by John Blaine
The courts of San Luz went into operation again.
Guevara was charged with treason, Connel with attempted murder. The boys gave depositions-sworn testimony-to the government attorneys. But Ruiz would be his own best witness. The doctor promised that he would be able to testify by the time the case came to trial.
At a dinner for the Spindrift scientists, the governor presented certificates of appreciation to each one of the party, including the boys. Then he made a short speech.
“I could thank you, but words are inadequate in the face of the deed. An island and its people have been saved. You did this. What more is there that can be said? We will not forget. Already, with the help of my good friend Esteben Balgos, we are planning to erect a permanent volcanic observatory and laboratory in which scientists can work and learn from El Viejo. I do not ask your permission-I merely inform you that it is to be called Spindrift Memorial Laboratory.”
The scientists murmured in protest, but the governor held up his hand. “I know you do not approve. I do not ask you to. It is accomplished. Also, we will have a small but imperishable plaque over the door. It will say simply: ‘This laboratory is dedicated to the scientists of the Spindrift Scientific Foundation. They saved San Luz.’ Your names will be listed.”
The governor was adamant. He said with a twinkle that the scientists could make representations through formal diplomatic channels to the governments ofVenezuela ,Colombia , andGreat Britain if they wished, but so far as he was concerned, the matter was closed.
It was Rick who changed the subject. He reached into his pocket and drew out the handful of diamonds that he had carried there since the day he found out what they were.
“We have to give these back,” he said. “I picked them up, but we have no more right to them than Connel or Guevara. It wasn’t a legal mining claim, I guess.”
Governor Montoya shook his head. “Rick, who will ever know how many diamonds were found?
Already I hear of several huge crystals among the people. We have confiscated several times that amount from Guevara and Connel. Should we penalize you for being honest? I think not. You found them, and in the finding you were instrumental in saving the island. They are yours.”
Again the governor was adamant. He simply stated that the matter was settled, and that was that.
“Then they’re not mine,” Rick said finally. “They belong to all of us, share and share alike. I happened to be the one who picked them up, but we were all involved with El Viejo, so we share equally. Of course we’re not sure there’s anything to share. These may be only of industrial grade.”
As it happened, Rick was wrong. The diamonds were, for the most part, of gem grade. Even after paying import duty, they were bought at a handsome price, uncut, by one ofNew York ’s leading diamond importers.
It was quite a handful of souvenirs, even though the proceeds were divided equally among the entire Spindrift group, including Honorario and Ruiz. Most of Rick’s share went into his education fund, but he kept enough out to buy gifts for his mother, Barby, and Jan Miller. And he kept out enough to buy something he had long wanted . . . something that was to lead him into another adventure-mystery, a Page 79
story to be told in THE FLYING STINGAREE.
THE END
THE FLAMING MOUNTAIN
A RICK BRANT SCIENCE-ADVENTURE STORY, No. 17
BY JOHN BLAINE
Page 80