When the board members left, the chief promised to let Tom know the result of the formal report as soon as possible.
The young inventor did not have long to wait. In about two weeks, during which time he and Ned perfected several little matters about the cannon, there came an official-looking document.
"Well, we'll soon know the verdict," spoke Tom, somewhat nervously, as he opened the envelope. Quickly he read the enclosure.
"What is it!" cried Ned.
"The government accepts my gun!" exclaimed the young inventor. "It will purchase a number as soon as they can be made. We are to take one to Panama, where it will be set up. Hurray, Ned, my boy! Now for Panama!"
CHAPTER XXI
OFF FOR PANAMA
"Well, Tom, it doesn't seem possible; does it, old man?"
"You're right, Ned—in a way. And yet, after all the hard work we've done, almost anything is possible."