And now that the greatest peril was past, they had time to take account of their plight. They were wet and haggard and bedraggled. Their hair had been singed in places, and there were blisters on their hands and faces. Their eyes were hollow and there were unaccustomed lines about them. They were frightfully weary.
But all these things seemed like trifles compared with the one great fact that their lives had been spared. How could they dream of complaining about anything?
The rain was still falling heavily, and the flames had died down. There was a red glow in the heart of the forest, which looked like one gigantic ember, and volumes of steam were rising to the sky. The fire had done its worst, but rain had proved its master.
Perhaps an hour elapsed, and then from afar they heard the roar of an airplane engine. Nearer and nearer it came, until they could see the plane like a great bird coming toward them.
That the pilot had seen them as they waved their arms was evident by the way the plane began circling above them, looking for a landing. One was discovered in an open space not far away, and the plane came gracefully down. The boys rushed toward it, and the next moment Payne Bentley jumped out and was soon shaking hands and giving the boys bear hugs that showed how deeply he was moved by meeting with them again.
Then came questions and answers in quick succession that enlightened all of them on the situation of affairs. The boys told of their adventures, and the forest ranger in turn gave them the story of the fire. It had proved unexpectedly stubborn, and the fire fighters, worn and exhausted, were at the limit of their endurance when the rain had come to their help. In response to their eager inquiries, he assured them that the tracts belonging to Dr. Dale and the Old First Church had been saved without substantial damage.
The plane could not carry them all at once, and Mr. Bentley had to make two trips before the boys were safe and sound at a ranger’s rendezvous beyond the zone of fire, where they were received with open arms and had the refreshment and rest they so sorely needed.
They ate till they could eat no more, and then slept right through the next twenty-four hours.
It was a much chastened and subdued Buck Looker who bade them good-by with what seemed real gratitude the following day. While the Radio Boys were somewhat in doubt as to whether the “leopard” could really “change his spots,” they were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and sent him away with their best wishes.
“Fellows,” said Bob, as they were lounging in front of the house that had given them shelter, “if you had your choice, what would you rather be when you grew up—a radio expert or a forest ranger?”