Frank Reade Library No. 73: Six Weeks in the Clouds — page 12: what you’re looking at

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

12 SIX WEEKS IN THE CLOUDS. To cap all, Frank now produced some rilles, of which he said: ‘¢ These throw an explosive shell. With them a handful of men can make havoc in the ranks of a small army.” ‘* Now we will hunt for the spot,” said Frank, ‘‘ please to point it out, Mr. Allen!” ‘‘T will do so,” replied Charlie. Aud he proceeded to keep a strict watch. With Barney in the power of the savage Klamath Indians, there was little chance for his life, Frank knew that this particular branch of the tribe were savage as- sassins. Small show woald the Celt stand against them. However, he was determined to do all he could to save Barney. Pomp in particular was much excited. “ Yo’ don’ want to lose dat J’ishman, Marse Frank?” he declared. ‘*He am jes’ too valuable a man fo’ you?” ‘‘ How is this?” exclaimed Frank mischievously. ‘‘I thought you and Barney were not on very guod terms?” ‘‘ Who done say dat fing?’ “Why, [ heard you say the other day that if you lived long enough, you’d pay him off for an old score.” Pomp laughed merrily. ‘Dat am jes’ foolin’, Marse Frank,” he cried. ‘‘ Ob co’se I tries to fool him all I kin, an’ he does jes’ de same.” “Oh! that is it?” “Yes, galt” The explanation was perfectly satisfactory to Frank. He did not make further inquiry. Prof. Digby. ‘ Certainly,” replied Frank. ‘¢ What shall we do to assist you?” ‘¢ Simply remain here until! I return. If you are attacked, Pomp will show you how to defend the air-ship.” All right.” All was now in readiness for the attack upon the Klamaths. Of course Frank had no knowledge of the numerical strength of the Indians, or of the extent of their hiding place in the cavern. - But with the protection of the armor he felt safe in the case of a reasonable attack. Therefore he did not shrink from the pass. The air-ship descended until,upon a level with the mouth of the cavern. Then the three adventurous rescuers left its deck by means of a rope ladder. Armed with the explosive shell rifles, they boldly entered the mouth of the cave. Frank carried with him a coi! of wire connected with the dynamos op board the Thunderbolt. This was for the purpose of using an electric light in case there The air-ship for several days cruised about the wild region. Then | was need of it, or to signal the party on the air-ship and keep in- one morning Charlie Allen shouted: formed of what was going on there, “There is the spot, Mr. Reade. There is the lake we hoped to drop Thus equipped, they boldly entered the Klamaths’ cavern. into!” To their surprise all was as light as day in the inner passage. Frank saw at once that the spot corresponded with Allen’s descrip- There were crevices in the hill overhead by which lizht wag ad- tion, The air-ship jiovered over the vicinity for some while. mitted. A beaten trail extended through the passage, which it was Not a sign of the Indians was to be seen until Frank happened to | easy to follow. send the air-ship close to the wall of a mountain near by. For a long ways the passage led them on in winding course. Then Then Prof. Denham cried: suddenly a bright light was seen far ahead. ‘‘ There they are.” ‘s What is that?” asked Charlie Allen, coming toa halt. ‘It looks All rashed to the rail. like a fire.” The object of the professor’s remarks were instantly seen. Half a ‘Tt is,” replied Frank. ‘* Can you not smell the odor of pitch dozen savages were in full retreat along the base of the mountain. ' pine?” . They had evidently seen the air-ship and wanted to escape from it. |“ This was true. Thin films of smoke from the burning wood floated Several of the voyagers sprung for their rifles, but Frank cried: through the corridor. ‘¢ Don't fire at them!” This .o Frank was evidence of the existence of a larger cavern, The young inventor had a good purpose in view. He sent the air- | perhaps a mighty subterranean chamber beyond. This might be the shiyy in hot pursuit. den of the Klamaths. He was in the hopes of overtaking them and capturing gt least one The three men halted at this spot. of them. From this one he hoped to learn Barney’s fate. They had no desire to rush recklessly into a trap. But of a sudden the entire crew disappeared. For a moment it was Thus far nothing had been seen of the Indians. They had kept out a matter of much wonderment where they had gone. of sight either purposely or accidentally. It was hard to say which. Then Warden cried: ‘‘ What shall we do?” asked Charlie, somewhat in