Frank decided to investigate the distant smoke.
Accordingly, accompanied by Pomp, he set out for the distant hill.
Before reaching it, they were obliged to pass through a narrow pass.
Just as they reached this, an excited cry went up from Pomp.
“Whatebber was dat, Marse Frank?”
“What?”
“Jes’ yo’ listen!”
From the distance came the faint sound of hallooing.
Frank said nothing but pressed on. They passed through the defile, and came out in view of a broad intervale leading down to the sea.
At a spot halfway down from this, a long column of smoke was ascending into the air.