And down the crater side they proceeded to travel. Leaping from rock to rock they went rapidly down.
Soon the plateau below was reached. Then they saw the Scorcher dimly in the distance down the valley.
It was quite a long tramp down over the steeps to where the machine was. Barney and Pomp were not in sight.
When the three explorers reached the Scorcher after threading their way among the ruins they were surprised to find the two jokers missing.
What had become of them?
The truth was, they had gone upon a little exploring expedition of their own.
When Frank and his companions disappeared in the old ruin, the Celt turned a handspring on the pavement, and cried:
“Be me sowl, naygur, phwat do yez say av we have a little exploration av our own?”
“I’se wif yo’, I’sh. Wha’ am we gwine fo’ to explore?”
“The whole town, yez ignoramus! Shure, it’s loikely we may foind some valuable relics ourselves. Thin Misther Frank will be afther thankin’ us fer thim!”