They looked in the direction indicated and saw a column of flames mounting above the tree tops.
CHAPTER II
ALMOST A TRAGEDY
Tom Swift and the two with him stared for a moment in consternation.
“It isn’t the woods on fire,” cried Tom. “They’re too green for that; and besides we had a drenching storm two days ago. It’s the plane that’s blazing.”
“And that poor fellow perhaps is being burned to death!” cried Ned. “Hurry, Tom; hurry!”
There was no need for urging. Tom threw caution to the winds and tore along at a reckless pace in the direction of the flames.
As he turned a bend in the trail, an exclamation escaped him. Right in the road was a small tree which had been blown down. It lay directly in front of him, completely blocking the road.
He had scarcely time to stop before colliding with it. Then with one accord all leaped from the car and tugged desperately at the tree to try to move it to one side far enough to permit the car to pass.
Although they put forth almost superhuman efforts, they soon found that their strength was unequal to the task. Tom was the first to realize it.
“No use, fellows,” he panted. “We’ll have to leave the car here and make the rest of the way on foot.”