“Povy must be wanted by officials for questioning as a spy,” Flash reasoned. “Probably that was why he decided to disappear. I must get back to town and let the authorities know!”
Raising a hand to his throbbing head, he forced himself to think only of the problem immediately confronting him. Unless he acted quickly, he might never escape to tell his story.
Determining to attempt the pass, Flash waded out into midstream. Allowing the swift current to carry him off his feet he floated with it, stroking only enough to keep from being swung toward shore again.
The suffocating, cinder-filled air was a little easier to breathe close above the water, but the terrific heat became almost unbearable.
As the shores of the river narrowed, he took a deep breath and swam below the surface. After a few moments he was forced to emerge again. Flames seemed to be everywhere about him.
Gulping in air, Flash dived again. This time he kept under until his lungs ached. When he came up, the worst lay behind him.
Aided by the current, he alternately swam and floated until he reached the river’s outlet. Staggering from the water, he leaned against a tree and gazed across the lake.
He knew where the lodge should be, but he could not see it because of the smoke. The sun had been entirely blotted out.
Following the shore line, Flash walked as rapidly as he could. His wet clothing impeded him and chills began to rack his body. Several times he slipped into bog up to his knees.
The day seemed to grow steadily darker. With a sense of shock Flash realized that night actually was coming on. He tried to walk faster but could not. Each step had become a torment, for he had discarded his shoes while swimming in the river.