o the
limit.

"I've been thinking of this for some time, Ned. I've been puttering
around inventing new magnetos, potato-parers and the like, but this is
my latest hobby. The Panama Canal is a big thing--one of the biggest
things in the world. We need the biggest guns in the world to protect
it.

"And, listen: Uncle Sam thinks the same way. I understand that the best
men in the service--at West Point, Annapolis and Sandy Hook, as well as
elsewhere--are working in the interest of the United States to perfect
a bigger cannon than any ever before made. In fact, one has just been
constructed, and is going to be tried at the Sandy Hook proving grounds
soon. I'm going to see the test if I can.

"And here's another thing. Foreign nations are trying to steal Uncle
Sam's secrets. If this country gets a big cannon, some other nation
will want a bigger one. It's a constant warfare. I'm going to devote my
talents--such as they are--to Uncle Sam. I'm going to make the biggest
cannon in the world--the one that will shoot the farthest and knock
into smithereens all the other big guns. That's the only way to protect
the canal. Do you understand, Ned?"

"Somewhat, Tom. Since I gave up my place in the bank, and became a sort
of handy-lad for you, I know more about your work. But isn't it going
to be dangerous to make a cannon like that?"

"Well, in a way, yes, Ned. But we've got to take chances, just as
father did when he invested ten thousand dollars in that opal mine.
He'll never see his money again."

"Don't you think so?"

"No, Ned."

"And when do you expect to start on your gun, Tom?"

"Right away. I'm making some plans now. I'm going down to Sandy Hook
and witness the test of this new big cannon. You can come along, if you
like."

"Well, I sure will like. When is it?"

"Oh, in about a week. I'll have to look--"

"'Scuse me, Massa Tom," broke in Eradicate, as he put his head through
the half-opened office door. "'Scuse me, but dere's a express gen'men
outside, wif his auto truck, an' he's got some packages fo' yo' all,
marked 'dangerous--explosive--an' keep away fom de fire.' He want t'
know what he all gwine t' do wif 'em, Massa Tom?"

"Do with 'em? Oh, I guess it's that new giant powder I sent for. Why,
Eradicate, have him bring 'em right in here."

"Yais, sah, Massa Tom. Dat's all right; but he jest can't bring 'em
in," and Eradicate looked behind him somewhat apprehensively.

"Can't bring 'em in? Why not, I'