CHAPTER XIII.

THE LEADEN TUBE.


The following day, while they were experimenting and practicing with
the radio telephone, the boys received word that the man in the
hospital was conscious and wished to see them, if possible.

"Perhaps now we shall get some explanation of that queer tubeful of
sand," said Jack, as he hung up the telephone receiver, having
informed the physician that they would be at the hospital shortly.

"It's certainly a queer sort of thing for a man to carry about--a
glass vial full of black grit so carefully protected, unless he is
crazy or something," commented Tom.

"I think that there is some explanation back of all this," said Jack,
"and for my part the sooner we get to the hospital, the better I shall
be pleased. The man told the doctor he was a miner and his name is
Zeb Cummings. Perhaps that sand is gold-bearing or something like
that."

"That might be the case," agreed Tom.

The boys decided to take out the electric car. It was in perfect
running order and the indicator showed that there was plenty of
electricity in storage for the start. They told Mr. Chadwick where
they were going and then rolled out of the High Towers gates onto the