anal
would, for a time at least, be put completely out of commission.

But, after all, this was not an end in itself. It was only the means to
an end. It would be mere vandalism to cripple the Canal, simply for the
sake of inflicting damage. Besides, the injury could be repaired, and,
in a short time, all traces of it would have vanished. There must be an
object for all this enormous toil and risk. What was it?

Namoto had spoken of the Atlantic fleet not being able to get through to
the Pacific. "Ten days of panic and confusion." Why was it so
imperative to prevent the warships on this side from joining their
comrades on the other? Naturally, to keep the Pacific squadron weak and
less able to resist attack. Then, an attack was planned. By whom? Who
could attack us from the Pacific side but Japan? And when? Within ten
days. And again Allison's words sounded in Bert's ears like the knell of
doom: "Perhaps at this very moment a Japanese fleet is on its way to the
Pacific slope."

With a sinking of the heart, Bert reflected on the vast number of
American warships now at Colon or hastening there. The government had
planned to make a great demonstration of naval strength, in order to
impress the nations of the world. For this purpose, many had been called
home from European stations. Some of the most formidable dreadnoughts
building at the navy yards had been rushed along in construction, so as
to be manned and launched for the great review. Others, which naturally
belonged to the Pacific squadron, but had been in the drydocks for
repairs, would in the ordinary course of things, have been despatched
before this around the Horn, to join their brethren in the Pacific. But
since the opening of the Canal was so near at hand, it seemed unwise to
steam ten thousand miles, when, in a little while, the same result could
be attained by traveling fifty. Thus, from various causes, at least
three-fourths of the American navy was on the Atlantic side. If it could
be kept there, the Japanese could attack the remnant in the Pacific in
overwhelming force. Then, with these captured or destroyed, the Japanese
vessels could bombard San Francisco and Seattle, land their troops from
the crowded transports, and gain control of the whole western coast of
the United States. It was an imperial idea--boldly conceived, broadly
planned, patiently developed, but--and Bert thanked God--not yet
executed.

These thoughts had pass