It was planned to proceed directly to Colon, the eastern terminus of the canal, from New York, stopping at Santiago to transact some government business there.The big gun was to be mounted on a barbette near the Gatun locks, pointing out to sea, and the trial shots would be fired over the water.
Eventually the gun would be so mounted as to swing in a circle,, so as to command the land as well as the water; and, in fact, if the government decided to adopt Tom's giant cannon as the official protective arm of the canal, they would all be so mounted.For, of course, it might be possiblefor land as well as sea forces to attack and try to capture the big ditch.
The first few days of the voyage were pleasant enough.The weather was fine, and Tom was kept busy explaining to many of the officers aboard the ship the principles of his gun, powder and projectiles.Members of the ordnance board, who had been detailed to witness the test, were also much interested as Tom modestly described his work on the giant cannon.
At Santiago de Cuba, when Tom and Ned were standing near the gangway, watching the officers returning from shore leave, for the ship was to proceed soon, after a two days' stay, the young inventor started as he noticed a military man walking aboard.
"Look, Ned!" he exclaimed, in a low voice."Where?""At that man--an officer in civilian dress, I should judge-- haven't you seen him before?""I have, Tom.Now, where was it? I seem to remember his face; and yet he wasn't dressed like this the last time I saw him.""I guess not, Ned.He had on a uniform then.""By jinks! I have it.That German officer--von Brunderger! That's he!" "You're right, Ned.And he's got his servant with him, I guess," andTom nodded toward a stolid German who was carrying the other's suitcase.
"I wonder what he's doing aboard here?" went on our hero's chum."We'll soon know," spoke Tom."He's seen us and is nodding.Wemight as well go meet him."
"Ah, my good friend, Tom Swift!" exclaimed General von Brunderger, genially, as he grasped the hands of Tom and Ned."I am glad to see you both again." He seemed to mean it, though he had not been especially cordial to them at the first gun test."Take my grip below," he said in German to the man, "and, Rudolph, find Lieutenant Blake and inform him that I am on board.I have been invited to go to Panama by Lieutenant Blake," he added to Tom."I have never seen the big ditch that you wonderful Americans have so nearly finished.""It is going to be a big thing," spoke Tom."I am proud that my gun is going to help protect it.""Ah, so you were successful, then?" and his voice expressed surprise."I had not heard.And the big gun; is he here?" Though speaking very good English, von Brunderger occasionally lapsed into the idioms of his Fatherland.
"Yes, it's on board," said Tom."Are you going to Panama for any special purpose?"Ned declared afterward that the German started as Tom asked this question, but if he did the young inventor scarcely noticed it.In an instant, however, von Brunderger was composed again.
"I go but to see the big ditch before the water is let in," he replied."And since your gun is to have a test I shall be glad to witness that.You see, I am commissioned by my Kaiser to learn all that you Americans will allow me to in reference to your ways of doing things--in the army, the navy and in the pursuit of peace.After all, preparation for war is the best means of securing peace.Your officers have been more than kind and I have taken advantage of the offer to go to Panama.Lieutenant Blake said the ship would stop here, and, as I had business in Cuba, I came and waited.I am delighted to see you both again."He went below, leaving Tom and Ned staring at one another."Well, what do you think of it?" asked Ned.
"I don't see anything to be worried about," declared Tom."It's true that a German once tried to make trouble for me, but this von Brunderger is all right, as far as I can learn.He has the highest references, and is an accredited representative of the Kaiser.You are too suspicious, Ned, just as you were in the case of General Waller.""Maybe so."
From Santiago, swinging around the island of Jamaica, the warship took her way, with the big gun, to Colon.When half way across the Caribbean Sea they encountered rough weather.
The storm broke without any unusual preliminaries, but quickly increased to a hurricane, and when night fell it saw the big ship rolling and tossing in a tempestuous sea.Torn was anxious about his big gun, but the captain assured him that double lashings would make it perfectly safe.
Tom and Ned had seen little of the German officer that day, nor, in fact,since he came aboard.He kept much in the quarters of the other officers, and the report was current that he was a "jolly good fellow."Rather anxious as to the outcome of the storm, Tom turned in late that night, not expecting to sleep much, for there were many unusual noises.But he did drop off into a doze, only to be awakened about an hour later by a commotion on deck.
"What's up, Ned?" he called to his chum, who had an adjoining stateroom.
"I don't know, Tom.Something is going on, though.Hear that thumping and pounding!"As Ned spoke there came a tremendous noise from the deck.
"By Jove!" yelled Tom, jumping from his berth."It's my big gun! It has torn loose from the lashings and may roll overboard!"
