The temptation was so great it soon overpowered Jack’s sense of caution; really he fancied he would never forgive himself if he allowed Perk to show a higher sense of duty to people in distress than he himself could display.
“All right, you win, Perk!” he quickly called out; “hand over the stick, and get those flares ready to drop when I give the word.”
Perk started to make a move, showing that he knew just where the objects of his desire were located, for he did not have to leave his seat in order to place his hand upon the small package of flares.
Meanwhile Jack had reduced their speed to a minimum compatible with safety, still continuing that circular movement. The fire had by this time assumed sufficient proportions to dispel any doubts they may have entertained regarding its true nature, for it was burning at a lively rate. Jack could see a crouching figure sprawled on the roof, and apparently emptying bucket after bucket of water on the greedy flames, and passing the empties back down the nearby ladder to some one standing on an upper rung.
It was all mighty exciting, and to Jack seemed like some sort of fetching picture as shown on the silver screen at the movies—a scene developed through the skill of a wizard director, aided by a group of star actors, so as to bring out all the realistic effects.
“Get ready, Perk!” he told the other suddenly.
“All set, partner,” came the inspiring response.
“Let her go, then!” called out the pilot, just as he found himself over a point to leeward of the burning ranch house that he figured would be the best place to make a landing.
Perk had a flare falling almost as the last words left the lips of the pilot and then both of them used their eyes to advantage as it neared the ground, lighting up a small section fairly well—at least what he thus saw seemed to convince Jack it would be fairly safe to attempt a landing, for the ground looked smooth, and free from outbuildings, corrals, or wire fences.
“Drop another, quick as you can!” directed Jack; then, as this was carried out he started down, showing the die was cast, come what would.