for the next step. An eminent engineer, on one occasion, in answer to a
question as to why he was always prepared for an emergency, laid down
this rule: Whenever you have a problem to solve, work it out in more
ways than one. If one fails, you can apply the other immediately.
This can be done without a moment's delay. Therein lies the
answer--preparedness."

The boys readily saw the force of the lesson. From that time on it was
not necessary to direct the order of events. Each saw to it that the
part allotted to him was carried out in a determined spirit.

CHAPTER IV

THE TERRIBLE MONSOONS

Of the two most urgent articles, namely, weapons or the boat, it was
decided that the guns should be completed first. The feeling that the
time would come when a visit from the savages might be expected at their
home, contributed to this decision.

Six barrels, each eighteen inches long, and with a bore three-eighths of
an inch in diameter, had been turned out, and several of the stocks had
been made at odd times during the evenings. As Harry had sufficient
steel left for four barrels more, two days were devoted to boring them
out, in the hope that they would ultimately be able to finish them up.
They would then have a battery of ten guns, and the necessity of having
a number arose from the fact that they were muzzle-loaders, and could
not be reloaded rapidly.

A sketch of the gun with the firing mechanism is furnished, in which it
will be seen that the firing plug travels in a bore formed through the
stock; in a line with the barrel. This plug had an upwardly extending
finger, so it could be drawn back against the resistance of the spring.
Below the plug was a trigger, with a hook-shaped forward end, in such a
position that when the plug was drawn back the hook would catch and hold
the plug until the lower right-angled projection of the trigger was
pulled back. This would release the plug, and the spring would then be
driven forward and explode the cap.

[Illustration: _Fig. 10. THE FIRST GUN_]

"It would be well," said the Professor, "to polish the inside of the
bored barrels, and thus make a much better weapon."

"How can we do this?" asked Harry.

"There are several ways, but the better plan would be to take a good
polishing material, in the form of a fine sand or grit, and mix it with
oil. This can then be put on a wiper which will snugly fit the bore, and
the barrel may then be put in the lathe and rotated