The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1939-07-20
CHAPTER THIRTY


from Paul Krenz scared into tn
dawn, Ellen Anvers relaxed in tn
deep seat directly back of Gwel
Caithness who was plotting tn
craft like veteran.
Ellen had remembered Rick
warning when she climbed in TIM
plane, and after securely fastening
the parachute straps over hel
shoulders and around her waist
and seated herself on the bulky
chute. snapped the safety belt.
She was glad she had remem.
bered. later. when they were higf
over the mountains. The currents
of cold air. rising from the valleys
and canyons met the warming
rays of the sun, and created power
full down drafts which pitched the
small plane like a row boat on a
stormy sea.
Says Prayer
Without their safety belts. she
knew both Of them might easily
have been tossed from their seats
and sent tumbling earthward, and
she muttered a silent prayer that
Gwen was experienced enough to
bring the plane safely through the
treacherous air.
Peering over the side, she saw
Palm Springs nesting like q
jewel at the foot OF San Jaeinto.
The sun, striking the tiled roofs
and the gaudily painted houses,
made the little city look like toy
village from the height at which
they were flying.
Swinging sharply to the left,
Gwen headed northeast and to the
right. glimmering like a blue dia-
mond, cut In an irregular pattern,
Ellen could see Salton sea.
She lost her sense of direction
when Gwen swung the plane in
several more wide arcs, sppar-
emily picking up landmarks that
she had learned from Rick.
They were losing altitude rapid
ly, now. and clear of the towering
the air was smooth and
their progress even.
They crossed canyons - dozens
Of them, and Ellen wondered how
anyone could tell which was which.
From the air. there was scarcely
any difference that she could see.
Motor Purrs
The motor suddenly toned from
a heavy roar to 4 muffled purr
and Gwen banked sharply.
She Strengthened out. glanced
around to make sure Ellen's belt
was fastened, and dropped down
rapidly.
Even as they hit the ground,
Ellen couldn't be sure this was the
right place until she recognized
Kicks plane. looming up ahead.
As they rolled to an easy stop,
Ellen saw Rick and Caithness APP
pear from the rocky path above
the canyon floor and scramble
down toward them. Before they
could unstrap themselves and
climb from the ship, both men
were there. shouting excited ques-
tons.
Whats the natter" Rick
shouted at Gwen. why have you
come ?"
He ignored Ellen. speaking d.
rectly to the other girl.
Yes. Gwen" Caithness echoed,
what are you doing out here ?"
Both men looked as though they
had dressed hastily when they
heard the roar Of the motor over
head.
Rick hadn't bothered to button
his shirt and Ellen could see his
bronzed chest cleaning in the sun
light.
Help us out, first" Gwen an
We've got plenty TO tell
you-and we've got to move fast"
Rick helped her down. while
caithness reached up and gave Ell
len a hand. He turned away from
her Immediately, however. and
walked over to his daughter, who
was talking excitedly TO
Rick.
Walks stifny
cramped from the long ride.
Ellen walked stiffiy over to the
group.
Gwen had rushed through the
story Of Eilens discoveries, her
capture and their escape. She
turned to Ellen.
You'd better ten them what
Kari said"