“But Mr. Jenks seemed so cut-up about being deprived of the yachting trip, and was so fond of the water, that I invited him to remain on board, even if his friend did not.  So that is how he came to be among my guests, though he is a comparative stranger to all of us.”

“I see,” spoke Tom.

“Has he been acting unusually strange?” asked Mr. Hosbrook suspiciously.

“No, only he seemed very anxious to get off the island, but I suppose we all are.  He wanted to know what I planned to do.”

“Did you tell him?”

“No, for the reason that I don’t know whether I can succeed or not, and I don’t want to raise false hopes.”

“Then you would prefer not to tell any of us?”

“No one—­that is except Mr. Fenwick and Mr. Damon.  I may need them to help me.”

“I see,” responded Mr. Hosbrook.  “Well, whatever it is, I wish you luck.  It is certainly a fearful place—­this island,” and busy with many thoughts, which crowded upon him, the millionaire moved away, leaving Tom alone.

A little while after this Tom might have been seen in close conversation with Mr. Damon and Mr. Fenwick.  The former, on hearing what the young inventor had to say, blessed himself and his various possessions so often, that he seemed to have gotten out of breath.  Mr. Fenwick exclaimed: 

“Tom, if you can work that it will be one of the greatest things you have ever done!”

“I hope I can work it,” was all the young inventor replied.

For the next three days Tom, and his two friends, spent most of their time in the neighborhood of the pile of machinery and apparatus taken from the wrecked whizzer.  Mr. Jenks hung around the spot, but a word or two from Mr. Hosbrook sent him away, and our three friends were left to their work in peace, for they were inclined to be secretive about their operations, as Tom did not want his plans known until he was ready.

The gasolene motor was overhauled, and put in shape to work.  Then it was attached to the dynamo.  When this much had been done, Tom and his friends built a rude shack around the machinery shutting it from view.

“Humph!  Are you afraid we will steal it?” asked Mr. Parker, the scientist, who held to his alarming theory regarding the ultimate disappearance of the island.

“No, I simply want to protect it from the weather,” answered Tom.  “You will soon know all our plans.  I think they will work out.”

“You’d better do it before we get another earthquake, and the island sinks,” was the dismal response.

But there had been no shocks since the one that nearly engulfed Mr. Jenks.  As for that individual he said little to any one, and wandered off alone by himself.  Tom wondered what kind of diamonds they were that the odd man had, and the lad even had his doubts as to the value of the queer stones he had seen.  But he was too busy with his work to waste much time in idle speculation.