"Now we'll try another bursting shell," he said, after a rest, during which some records were made. "Then we'll call it a day's work. Koku, bring up some more powder. I'll use a little heavier charge this time."
It was while the gun was being loaded that a horseman was seen riding wildly down the valley. He was waving a red flag in his hand.
"Bless my watch chain!" cried Mr. Damon. "What's that?"
"It looks as though he was coming to give us a warning," suggested the steel foreman.
"Maybe someone has kicked about our shooting," remarked Ned.
"I hope not," murmured Tom.
He looked at the horseman anxiously. The rider came nearer and nearer, wildly waving his flag. He seemed to be shouting something, but his words could not be made out. Finally he came near enough to be heard.
"The dam! The dam!" he cried. "It's bursting. Your shots have hastened it. The cracks are widening. You'd better get away!" And he galloped on.
"Bless my toilet soap!" gasped Mr. Damon.
"I was afraid of this!" murmured Tom. "But, since our shots have hastened the disaster, maybe we can avert it."