Greson turned to comply, but at that moment the wind took a piece of the lighted sponge from the holder and carried it upward.
It caught on the balloon. There was a puff of smoke and a tiny flame.
The balloon was on fire!
White with terror, Greson sank down on the floor of the basket, too overcome to think or act.
Leo’s heart leaped into his throat.
They were speeding with terrible swiftness directly toward the forest of fire.
CHAPTER XXVI.—ADVENTURES AMID THE FLAMES.
There was no escape, for the burning balloon was going down in the very midst of the crackling forest.
Already the atmosphere was thick with smoke and flaming pieces of wood and brush.
It was with difficulty that Leo breathed, and he could scarcely see a dozen feet before him.