Half-way down this, the ground yet hot beneath their feet, the vapor stifling, but with clearer breaths of air blowing in their faces, Brant tripped and fell.

Mason beat out the smouldering sparks in his clothing, and assisted him to stagger to his feet once more.

Then together they bore him, now unconscious, slowly down below the first fire-line.
[Illustration: Together they bore him, now unconscious, slowly down below the first fire-line.].