Behind her stood the
substantial form of Brenda, also well wrapped against the night's chill
and mist.
Confusedly Blaine presented the captain and Brodno, the latter grinning
amusedly. In fact, this affair had been more of a lark to the American
Pole than to Byers, who was oppressed with a sense of responsibility.
"We'll have to divide up, and at once," said the captain. "In fact,
ever since Erwin used that searchlight to show me the way down, I
haven't felt that we were safe here. Therefore I say all aboard just
as soon as we can be loaded in -- what is that?" as a sharp staccato of
shocks rose from Brodno's machine, the result of his tinkering with his
air-exhaust. Even as he made haste to stop them, time being all
important, Byers was placing the two women in his own plane, saying:
"It will be crowded, but you can stand that for a time, I guess. But
-- say! Hold on! I forgot. You have some important papers somewhere?"
"Yes. Brenda has them in her bosom. You may be sure we did not forget
those. Are they all right, Brenda?"
But here Brenda jumped up in the observer's manhole, and began hastily
fumbling among the folds of her ample garb. With a sudden half scream
she sprang out, seized the searchlight from the astonished Erwin and
made a dash for the basement again.
"Is what she is after important?" asked Erwin of Miss Daskam, who was
fidgeting uneasily.
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