doubt. ‘‘ Ought ‘ Heigho! @ cavern.” we to go anead, Frank?” This was true. Right in the side of the mountain was a mighty ‘* 1 see no other way,” replied the young inventor. ‘‘ It will be well bigh arched cavern. to keep a sharp lookout, however.” Into this the Klamaths had disappeared. Doubtless this was the And this was done. Thea three rescuers pushed slowly and cau- home of the entire tribe of ther. tiously forward. This wag the conclusion reached by the aerial voyagers. The air- Every moment now they drew nearer to the open chamber beyond. , Ship was allowed to descend until one could look right into the cave. | Suddenly a startling sound was heard in their rear. But nothing was to be seen at a greater depth than twenty feet. | Then the telegraph clicker in Frank’s hands began to tap in a muf- Here the cavern took a sharp angle to the left. fled way. It was a message from the air-ship. What was lo be done? ‘* Look out! Some savages have entered the cave in your rear.” It was reasonable to suppose that if Barney was a captive he was in | Frank quickly wirec back: the depths of the cavern. If 80, how was he to be rescued from it. “ All right.” i i SE ee es This was a troublesome problem. Then he’ hastily grounded the wire. The footsteps of the advanc- It was certainly out of the question for the air-ship to attempt to | ing Klamaths could be plainly heard in the rear. invade the place. Again, should any of the voyagers attempt it on re Quick, boys!” whispered Frank. ‘‘ Crawl in here.” foot, might not they be overpowered by superior numbers. There was a crevice in the wall of the passage. Into this they All these things were carefully considered. Matters seemed in | crept. statu gvo for a brief time. They were not a moment too soon. But Frank yas not to be defeated so easily. He was determined to Down the passage came five savages. They passed near enough rescue Barney at all hazards. to the hidden white men to be rlmost able to touch them. ‘*T have In my possession that which will make it safe for three of But they passed on and were soon out of sight. us to enter the cavern!” he said. ‘* Pomp will watch the air-ship. Then Frank crept out. Will you go with me?” addressing Allen and Warden. ‘Quick, friends,” he said. ‘* Let us follow them at once!” They signified assent. Then Frank said: Down the passage they went at full speed. It was hoped to get in ‘“ Pomp, bring up the cases of armor!” sizht of the Klamaths again. The darky vanished. Ina few moments be had brought up three But this they were unable to do. long boxes with lids of metal. However, they came to the very entrance to the mighty cavern Frank quickly opened these. In each lay a suit of beautifully con- | chamber. Jt seemed to cover fully an acre, and apparently was the structed chain armor. interior cave of an extinct volcano. The others gazed upon the sight with amazement. A wonderful spectacle it was which now rewarded their gaze. All ‘* Upon my word!” exclaimed Prof. Denham. ‘* Real chain armor.” | regarded it with amazement. ‘* Yes,” replied Frank, High arched, the cavern shadows were relieved by four fires in ‘* But is it impervious to rifle balls?” different corners, which sent ghostly shadows flickering about the “Certainly! It is steel manufactured by a secret process and | mighty roof. which will resist any rife ball. The armor is light and pliable and Sitting upon the cavern floor were fully a hundred of the Kilamaths, encased in it one may feel safe agaidst an enemy’s bullets.” all in a state of great excitement. ‘¢ {3 it an invention of yours, Mr. Reade?” asked the Rev, Schyler When the cause of their excitement was seen, Frank and his com- Wall. panions could hardly contain themselves. “It is,” replied Frank. There in the center of the attentive circle of smoking Klamaths was ‘* The catalogue of your achievements in the invention line must be | Barney engaged in a genuine Irish song and dance. And the savages very great.” were bestowing upon the performance all the attentiveness of first Frank took from the case one of the suits of armor and proceeded | nighters at a city theater. to put iton. In a few moments he was encased from head to foot. Then the wonderful advantage of the armor was easily seen. Frank stood, the admired of his beholders. Charlie and Warden donned their suits. The three armor-clad men now proceeded to arm themselves. CHAPTER XI. THE FIGHT IN THE CAVERN. THE situation wa8 not one devoid of humorous features, although serious in the main. “Then you really intend to invade the den of the red foe?” asked — COMICLOOKS.GO