k. "I was mistaken. He probably didn't understand
where he was sent."

He passed by the group of men, who, laughing and jeering at the German,
were showing him where to go. He seemed to be a new hand in the works.

But as Ned passed he got one look at the man's face. Instead of a
stupid countenance, for one instant he had a glimpse of the sharpest,
brightest eyes he had ever looked into. And they were hard, cruel eyes,
too, with a glint of daring in them. And, as Ned glanced at his figure,
he thought he detected a trace of military stiffness--none of the
stoop-shouldered slouch that is always the mark of a moulder. The
fellow's hands, too, though black and grimy, showed evidences of care
under the dirt, and Ned was sure his uncouth language was assumed.

"I'd like to know more about you," murmured Ned, but the man, with one
sharp glance at him, passed on, seemingly to his own department of the
works.

"Well, what was it?" asked Tom, as his chum rejoined him.

"Nothing very definite, but I'm sure there was something back of it
all, Tom. I wouldn't be surprised but what that fellow--whoever he
was--whatever his object was--hoped to get in to see the casting;
either to get some idea about your new gun, or to do some desperate
deed to spoil it."

"Do you think that, Ned?"

"I sure do. You've got to be on your guard, Tom."

"I will. But I wonder what object anyone could have in spoiling my gun?"

"So as to make his own cannon stand in a better light."

"Still thinking of General Waller, are you?"

"I am, Tom."

There was nothing more to be done at present, and, as it would take
several days for the big mass of metal to properly cool, Tom, Ned and
Mr. Damon returned to Shopton.

There Tom busied himself over many things. Ned helping him, and Mr.
Damon lending an occasional hand. Koku was very useful, for often his
great strength did what the combined efforts of Tom and his friends
could not accomplish.

As for Eradicate, he "puttered around," doing all he could, which was
not much, for he was getting old. Still Tom would not think of
discharging him, and it was pitiful to see the old colored man try to
do things for the young inventor--tasks that were beyond his strength.
But if Koku offered to help, Eradicate would draw himself up, and
exclaim:

"Git away fom heah! I guess dish yeah coon ain't forgot how t' wait on
Massa Tom. Go 'way, giant. I ain't so big as yo'-all, but I know de
English language, which