"Then, perhaps thinking that my brother and I were concealing something,
they separated us. Where they sent him I do not know, but I was doomed
to the sulphur mines. I was heartbroken, and I scarcely cared whether I
lived or died. But an opportunity of escape came, and I took it. I
wanted to save my brother, but I did not know where he was, and I
thought if I could make my way to some civilized country, or to free
America, I might later be able to save my brother.
"I went to England, taking some of my precious platinum with me, and
stayed there for two years. I learned your language, but my efforts to
organize an expedition to search for the lost mine, and for my brother,
failed. Then I came here, and--well, I am still trying."
"My! That is certainly interesting!" exclaimed Ned, who had been all
attention during the telling of the story.
"And you certainly had a hard time," declared Tom. "I am much obliged
for this platinum. Have you set a price on it? It is worth much more
than the ordinary kind."
"The price is nothing to you," replied the Russian, with a smile. "I am
only too glad to help you fix your aeroplane. Will it take long? I
should like to watch you."
"Come along," invited Tom. "I can soon have it going again, and I'll
give you a ride, if you like."
"No, thank you, I'm hardly up to that yet, though I may be some day.
Pages:
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38