The sun was now well down the western heavens and Perk was beginning to fear the prophecy of his companion would fail to come true, when something caught his vigilant eye far in the distance and on which he focussed his binoculars. He looked long and steadily before announcing his discovery to Jack.
“I kinder guess partner, we’re there all right,” he finally burst out.
“And what makes you feel that way, Perk?”
“From the signs ahead I figger we’re gettin’ close to a big sink and I c’n see the sun glintin’ from somethin’ shiny yonder—might be that hotel they got on the top o’ the west wall, if I remember straight. Yes-siree, it’s jest like I’m tellin’ you matey, the old river must lie down in that deep canyon. Gee whiz! it makes me near goofy jest to think how I’m goin’ to see the biggest canyon in the whole world, with painted walls an’ all sorts o’ queer relics o’ ancient Injuns scattered around. Hot ziggetty dog! ain’t I glad they sent us out this way though! If on’y we c’n find that boy, I’ll be the happiest chap on earth, an’ that’s no lie either.”
That was Perk’s usual way of arriving at a decision without making certain. Jack on the other hand, was accustomed to holding himself in check until he had actually proven it a certainty and even then he rarely gave way to any outburst of joy, leaving that to his more excitable comrade.
In due time they found themselves looking down on one of the most wonderful sights that can be found anywhere in the wide world. A spectacle unmatched in any other land which people come thousands of miles to feast their enraptured eyes upon.
XIII
A STRANDED PLANE
Jack continued to stay at the controls, possibly because he wished Perk to do the observing as his keen eyesight was such a valuable asset.
It proved that the object Perk had seen, and on which the sun was shining in such a dazzling way, was the hotel that catered to the many visitors and tourists who at certain seasons of the year flocked thither, enjoying the thrill of gazing on those natural wonders so profuse in that locality.
Perk could readily make out a number of moving figures on the edge of the canyon, evidently intent on watching the coming of the airship and doubtless speculating as to its mission.