“That’s putting two and two together, Lanky, as rapidly as that policeman did.”
“What’s that?” Lanky’s startled voice cried as he pointed ahead of them toward the city of Columbia, whose electric lights were now dancing across the waters.
The two boys studied a bright reflection in the sky for some seconds, both figuring what this might be.
“It’s a fire, and a big one, too—or at least it is big enough to look mighty big in the skies,” said Frank slowly.
“Where can it be? In the heart of town? Or is it further away?”
“Don’t know. But my guess is that it’s right where dad’s place is. See that smokestack there to the right? That’s right across the street from dad’s store. How far is the fire from that stack?”
“It’s right there, Frank! Sure as can be, that is your father’s place on fire—and it looks like it is a real one, too!”
Midnight, almost, with a great fire in the Allen department store—his father’s place of business—and he on the river, unable to be of aid!
Frank gave the motor all its speed. The Rocket fairly leaped out of the water on its way!