“Yes, we are one of a score and more of plane parties scouring the whole side of the Rockies,” replied Jack, trying his best to keep his voice from breaking for the suspense had him in its grip as well as the poor girl. “Did you manage to save him, sir—tell us—or—or was it too late?”
He heard a low, bubbling cry, or was it a sob—at his elbow but his eyes were riveted on the tall erect figure of the mysterious recluse. The other was nodding his head—surely that could be reckoned a favorable sign. Jack again summoned his courage to the fore and went on to ask the crucial question:
“This girl, sir, is the sweetheart of Buddy Warner, whose strange disappearance has thrilled the entire nation—have pity, and relieve her dreadful suspense—is he alive?”
Another nod, and in the affirmative, accompanied by a ghost of a smile. Then came the words that would ring in Jack’s ears for many a moon:
“Alive, and with a good chance for recovery, I am glad——”
“Quick! catch her, Perk!” yelled Jack as he felt the girl falling in a dead faint from the reaction. The relief proved too much for the strained condition of her nerves.
A dash of ice-cold water from the lake soon revived her and she smiled at the pair bending over her so solicitously.
“We must get her ashore without any delay,” announced Jack, for he had great fears lest the enraptured girl take it upon herself to jump overboard and without any assistance from either of her guardians manage to make land.
Perk instantly dropped into the water which came almost up to his waist. It was pretty cold, but what did that matter to one so fond of calling himself a “tough old guy” and able to negotiate where others would shrink back.
Suzanne sprang into his arms as though not a second was to be lost in reaching the side of her beloved Buddy. So too, did Jack follow the example of his pal, determined not to be cheated out of the glorious sight when Suzanne and Buddy were reunited.