“Yes, I know they seem to have several bow-wows in the settlement; but as a rule they’re common riffraff stuff—never a sign of a police dog, or collie; so we needn’t anticipate any trouble from such measly mutts, only good to play with, or gnaw a bone. So let’s figure we’re going to make connections with Simeon tonight, if it’s any way possible, or know the reason why.”
“Yeah!” Perk added joyously, “Pike’s peak—or bust, it is—make it unanimous ev’rybody.”
CHAPTER XXVIII
Invading the Tigers’ Lair
Having thus decided to begin work that same night, naturally Jack and his best pal were more or less concerned as to what the weather promised.
As aviators they had become accustomed to securing the very latest Government report as to the probabilities ahead, so that by now this had become a habit. The knowledge that there was a strong likelihood of a dense fog along their proposed route—perhaps signs of a war of the elements, not only put them doubly on their guard, but often proved of value in meeting and overcoming the threatening danger.
In this instance they had no weather sharp to give them a clue, founded on late wires from different points, as to the velocity of the wind, its direction, the chances of snow or rain, perhaps electrical disturbances in the bargain—now everything must depend on their own ability to figure things out through taking note of the heavens, and kindred storm indicators.
Jack was a fair weather prophet himself, though never so bold as to claim absolute perfection; yes, and Perk too prided himself on knowing considerable, also able to tell when any severe upset was in the offing—though it must be confessed he was rather inclined to depend on an aching corn, or some sort of queer itching in his joints, to be able to prophesy a sudden change in prevailing conditions.
So they studied the sky, noted the passage of certain types of clouds, as well as several other heralds of the weather in prospect; and finally agreed that, unless something came along to materially affect matters, they could reasonable expect quite a lengthy spell of seasonable weather.
At any rate the fact that both reached the same conclusion was looked upon as promising double insurance—several days would surely see them through their big job, and that was all they asked.
Accordingly, having settled that part of the arrangement, they started for their underground retreat, feeling that thus far everything seemed to be working in their interest.