A Will to Survive by Franklin W. Dixon

Author:Franklin W. Dixon
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aladdin

9 The Million-Dollar Log

* * *

Frank saw the danger instantly. He sprang forward like an Olympic runner pushing off from the starting block. As his powerful legs carried him along the leaf-strewn trail, his brain was doing a series of complex problems in rate, time, and distance. Could he reach Kevin before the tree completed its deadly arc?

Joe was matching him stride for stride. He started to bend forward at the waist and stretch his arms out in front of him. Frank suddenly realized what he meant to do. He was planning to grab Kevin by the legs and tow him out of danger. It might work . . . but the timing was so tight that even a moment’s delay could bring disaster.

For a fraction of a second, Frank considered helping Joe by grabbing one of Kevin’s legs. No—the risk was too great. Instead of helping, he might make Joe’s job harder. There were two ways to save Kevin. Joe wanted to move the boy away from the danger. Frank wanted to move the danger away from the boy.

The instant he made his decision, Frank put it into action. He visualized the tree trunk as an opposing ball carrier nearing the end zone. Tucking his chin against his chest, he dug in his toes and charged forward. His left shoulder struck the tree a solid blow. He kept his feet churning. In his mind he heard his coach yelling, “Through the runner! Tackle through the runner!”

Moments later Frank was sprawled on the ground next to the tree. The force of his attack had made it swivel on its lower end and fall along the trail instead of across it. His shoulder ached. He noticed half a dozen scratches on his arms and hands, but he didn’t feel them . . . yet. He pushed himself up and looked around. Joe was a couple of yards away, helping an unhurt Kevin to his feet.

“I-I-I’m sorry,” the shaken boy stammered. “I didn’t mean . . . I don’t know what happened.”

“I think I do,” Frank muttered under his breath. Aloud, he said, “Rahsaan, why don’t you and the group go ahead? Joe and I will stay here and take care of clearing the trail.”

Rahsaan gave Frank a troubled look, but he took the suggestion. Soon he and the group of kids were on their way.

“Okay, let’s get to work,” Frank said. “Why don’t you check the trail. I’ll concentrate on those branches that were holding up the tree.”

“You don’t think it was an accident,” Joe said.

Frank pointed at the fallen log. “Look—dirt and traces of decay all along one side,” he said. “It was lying on the ground for quite a while. Once they’re down, dead trees don’t get up again unless somebody helps.”

While Joe scanned the trail, Frank leaned back to look up at the place where the dead tree had been. It was easy to find. The bark of the tree that was still standing was deeply scratched just above a broken branch.

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