CHAPTER XXIII
BROKEN BONDS
"Well," remarked Tom Swift, in mournful tones, "this looks as if we were up against it; doesn't it?"
"Bless my umbrella, it certainly does," agreed Mr. Damon.
"And it's all my fault," said Mr. Jenks. "I shouldn't have gone into the big cave. I might have known those men would come back any time."
The above conversation took place as our friends lay securely bound in a small cave, or recess, opening from the larger cavern, where, about an hour before, they had been captured and made prisoners by the diamond makers. Despite their struggles they had been overpowered and bound, being carried to the cave, where they were laid in a row on some old bags.
"It certainly is a most unpleasant situation, to say the least," observed Mr. Parker.
"And all my fault," repeated Mr. Jenks.
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