back contents forward {{frabfp209.png}} || eagles of the sky || If only they were able to get him fast in the net before he could make any attempt to destroy that book and those papers--Jack felt convinced a generous Fortune had not allowed him to see such a prize only to snatch it out of his reach ocr> through fire or some similar means of destruc^ fix> through fire or some similar means of destruction. ocr> tion. fix> xxxxxxx line eliminated here But here was Perk pulling at his sleeve as though he had a communication of the utmost importance to pass along. Accordingly, Jack, who himself was ready to effect a change of base so that speedy action might be decided on, moved back from the window. "What is it, Perk?" he whispered, at which the other began to make suggestive gestures ocr> toward his throat, and nod his head violently, fix> toward his throat, and nod his head violently. "I c'n feel it comin' on again, partner--the ticklin' feelin' you know, an' I'm afraid I'll start acoughin' to beat the band--must have more drink." It seemed nothing could be done until Perk's sensitive throat had been properly attended to, so once more they crept and trailed along until the vicinity of the well had been reached. Here Perk started to swill, as though his capacity for holding water had no limit. It was just at this particular moment, when both of them were hanging over the well curb that a shaft of light [[209]] back contents forward