CHAPTER XX.
A DYNAMITE VOLCANO.
After a while, despite the thrilling novelty of the scene and the significant interest it held for the four American lads, the dust, the heat, the noise and the confusion and bustle became wearisome, and they began looking about, boy like, for something new.
A white man in a duck uniform and pith helmet hastened by in company with a colored man who looked different from any negro the boys had yet seen. The man had straight black hair, long and glossy. He wore a small sort of skull cap and white clothes with odd velvet shoes not unlike those affected by Chinese.
“Hullo, Raynor!” shouted Mr. Mainwaring to the white man, as the pair hustled by along the rampart-like heights of the big dam, “where are you bound for?”
The dark man and his companion came to a halt, the former standing in a respectful attitude and saluting Mr. Mainwaring.
“We’re going to shoot a test hole,” was the reply.
“Do you mind taking these lads along? As you see, they are Boy Scouts, and anxious to see all that they can.”
“I’ll be delighted to. I’ve a kid brother at home whose letters are full of the doings of his patrol. Come along, young men. I’ll show you something that will make your eyes open.”
“I’ll meet you here in time for dinner,” said Mr. Mainwaring.
“We’ll be here,” rejoined Tubby, whose eyes had brightened at the mention of a meal. Although he had devoured the milk and creamy meat of two huge cocoanuts, the stout youth was still ready for another chance at edibles.