“One of the biggest that's been around these parts in some time,” replied Bill.
“Then perhaps the mountain will be destroyed,” went on the scientist, as calmly as if he had remarked that it might rain.
“I hope nothing like that happens until we get away,” spoke Mr. Damon, fervently.
“What had we better do?” inquired Tom.
“Get away, unless you want to discover some more of their secrets,” advised Bill. “Those fellows are planning something, but I can't find out what it is. They are suspicious of me, I think. But they are up to something, and I believe, it would be best for you to leave while you have the chance. It may not be healthy to stay. That's why I did my best to untie you.”
“We appreciate what you have done,” declared Mr. Jenks, “but I want my rights. I must learn a few more facts about how to make diamonds from lightning flashes, and then I will have the same secret they cheated me out of. I think if we wait a while we may be able to see the parts of the process that are not quite clear to us. What do you say, Tom Swift?”
“Well, I would like to learn the secret,” replied the lad, “and if Bill thinks it's safe to stay here a while longer—”
“Oh, I guess it will be safe enough,” was the reply. “Those fellows won't bother about you now that they are about to make some more diamonds. Besides, they think you're all tied up. Yes, you can stay here and watch, I reckon. I've got a couple of guns, and—”
“Then we'll stay,” decided Tom. “We can put up a better fight now.”
Silently, in their prison, but which they could now leave whenever they pleased, the adventurers watched the diamond makers once more. The same process they had witnessed before was gone through with. The white balls were put inside the steel box and sealed up. Then they waited for the storm to reach its height.