It was a relief
to awaken and find that the flash of light was lightning and not, as
he had imagined in his dream, an explosion of the gasoline carried
in Buck's big wagon. He lay awake awhile regretting the quarrel
with Jellup, and then he sank into a doze again.
But his active brain would not rest. Again he fell into a dream.
This time the picture was very real. The big balloon had been
finished and launched. A thrill ran through him as he felt the
monster craft poise and waver and then slowly rise above the corral.
He could hear the cheers of those gathered about. But in the midst
of them be heard the sudden crack of a revolver. Jack Jellup had
put a bullet through the silken bulk of the bag. The cold
perspiration broke out on Ned's forehead.
The dream was so real that he thought he could hear the taunting
voice of Jellup. In feverish excitement Ned sprang upright, to find
a pair of strong arms clasped about him. He did not cry out. A
wave of cold fear seemed to benumb his tongue and brain. He knew
this was no dream.
Forced onto his back, his face and eyes partly covered by the
shoulders of his sudden captor, Ned's returning consciousness made
him aware that there was a dim light in the office.
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