dditional openings, but we daren't make any more, or the wall will be
so weakened that it will go out in less than twenty-four hours.

"You've had your warning, now profit by it!" he added. "I'm going to
tell those poor souls down in the valley below. It will be tough on
them; but it can't be helped."

"If the dam bursts and the water could only be turned over into the
transverse valley, this one would be safe," said Tom, in a low voice.

"Yes, but it can't be done!" the messenger exclaimed. "Our engineers
thought of that, but it would take a week to open a channel, and there
isn't time. It can't be done!"

"Maybe it can," spoke Tom, softly, but no one asked him what he meant.

"Well, I must be off," the man went on. "I've done my duty in warning
you."

"Yes, you have," agreed Tom, "and if any damage comes to us it will be
our own fault. But I don't believe there will."

The man hastened out, murmuring something about "rash and foolhardy
people."

"What are you going to do, Tom?" asked Ned.

"Stay right here."

"But if the dam bursts?"

"It may not, but, if it does, we'll be safe. I have had a look at the
water, and there's no chance for it to rise here, even if the whole dam
went out at once, which is not likely. Don't worry. We'll be all
right."

"Bless my checkbook!" cried Mr. Damon. "But what about those poor
people in the valley?"

"They will have time to flee, and save their lives," spoke the young
inventor; "but they may lose their homes. They can sue the water
company for damages, though. Now don't do any more worrying, but get to
bed, and be ready for the test tomorrow. And the first thing I do I'm
going to have a little flight in the Humming Bird to get my nerves in
trim. This long rain has gotten me in poor shape. Koku, you must be on
the alert tonight. I don't want anything to happen to my gun at the
last minute."

"Me watch!" exclaimed the giant, significantly, as he picked up a heavy
club.

"Do you anticipate any trouble?" asked Ned, anxiously.

"No, but it's best to be on the safe side," answered Tom. "Now let's
turn in."

Certainly the next day, bright and sunshiny as it broke, had in it
little of impending disaster. The weather was fine after the
long-continued rains, and the whole valley seemed peaceful and quiet.
At the far end could be seen the great dam, with water pouring over it
in a thin sheet, forming a small stream that trickled down the centre
of the valley, and to the