make sure that the noise
of the lighting had not attracted attention inside the cottage, and
applied it to the fuse. The fuse burned swiftly, and the boy heard the
incendiary go crashing through the tangle of vines and creepers, heading
toward the south.

Ned cut the fuse above the crawling coal and stood for a moment listening
to the man struggling with the undergrowth. Then he hastened into the
cottage and laid a hand on Frank Shaw's shoulder.

"Get up," he whispered. "The fireworks have begun."

Frank sat up in his bunk and rubbed his eyes sleepily.

"What is it?" he asked. "Have you found the necklace?"

"Dress, quick."

"Wonder you wouldn't let a fellow sleep," grumbled Frank.

While the boys were dressing there came a snicker from Jimmie's bed.

"Don't start anythin' you can't stop," they heard the boy whisper.

"Want a midnight ramble among the snakes?" asked Ned, drawing on a pair of
rubber boots which came up to his thighs.

"You bet I do," was the reply.

"Then get up and dress, and put on your high boots, for there are crawling
things in the jungle."

Leaving the boys dressing, Ned hastened outside and listened. The man who
had attempted the destruction of the cottage was still moving through the
thicket. It seemed to Ned that an army could have made no more noise than
he made. In a moment he was joined by Frank and Jimmie.

In as few words as possible Ned explained the situation to his amazed
chums.

"What you goin' to do?" Jimmie asked.

"I want to follow that fellow to his principal," was the reply. "I want to
know who set him at such cowardly work."

"It won't be difficult to follow him," Frank said. "He makes a noise like
a circus parade."

"One of you must stay here and watch the cottage," Ned said, then. "When
the explosion does not come, he may circle back here to see what has
happened. The other may go with me."

Both boys insisted on accompanying Ned, but it was finally decided that it
would be better policy to leave Frank at the cottage.

"You'll have to make haste," Frank said, regretfully, "for the sounds he
is making are becoming fainter. What are you going to do with that fuse?"
he added, as Ned drew on the line and hauled about half a foot of gas pipe
from under the house.

"It will do no harm to take it with me," Ned replied. "It is not very
heavy to carry, and it may be of use."

"I hope you'll blow that chap up with it," exclaimed Jimmie.

"Be careful that you d