlos’ hide-out.</p> -<p>“He and his men are trapped back there in the -hills,” Corning told the Scouts.</p> -<p>“Is there no way out for them?” Jack asked.</p> -<p>“None, unless they climb down the cliffs. If I -know Carlos, he will not attempt it. We’ll send the -authorities, who at their leisure can reopen the -passage. By that time, I imagine Carlos no longer -will be in a belligerent mood.”</p> -<p>“Rhodes?” Jack questioned. “What’s to be done -about him? He plotted to put himself back at the -mine in your place.”</p> -<p>“I know,” the engineer replied. “Carlos told me -the whole sordid story while I was his captive. -Rhodes is greedy, and for years, before I took over -at Emerald Valley, he milked the mine for his own -benefit. Even so, I feel sorry for the fellow.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_219">219</div> -<p>“You don’t aim to let him escape?”</p> -<p>“We can’t do that,” Corning answered after a -moment’s thought. “No, we’ll take him on to Bogota -and let company officials decide what’s to be done. -As for myself, I’m willing to forget the foul trick he -played on me.”</p> -<p>“What about the lost emeralds? Carlos robbed -Rhodes of a small fortune.”</p> -<p>“We may get them back,” Corning said, undisturbed. -“With the path blocked, Carlos isn’t going -anywhere. If the authorities will back me up, I’ll -return here with a posse and force the bandits to -give up the gems.”</p> -<p>“What of the mine?”</p> -<p>“It can’t be left many days without someone in -charge. I’ll see the party safely to Bogota, and get -back to my post.”</p> -<p>So it was decided. That very night, the Scouts -pushed on, accompanied by Rhodes, who surprisingly -offered no resistance. With the loss of the -emeralds, all the spirit and fight seemed to have left -him. He and Corning talked together almost as -friends.</p> -<p>“I resented it because the company put you in -charge,” Rhodes told the other. “I figured you were -a greenhorn and I could get rid of you without -much trouble. So I hooked up with Carlos, paying -him to stage a fake raid and haul you off.”</p> -<p>“That’s where your plan backfired.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_220">220</div> -<p>“Yes. Carlos double-crossed me as I might have -expected. He kept demanding more money, threatening -to release you and tell all.”</p> -<p>“We saw you flashing signals down the mountain,” -Ken commented, entering the conversation. -“You were communicating with Carlos?”</p> -<p>“That’s right. We had worked out a crude code -system. It never was very effective.”</p> -<p>“Carlos took you by surprise today on the trail?”</p> -<p>“Yes, with a little luck, I’d have made it to Bogota -with the emeralds.”</p> -<p>“Leaving Mr. Corning to his fate?”</p> -<p>Rhodes flushed, ashamed to have his intentions -so openly discussed. He fell into a morose silence, -making no further attempt to act friendly.</p> -<p>On the trail, Mr. Corning and Mr. Livingston had -ample opportunity to renew their old friendship. -The engineer explained that he had urged the Scout -leader to come to Emerald Valley in the hope of -forestalling the very situation which had developed.</p> -<p>“Carlos has been terrorizing these hills for years,” -he informed his friend. “I suspected that Rhodes -was stirring things up a bit, but I never had proof. -That was one reason I sent for you. I figured you -could help me.”</p> -<p>“That vein should establish the Last Chance on -a highly productive basis again,” Mr. Corning asserted. -“Operations should remain profitable for -many years.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_221">221</div> -<p>Rhodes talked very little during the tedious -journey back to civilization. He admitted however, -that he had ordered his workmen to weaken the log -bridge so that the Scouts would be stranded across -the river.</p> -<p>“I figured you would find the vein,” he confessed. -“I wasn’t ready to start mining operations until I -had made certain Corning wouldn’t come back to -plague me. So I figured I could keep you tied up -across the river for a day or so until I could make -my plans. It didn’t work.”</p> -<p>“You and your wife teamed with Ferd Baronni to -get a cut on all the emeralds mined under your direction?” -Jack probed. “That is, you saw to it that -a certain percentage of them never went through to -company officials?”</p> -<p>Rhodes would make no admission implicating -either his wife or the company agent.</p> -<p>However, the Scouts were determined to learn -the entire truth. Days later, in Bogota, after the -deposed mining engineer had been turned over to -company officials, they rejoined Willie and War who -assisted in piecing together the full story.</p> -<p>Lounging comfortably in a hotel room, the two -Scouts recounted their own unpleasant adventures -on the trail.