He ordered several new projectiles, some of a different type from those heretofore used, and leaving Koku and Ned in charge of the gun, went back to Shopton to superintend the manufacture of an additional supply of his explosive.He took care, too, that no spies gained access to it.
Then, with a plentiful supply of ammunition and projectiles, Tom resumed his practice in the lonely valley.He had, in the meanwhile, sent requests to the proper government officials to come and witness the tests.
At first he met with no success, and he learned, incidentally, that General Waller had built a new gun, the merits of which he was also anxious to show.
"It's a sort of rivalry between us," said Tom to Ned.
But, in a way, fortune favored our hero.For when General Waller tested his new gun, though it did not burst, it did not come up to expectations, and its range was not as great as some of the weapons already in use.
Then, too, Captain Badger acted as Tom's friend at court.He "pulled wires" to good advantage, and at last the government sent word that one of the ordnance officers would be present on a certain day to witness the tests.
"I wish the whole board had come," said Tom."Probably they have only sent a young fellow, just out of West Point, who will turn me down.
"But I'm going to give him the surprise of his life; and if he doesn't report favorably, and insist on the whole board coming out here, I'll be much disappointed."Tom made his preparations carefully, and certainly Captain Waydell, the young officer who came to represent Uncle Sam, was impressed.Tom sent shell after shell, heavily charged, against the side of the mountain.Great holes and gashes were torn in the earth.The gun even exceeded the range of thirty miles.And the heaviest armor plate that could be procured was to the projectiles of the giant cannon like cheese to a revolver bullet.
"It's great, Mr.Swift! Great!" declared the young captain."I shall strongly recommend that the entire board see this test." And when Tom let him fire the gun himself the young man was more than delighted.
He was as good as his word, and a week later the entire ordnance board, from the youngest member to the grave and grizzled veterans, were present to witness the test of Tom's giant cannon.
It is needless to say that it was successful.Tom and Ned, not to mention Mr.Damon, Koku and every loyal member of the steel working gang, saw to it that there was no hitch.The solid shots were regarded with wonder, and when the explosive one was sent against the hillside, making a geyser of earth, the enthusiasm was unbounded.
"We shall certainly recommend your gun, Mr.Swift," declared the Chief of Staff."It does just what we want it to do, and we have no doubt that Congress will appropriate the money for several with which to fortify the Panama Canal.""The gun is most wonderful," spoke a voice with a German accent."It is surprising!"Tom and Ned both started.They saw an officer, evidently a foreigner, resplendent in gold trimmings, and with many medals, standing near the secretary of the ordnance board.
"Yes, General von Brunderger," agreed the chief, "it is a most timely invention.Mr.Swift, allow me to present you to General von Brunderger, of the German army, who is here learning how Uncle Sam does things."Tom bowed and shook hands.He glanced sharply at the German, but was sure he had never seen him before.Then all the board, and General von Brunderger, who, it appeared, was present as an invited guest, examined the big cannon critically, while Tom explained the various details.
When the board members left, the chief promised to let Tom know the result of the formal report as soon as possible.
The young inventor did not have long to wait.In about two weeks, during which time he and Ned perfected several little matters about the cannon, there came an official-looking document.
"Well, we'll soon know the verdict," spoke Tom, somewhat nervously,as he opened the envelope.Quickly he read the enclosure."What is it!" cried Ned.
"The government accepts my gun!" exclaimed the young inventor."It will purchase a number as soon as they can be made.We are to take one to Panama, where it will be set up.Hurray, Ned, my boy! Now for Panama!"
