The ranger studied them uncertainly. “They look like it all right. But don’t count on their doing us any good. I’ve spotted nimbus formations a dozen times this month, but they always drifted off somewhere else.”
“What gives with this nimbus business?” Jerry demanded.
“Rain clouds,” Quiz translated. “And they do seem to be coming in this direction.”
Lukas winked at the ranger. “The whole forest could burn down while we’re waiting for rain. I better get to work.” He waved and started down the slope toward the fire line.
“What can we do, Dick?” Sandy asked the ranger. “We had about five hours’ sleep, so we’re ready for action.”
“Sleep,” Dick muttered, almost reverently. “I’ve forgotten what the word means.” His eyes were sunken and bloodshot with enormous circles around them.
“Why couldn’t I take over for you for a while on the walkie-talkie?” Sandy asked. “Even if you only grab a half-hour nap it would help.”
“It sure would.” The idea seemed to appeal to him. “I could stretch out here on the ground, and if anything important comes up you could wake me.... The radio is a cinch to operate. All you have to do is keep headquarters up to date on what’s happening at our end.”
“You want us to scout again?” Jerry asked.
“Yes. You take the line on one side of the hill; Quiz can scout the line on the other side. Check back with Sandy every quarter of an hour or so in case any new instructions come in from the chief.”