Christobal appeared, carrying a bucket of water, into which the lumps were placed by Walker, who handled them very gingerly. After a slight delay, he began to crumble one in his fingers, still keeping it in the water, until finally he drew forth what Elsie recognized at once as a stick of dynamite. Though it was blackened by contact with the coal, she was certain of its real nature. She had visited a great many mines, and the officials always scared the ladies of the party by telling them what would happen if the explosives’ shed were to blow up. She had even seen dynamite placed in the sun to dry, as it is very susceptible to moisture, and she wondered, naturally enough, why such a dangerous agent should be hidden in, or disguised as, a piece of coal.
She thought that the men should be made aware of her presence, so she leaned over and said:
“May I ask what you four are plotting?”
They looked at her in surprise. They were so engrossed in their discovery that they had eyes for nothing else. Walker straightway plunged the sausage-shaped gray stick into the water again.
“What are you doing with that dynamite?” she demanded. “Do you intend to visit the Valley of the Golden Sands? If so, please take me. I am very poor.”
It was Courtenay who answered.
“Are you alone?” he asked.
“Mr. Boyle is in the chart-house.”
“I know; but is any one else up there?”
“No.”