As is usual with tempests, it was not long in coming. Over the volcano it swept, bringing down into the valley a vortex of ashes and soot.
The approach of the storm was like the bellowing of a thousand wild lions. In the utter darkness its coming could only be felt, not seen.
It struck the Scorcher with terrific force. For a few moments it seemed as if the machine was in the clutches of destroying fiends.
Then the wind passed as quickly as it came, and the rain followed.
Torrents of water surged about the machine and over the deck. It seemed as if it would be engulfed.
For hours the storm raged.
Then, in a lull, Frank went on deck and turned on the searchlight. The sight revealed was startling.
The electric light fell glaringly bright upon flashing waters. All about the Scorcher, as far as the light could penetrate, was a mass of water—an inland sea.
Randall clutched Frank’s arm.
“It has come!” he said. “My hypothesis was correct.”