to break me, even at the last minute! Come on, Ned."
They raced outside to behold a curious sight. Straight toward von Brunderger rushed the man as if in a frenzy of fear. He called out something in German to his master, and the latter's face went first red, then white. He was observed to look about quickly, as though in alarm, and then, with a shout at his servant, the German officer rushed from the stand, and the two disappeared in the direction of the barracks.
"What does it mean?" cried Ned.
"Give it up," answered Tom, "except that Koku spoiled their trick, whatever it was. It looks as if this was the end of it, and that the mystery has been cleared up."
"Mr. Swift! Where's Mr. Swift?" shouted the wireless operator. "Where are you?"
"Yes; what is it?" demanded Tom, so excited that he hardly knew what he was doing.
"The longest shot on record!" cried the man. "Thirty-three miles, and it struck, exploded, and blew the top off a mountain on an island out there!" and he pointed across the sun-lit sea.