CHAPTER VI.
THE ANDEAN STORM.
West of them there was a deep and narrow gorge between high mountains. Down through this with the speed of a race horse there came a tumbling funnel-shaped cloud.
So swift did it come and so unexpected was it, that the voyagers were wholly unprepared and taken by surprise.
But in that swift instant all realized what it meant.
A storm in the Andes is a terrible affair. Darting among the great peaks it sweeps with cyclonic fury through the valleys, carrying destruction in its path until its force is spent.
Such was now swooping down upon the air-ship like a mighty bird of prey.
There was no time to get out of the way to make any change in course. Barney and Pomp sprang into the forward cabin, shutting the door behind them.
Frank and the captain leaped into the pilot-house.
They were not a moment too soon.
The storm struck the air-ship like a thunderbolt. What saved it from being totally destroyed was a literal wonder.