“But what do you want me to do, Terry? I’ll do anything you say!” agreed Prim.
“First, I want you to be game. I’m going down the hill and take a look at The Comet and see if there is plenty of gas and oil. Don’t speak, no matter what. I’ll be all right!”
“I’ll be game, only I wish you wouldn’t go. It’s too dangerous, Terry. Please give it up!” Prim clutched her sister’s sleeve.
“Don’t hold me back, Prim. I’ve got to go! It’s the only way out. Now that the fog has lifted, everything is in our favor. It’s now or never.”
As Terry slipped quietly down the hill, Sally and Prim returned cautiously to the crest where they could see what was going on. Terry was gliding about among the planes, keeping herself hidden from the man, who was sitting with his back toward her. Terry reached The Comet unobserved. It stood to reason, she thought, that Bud Hyslop would have the planes ready for a quick take-off at any moment. With a tiny flashlight that she always carried in the pocket of her leather coat, she looked over the plane. Everything was set.
Just as Terry was starting to return, Joe Arnold threw away his cigar, rose, stretched and took a leisurely turn around the planes. Terry crouched low and scarcely breathed. Prim, on the hill above, almost screamed in fear as the man walked within a few feet of the hidden girl. It seemed hours to Terry and her sister before he turned away and strode over to Dan. He gave the boy a poke in the ribs.
“You take a turn,” he said. “I’ll try and get a wink of sleep,” and Joe Arnold stretched himself on the ground.
Sally pressed her companion’s hand. “Luck is with us, Prim,” she whispered.
“But what’s keeping Terry so long? Why doesn’t she come?” asked Prim anxiously. For Terry was slipping once more between the planes. She crossed a space near the campfire and busied herself about Joe’s air craft, then went noiselessly up the hill to safety.
Dan Brent was restless. He walked up and down anxiously, looking toward the trail as if he suspected that someone was watching. Finally Sally could stand it no longer; she picked up a pebble and threw it at the boy’s feet. Dan understood and without a bit of hesitation, walked up the trail.