But the yellow cloud continued to vomit lightning until it had passed beyond the zenith.
The aerial voyagers now all pressed to the rail and watched the wonderful phenomenon of the lake’s disappearance.
And, indeed, such it was.
Lower and lower sank the swirling waters. Suddenly they ceased their commotion.
Then they became like glass. In a few moments they were like a mirror.
But rapidly now they sank. From the distance there came a strange noise like water running through a funnel.
This was the sound Barney had remarked a few nights before. Ten—twenty—thirty minutes elapsed, and then, as far as the eye could reach, no water was to be seen.
The glistening sands and rocks were rapidly drying in the sunlight. The Transient Lake had once more gone out.
How long it would remain was uncertain. Hours, perhaps, and maybe days. However, this was the time for action.
“Now for the mound of gold!” cried Frank. “We shall have to get our bearings from you, captain.”