ck in the good
graces of his Fatherland.

He forged documents of introduction and authority, and was received
with courtesy by the United States officials. In some way he heard of
Tom's gun, and that it was likely to be so successful that it would be
adopted by the United States government. This he wanted to prevent, and
he went to great lengths to accomplish this. It was he, or an agent of
his, who forged the letter of invitation to General Waller, and who
first tried to spoil Tom's test by doping the powder through Koku.

Later he tried other means, sending a midnight visitor to Tom's house
and even going to the length of filing the cables in the storm, so the
gun would roll off the warship into the sea. All this was found set
down in his papers, for he kept a record of what he had done in order
to prove his case to his own government. It was his servant who tried
to get near the gun while it was being cast.

That he would be restored to favor had he succeeded, was an open
question, though with Germany's friendliness toward the United States
it is probable that his acts would have been repudiated. But he was
desperate.

Failing in many attempts he resolved on a last one. He sent his servant
to the ammunition room to "dope" the powder, hoping that, at the next
shot, the gun would be mined. Perhaps he hoped to disable Tom. But the
plot failed, and the conspirators escaped. They were never heard of
again, probably leaving Panama under assumed names and in disguise.

"Well, that explains the mystery," said Tom to Ned a few days later. "I
guess we won't have to worry any more."

"No, and I'm sorry I suspected General Waller."

"Oh, well, he'll never know it, so no harm is done. Oh, but I'm glad
this is over. It has gotten on my nerves."

"I should say so," agreed Ned.

"Bless my pillow sham!" cried Mr. Damon. "I think I can get a good
night's sleep now. So they have formally accepted your giant cannon,
Tom?"

"Yes. The last tests I gave them, showing how easily it could be
manipulated, convinced them. It will be one of the official defense
guns of the Panama Canal."

"Good! I congratulate you, my boy!" cried the odd man. "And now, bless
my postage stamp, let's get back to the United States."

"Before we go," suggested Ned, "let's go take a look at that island
from which Tom blew the top. It must be quite a sight--and thirty-three
miles away! We can get a launch and go out."

But there was no need. That sa