"Look at the
way they go at it," he cried. "See them spear their shovels into the
ground without using their foot at all."
"Hark your loud noise," hoarsely whispered Jack in a warning tone.
"You'll have the whole gang down on us if you're not careful."
"I forgot," explained the humbled Tom. "But that's a funny way to dig.
Don't you think so, Mr. Harrison?"
"That's the way they dig down in this country of pure sand."
"Well, all I've got to say is that when I dig--"
What Tom said might have been interesting if it had been heard. But just
at that instant a shot rang out from the group of workers. The boys
stared in amazement horrified at the thought of what might have
happened. In an instant their worst fears were confirmed.
Their startled eyes beheld the negroes dragging one of their number from
the excavation under the watchful eye and threatening muzzle of Lopez's
deadly rifle. One of the unfortunate negroes had thoughtlessly broken
his resolve and had spoken. He had paid dearly for his mistake. Under
the stern command of the rifle muzzle the others renewed their task,
glancing apprehensively at the man behind the grim weapon whose
messengers were all messengers of swift and certain death. They were
visibly affected.
Instinctively the boys drew their automatics while Harrison possessed
himself of his revolver and made ready to use it if necessary in self
defense. No one could guess the result should Lopez discover their
whereabouts.
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