shell after shell, heavily charged, against the side of the mountain.
Great holes and gashes were torn in the earth. The gun even exceeded
the range of thirty miles. And the heaviest armor plate that could be
procured was to the projectiles of the giant cannon like cheese to a
revolver bullet.

"It's great, Mr. Swift! Great!" declared the young captain. "I shall
strongly recommend that the entire board see this test." And when Tom
let him fire the gun himself the young man was more than delighted.

He was as good as his word, and a week later the entire ordnance board,
from the youngest member to the grave and grizzled veterans, were
present to witness the test of Tom's giant cannon.

It is needless to say that it was successful. Tom and Ned, not to
mention Mr. Damon, Koku and every loyal member of the steel working
gang, saw to it that there was no hitch. The solid shots were regarded
with wonder, and when the explosive one was sent against the hillside,
making a geyser of earth, the enthusiasm was unbounded.

"We shall certainly recommend your gun, Mr. Swift," declared the Chief
of Staff. "It does just what we want it to do, and we have no doubt
that Congress will appropriate the money for several with which to
fortify the Panama Canal."

"The gun is most wonderful," spoke a voice with a German accent. "It is
surprising!"

Tom and Ned both started. They saw an officer, evidently a foreigner,
resplendent in gold trimmings, and with many medals, standing near the
secretary of the ordnance board.

"Yes, General von Brunderger," agreed the chief, "it is a most timely
invention. Mr. Swift, allow me to present you to General von
Brunderger, of the German army, who is here learning how Uncle Sam does
things."

Tom bowed and shook hands. He glanced sharply at the German, but was
sure he had never seen him before. Then all the board, and General von
Brunderger, who, it appeared, was present as an invited guest, examined
the big cannon critically, while Tom explained the various details.

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.