laboratory where he had left Eradicate to mix the chemicals.
Again the despairing, frightened cry of the colored man rang out.

"I hope nothing serious has happened," was the thought that
flashed through Tom's mind. "But I'm afraid it has. I should have
mixed those new chemicals myself."

Koku, the giant, who was at work in another part of the shop
yard, heard Rad's cry and came running up. As there was always
more or less jealousy between Eradicate and Koku, the latter now
thought he had a chance to crow over his rival, not, of course,
understanding what had happened.

"Ho! Ho!" laughed Koku. "You much better hab me work, Master
Tom. I no make blunderstakes like dat black fellow! I never no
make him!"

"I don't know whether Rad has made a mistake or not," murmured
Tom. "Come along, Koku, we may need your help. There has been an
explosion."

"Yep, dat Rad he don't as know any more as to blow up de whole
place!" chuckled Koku.

He thought he would have a chance to make fun of Eradicate, but
neither he nor Tom realized how serious had been the happening.
As the young inventor reached the laboratory, which he had left
but a few seconds before, he saw the interior almost in ruins. All
about were scattered various pieces of apparatus, test tubes,
alembics, retorts, flasks, and an electric furnace.