The road curved and a cluster of lights could be seen ahead. Flash quickened his step. He was within view of Clear Lake at last.
A few minutes later he walked into the general store at the edge of the village. The only occupant was a woman who stood behind the counter. She stared as he moved toward her.
“Where can I hire a car to take me to Excelsior City?” Flash asked.
“Well, now, I don’t know,” she answered with deliberate speech. “All the men folks is fightin’ the fire. I’m lookin’ after the store for my husband.”
“Isn’t there someone here who has a car I could borrow or rent?”
“You look like you been in the fire yourself, Mister.”
“I have,” Flash replied briefly. “It’s very important for me to get to town—”
“Claude Geiser might take you,” the woman interrupted. “He’s too no-account to do an honest lick of work or help the rangers, but he has a car.”
“Where will I find him?”
“Second house past the post office. He may not be at home.”