</p> -<p>“Mrs. Rhodes gave us a rough time of it,” War -told his friends. “She tried to trick us about the -emerald. We knew she turned over a poor imitation -of the gem to company officials, but it took Willie -to prove it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_222">222</div> -<p>“I remembered that back in Santa Marta she told -us she disliked bananas,” Willie related with a -chuckle. “I couldn’t figure out why she carried a -sack of ’em with her when she left the mine. I tried -to take one from the bunch, and she set up an awful -yip. That started me to thinking. So, we mashed up -the bananas and found the prize emerald!”</p> -<p>“She’d been carrying gems that way for quite a -while without being caught,” War added. “We -turned the good emerald over to company officials. -It’s top grade.”</p> -<p>“What did you learn about Ferd Baronni?” Ken -questioned.</p> -<p>“Oh, he’s hooked up with Rhodes,” War answered. -“In checking the books, company auditors -found a lot of discrepancies. So Baronni’s been -fired.”</p> -<p>“We learned too, that it was Baronni who hired -that sled-boat operator to try to delay our trip to -the mine,” contributed Willie. “He figured a big -dose of trouble would discourage us from going on.”</p> -<p>In due time, the Scouts met company officials and -learned first hand that Rhodes and his wife were to -be shipped out of the country. Company representatives, -grateful to the Explorers, also told them that -they were to enjoy a three weeks’ vacation at the -firm’s expense.</p> -<p>Mr. Livingston and the Scouts were put up at -Bogota’s best hotel. Sightseeing trips, deluxe food -and luxurious rooms were theirs at no cost.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_223">223</div> -<p>Unfortunately, Mr. Corning could not remain -with the party. Uneasy about the mine, he obtained -a posse and set off at once for Emerald Valley.</p> -<p>For more than a week, the Scouts received no -word. Then by messenger they were informed that -Carlos had been captured and the stolen emeralds -recovered. Mr. Corning notified them that he had -reopened the mine, and would resume operations at -the new site across the river.</p> -<p>The Scouts did not expect to see him again during -their stay in Colombia. Therefore, it came as a -pleasant surprise, when, three days before their -scheduled departure by plane for the States, the -engineer suddenly appeared at their hotel.</p> -<p>“I couldn’t let you fly off without saying goodbye,” -he told them. “Not after all you did for me! -We’re going to pack a lot of excitement into your -last few days here.”</p> -<p>The engineer more than kept his word. He took -the Scouts everywhere and constantly delighted -them with new and interesting sights.</p> -<p>“If this gay life keeps up much longer we’ll be -softies,” Jack asserted one afternoon on their final -day in Bogota. “It’s been swell here, but I’ve had -enough.”</p> -<p>“Same here,” warbled Willie. “Emerald hunting -is okay, but give me the USA.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_224">224</div> -<p>“You know I catch myself thinking about that -nice quiet camping trip to Minnesota,” admitted -War sheepishly. “The one we always plan to take, -and never do.”</p> -<p>“We’ll make it yet,” promised Mr. Livingston. -“Next summer maybe.”</p> -<p>“Sounds great!” approved Ken, stretching luxuriously -on the hotel sofa. “There’s only one drawback.”</p> -<p>“What’s that?” asked Jack.</p> -<p>“A vacation without bandits might seem dull.”</p> -<p>“Different anyhow,” contributed War.</p> -<p>“Maybe so,” drawled Jack. “All the same, it will -seem mighty good to open that old Post log book -again—to start once more where we left off.”</p> -<p>Thinking of the reunion they would have with -their friends and fellow Scouts, the Explorers all -became silent. Two wonderful vacations in South -America had conditioned them to high adventure! -And even more was in store.</p> -<hr class="dwide" /> -<h2>Transcriber’s Notes</h2> -<ul> -<li>Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public domain in the country of publication.</li> -<li>Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and dialect unchanged</li> -<li>Retained the original’s inconsistent italicization of Spanish words.</li> -<li>In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.)</li> -<li>This eBook, following the printed version, inconsistently italicizes Spanish words.</li> -</ul> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Boy Scout Explorers at Emerald Valley, by -Don Palmer - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY SCOUT EXPLORERS AT *** - -***** This file should be named 63506-h.htm or 63506-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/5/0/63506/ - -Produced by Stephen Hutcheson and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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