Mr. Beaumont’s ward grinned cheerfully.
“Guess this beats all of old Doc Cliffy’s adventures pounded into one,” he said. “Hello—hello, Major Carroll; we’re down-stairs at last.”
It didn’t take the slight, active financier very long to join them.
“We have been most fortunate,” he remarked. His eyes lighted up with satisfaction, as he glanced from one to the other. A vigorous shake sent a shower of pine-needles flying from his shoulders. “But a hard task still confronts us. We must——”
“Get out of the woods,” chirped Willie, whose mind was now relieved from all anxiety.
“Quite right,” laughed the Major. “I suppose Doctor Clifton may have something to say about this. But come on; we must find a way to descend.”
Feelings somewhat like those of an explorer who has landed upon some strange, untrodden soil, coursed through Willie Sloan, as they made their way around the trees. A delightful fragrance of the pines filled the air.
Finally the forest thinned out, and the explorers, following the edge of the spur, at length emerged upon a stretch of barren rocks.
“I wonder where in the world Bob Somers and Cran have gone in that old air-skimmer,” remarked Willie, after a long stare in all directions.
“I’d give a lot to know whether the boys are safe.”