Part 3 (2/2)
”It is therefore called the 'Ozark Uplift.'”
”That is interesting,” answered Ned solemnly, though it is doubtful if he understood what the Professor was really talking about.
”There is still another of tremendous import connected with this region. You will all be interested in it,” announced the Professor impressively.
The boys gathered about him in a circle, meantime allowing their ponies to nibble at the green leaves.
”Yes,” urged Tad.
”The region where is now located the Ozark Uplift is said to have been the first land to appear above the waters of the continental ocean.”
”You--you mean--” stammered Ned.
”He means this was the first land to appear above the water when this continent was all an ocean,” spoke up Tad, with quick understanding.
Stacy urged his pony further into the circle. His face was flushed and he evidently was filled with some sudden new thought.
”What is it, Master Stacy?” asked the Professor.
”You--you say this was the first land to--”
”Yes, so it has been said.”
”Then--then this--then this must have been where the Ark landed,”
exploded the fat boy.
For a few seconds a profound silence greeted this announcement. Then the lads broke out into a shout of laughter. Even Professor Zepplin threw his head back and laughed immoderately.
”I am afraid, my young friend, that the place where the ancient craft ran aground was some distance from this rugged spot--”
”But why not?” persisted the boy.
”In the first place, this continent came to life some time after the event you speak of is supposed to have taken place.”
”Oh,” muttered the lad.
”And now we had better be pressing on.”
”When do we reach the Red Star Mine?” asked Ned.
”You will have to ask Eagle-eye. I don't know.”
The Indian, when questioned on this point, said the Red Star Mine lay three suns to the southwest of them.
The country seemed to be getting more rough as they proceeded, and it had now become necessary to move with extreme caution for fear of plunging over one of the many abrupt cliffs that now and then appeared almost under the feet of the advancing train.
But the Indian seemed to feel no concern over these. He merely changed his course, skirting the canyon until a turn in its winding course enabled him to head straight into the southwest again.
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