" the captain agreed.

The tug now steamed on her way out into Gatun Lake, and there a
series of excellent views were obtained for the moving picture
cameras. Mr. Alcando was allowed to do his part. He was rapidly
learning what the boys could teach him.

"Of course it could never happen," the Spaniard said, when the
cameras had been put away, for the views to be obtained then were
of too much sameness to attract Joe or Blake, "it would never
happen, and I hope it never does; but if it did it would make a
wonderful picture; would it not?" he asked.

"What are you talking about?" asked Blake.

"The Gatun Dam," was the answer. "If ever it was blown up by
dynamite it would make a wonderful scene."

"Too wonderful," said Joe grimly. "It would be a terrible crime
against civilization to destroy this great canal."

"Yes, it would be a great crime," agreed the Spaniard in a low
voice. A little later he went to his stateroom on the tug, and
Blake and Joe remained on deck.

"Queer sort of a chap; isn't he?" said Joe.

"He sure is--rather deep," agreed his chum.

"Are you boys going into the jungle?" asked the tug captain that
afternoon.

"Yes, we want to get a few views showing life in the woods,"
answered Blake. "Why?"

"Well, the reason I asked is that I can take you to the mouth of
the Chagres River and from there you won't have so much trouble
penetrating into the interior. So if you're going--"

"I think we had better go; don't you?" asked Blake of his chum.

"Surely, yes. We might get some fine pictures. They'll go well
with the Canal, anyhow; really a sort of part of the series we're
taking."

"All right, then, I'll leave you in the jungle," the captain said.

A day or so later, stops having been made to permit the boys to
film certain scenes they wanted, the tug reached Gamboa, where
they stopped, to plan a trip into the interior.

Then, one morning, with their cameras loaded with film, they
started off for a brief trip into the jungle.

CHAPTER XIV

IN DIRE PERIL

A small launch had been provided for the use of Blake and Joe in
going into the jungle, the first part of their trip being along
the Chagres River. The tug on which they had come thus far was not
suitable.

Accordingly they had transferred what baggage they needed to the
launch, and with their moving picture cameras, with shelter tents,
food, supplies and some West Indian negroes as helpers, they were
prepared to enjoy life