Russell Steele grinned. “I had one of the first ham licenses in this country, young fellow.”
“Good; I’ll contact headquarters and turn it over to you.”
Russell Steele looked slightly embarrassed. “I’m afraid I’ll have to ask all of you to step outside until I find out what this is all about.”
“Certainly, sir,” the ranger said. “I’ll take the boys downstairs and give them a lecture on forestry.” He flicked on the switch and picked up the transmitting mike, twirling dials with his free hand.
“KYAT calling KVK.... Fire station KYAT calling headquarters.... Come in, KVK....”
As soon as contact had been established, Russell Steele slipped into the operator’s chair and put on the earphones.
The ranger and the boys made the long descent to the ground, where Prince was waiting patiently at the foot of the stairs. He wagged his tail and rubbed against them when they patted him, but occasionally he would whimper and glance up anxiously at the top of the tower.
“He’s wondering what happened to Uncle Russ,” Sandy said.
Jerry followed the dog’s gaze. “I’m kind of curious to know what gives up there, myself.”
Dick Fellows held up his hand, motioning for silence. “Do you hear that?” he asked.