The Argosy, Vol. 84 No. 2 — page 90: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

212 He didn’t stop to think that in order to return he would be compelled to climb. So down the mountain, winding about its side, they went. Their tiny electric torch threw so circumscribed a radiance that they were obliged to proceed carefully not knowing what another step might bring. They walked along the railroad- ties, as there was no path to follow. Harvey strained his eyes in the dark- ness, looking for a distant light until he imagined he saw several of them, only to be set right by Suka. After some minutes’ walking they found that the side-track led them back to the main one. | “Well, that’s something to be thankful for,” remarked Harvey cheerfully. “‘ We can hail a train.” Suka gave vent to an expression of dis- belief. “You think train stop for us?” he asked. “ No.” ; They had not proceeded very far when a low rumble was heard. “What's that?” asked Harvey. sounded like thunder.” The next instant his query was an- swered by a vivid flash of lightning, ac- companied by a terrific thunderclap. “It’s going to rain,” he exclaimed. “ What shall we do, Suka? We mustn’t get wet.” — - “ Most nize thing to do—go back to car,” Suka suggested. ““T guess you’re right, but -I’m afraid we won’t be able to make it.” However, they started to retrace their ce It ‘““We have time,” said Suka, scanning the heavens at the next flash of lightning. _“ Storm not so very near.”’ They pushed on and were congratulat- - ing themselves that the rain had not be- gun as yet, when both were startled by an unexpected sight. A great glare illuminated the darkness. Flames leaped upward in the distance bringing into distinct outline the stranded Pullman. “Why, it’s my own car!” exclaimed THE ARGOSY., Bgwyer in consternation. “It is burning up, and here we are, helpless.” CHAPTER VI. FATE STILL PURSUES. | ‘HE two men stood as if rooted to the spot, gazing at the appalling sight. The flames mounted higher as they ab- ‘sorbed all the fuel within reach. It was a scene never to be forgotten, for out of the impenetrable night had come light, but such light as the onlook- ers shuddered to contemplate. “It’s a good thing the doctor and Du- chene aren’t there, Suka,”’ observed Harvey. ; ‘It’s good thing we not in car,” added the Jap. “ We might burn alive.” The fire speedily burnt itself out. “She go down,” remarked Suka. “What we do now?” At times this Japanese placidity was exceedingly irritating to Harvey, but just then he found it refreshing. He himself was so nervous and excited that he need- ed a companion of opposite emotions. “| don’t know what on earth we are going to do, Suka,” he replied. ‘‘ Was any other man ever in such a position? Here we are, apparently miles from civ- ilization, my car burned to the wheels, and a thunderstorm approaching. It’s awful!” ‘Only one thing to do,” said the Jap. ““What’s that?” ‘Find house quick before rain come.” Harvey was fast losing patience. ‘A tree will be about the nearest ap- proach to shelter we will find this night, Suka,” he said. ‘‘ Haven’t we been all around here and not a sign of a habita- tion can we discover!” “But Mr. Bowyer cannot stay out- doors all night,” objected the Jap. ‘“ Oh, I suppose it will be the death of me,” replied Harvey. ‘“ However, that won’t matter very much, I guess. Nobody will worry—except my brother James, GoOnGebooks (C@