“He’s lying low,” Mr. Livingston said. “Either that, or he’s hit out for Elks Creek.”
Disheartened, the trio finally headed back toward the cabin. As they rounded a ridge, Jack suddenly stiffened.
“Listen!”
Faintly in the distance, they could hear the drone of an airplane engine.
“War and Willie are sending help!” Jack cried. “Food!”
With all haste, the three fought their way up the crumbling rocks. Reaching a high spot, they eagerly scanned the sky.
Far to the east, a tiny moving speck could be discerned.
“It’s coming this way!” Jack shouted. “The pilot can’t miss the lake!”
Although the plane was still far away, he took off his hat and began waving it in a wide arc. He might have spared himself the trouble.
The plane came on closer for a moment longer and then, for no apparent reason, it banked and turned back on its course.