“I hope so,” Jim replied.
Just then one of the native women saw the Flying Buddies, and Austin beckoned to her to come to him. She hesitated a moment, then, pushing her children ahead of her, she made her way around the murderer and his victim. Mills calmly seated himself on the dead body, searched through the clothing until he found tobacco, and rolled himself a cigarette which he puffed indifferently.
The one native woman reached the boy’s side, then others cautiously followed, until finally they had all passed, and with thankful hearts, the Buddies hurried them as fast as they could walk up the incline, across the level stretch, and finally out into the afternoon sunshine on the top of the hill.
“Well, what’s this?” It was Bradshaw who was awaiting them, and stared in wonder at the strange group.
“Help us get these people back to the settlement,” Jim said breathlessly. “There isn’t a moment to lose, Bradshaw. Gee, I’m glad you came along.”
“Wanted to have a look at your friend Mills,” Bradshaw told them as he proceeded to help. “Guess I missed the lad, for I didn’t find him,” he added.
It took only a few minutes to tumble the majority of the natives in the bigger cabin, and three into the helicopter. The engines were started, and the planes raced in a circle, hovered in the air to learn where they were going. Then Jim set the course, and putting on all the power he dared, raced the big machine as she had never been raced before, through the heavens toward the settlement.
They had gone a little over half way when the clock in the dial board announced that the time limit was up. Austin verified it with his own watch, and bit his lips anxiously. He did not give up hope, but prayed that Howard or Don, or perhaps the doctor would be able to persuade the natives to give them a few minutes grace. He glanced at Bob, whose lips were set, and his eyes scanned the route as far as he could see. Finally, three minutes later he made out the winding river and soon could see the settlement. To his joy he noted that the little group were standing almost as they had been left, near the boat, with Howard seated before his engine, and the white women and young people nearby, with their native guard.
As they zoomed at top speed, the white men turned their faces upward. The engines were shut off, the two machines glided gracefully to the ground, the native passengers shouting gleefully to the members of their families. Quickly the men who had been so determined on revenge, rushed forward and caught their loved ones in their arms. Presently Jim was out of the machine and he saw Donald standing near him, a watch in his hand.
“I find that you have half a minute to spare,” he remarked.