out of here in a few minutes. It’s getting worse instead of better,” the rear man grumbled.

“Yeh, it’s thick and hot. My light won’t last forever. Got any more batteries?”

“Yes.” They paused to fix the flash, and Lang swore at them roundly. “I told you to have new lights, and to pack spare fillers. What did you mean by coming half ready—”

“Aw shut up, my light was brand new, but Red carried the extras,” the other admitted reluctantly. At that Lang and Mills ripped out a string of oaths.

“Haul in,” one snapped finally. “Didn’t you tell us to divide the stuff—well, Red took the batteries—that’s that—”

“And we’ll likely have to crawl out of this in the dark, land somewhere in the forest, and who knows how we’ll get back to the machines?” Mills thundered. “What are you carrying?”

“Grub,” came the answer.

“Well, let’s stop and eat. We can make better time when we are not so empty,” Lang proposed. “Pass it along.” He and Lang sat down as best they could in the narrow quarters with only the smallest light to pierce the gloom which surrounded them. The Buddies also let their feet slide from under them and were grateful for the opportunity to rest. The two men who brought up the rear showed no such disposition, but stepped forward over the other’s legs.

“Here,” the last one muttered, dropping what looked like a paper bag into Lang’s lap, then went on quickly. The leader started to open the container, then glanced up with a scowl.

“Where’s the rest of the stuff?” he demanded.

“Think we been traveling for hours with nothing in our stomachs?” came the answer.

“What’s left?” Mills snapped, grabbing the bag.

“Aw there’s a couple of sandwiches en a hard boiled egg—”

Mills sprang to his feet but the pair jumped out of his way quickly.

“Come on, Mills, eat what there is,” Lang called, so the tall man returned, and the two soon devoured the frugal repast. Not a bite was offered to the Buddies whose food had been left in the plane on the hill, and whose stomachs were clamoring furiously. Presently the meal was finished to the last crumb, then the leaders rose to their feet. They did haul their companions up so 

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