“At least Nora wouldn’t fall in,” cut in Emma.
“By the way, Stacy, this is the opportunity of a lifetime to fall in. Why don’t you?”
“I don’t have to, that’s why. Why don’t you?”
“Because I keep my head level,” retorted Emma quickly.
Stacy made no reply but wandered off muttering to himself as he gazed into the boiling pools, his forehead wrinkling in perplexity, for this phenomenon of nature was too much for him to understand.
All at once the Overlanders were startled by a mighty yell from the fat boy.
“He’s at it again!” cried Elfreda.
“Where is he? Where is he?” wailed Nora.
Stacy had suddenly disappeared from sight, though he had been standing only a few rods from them and they had been talking with him but a moment before. There was only one conclusion to be drawn and Tom Gray instantly voiced it.
“He has fallen in through the thin crust. Quick! Help me find him!” cried Tom, starting at a run for the spot where he had last seen the fat boy standing.