The Secret of the Desert Stone by Frank Peretti Read Free Book Online

her head, waving her finger over the image on the screen. “See here? Between the top and bottom surfaces there is virtually no change in density. No cracks. No holes. No gaps or bubbles. Nothing.”
    â€œSo we haven’t progressed much,” said Dr. Cooper.
    â€œWe may have fallen back a little. We don’t even know what the Stone is made of.”
    â€œBut you said it was basalt,” said Lila.
    Dr. Henderson shot a glance at the gas-powered core drill lying next to the plane’s wheel strut, the drill bit burned and blunted. “While you were setting out the sensors, I tried to drill out a core sample. The drill didn’t even make a scratch. If I’m going to be scientific and objective here, I have to admit I don’t know what this thing is or what it’s made of. I only know it’s indestructible.”
    â€œDo you still think it’s man-made?” Dr. Cooper asked.
    Jennifer Henderson sniffed a derisive little laugh.“I’m wondering what the builder used for a chisel. Even though he, or it, or they, left marks, I sure can’t.”
    Lila turned her back to a cold breeze that had just kicked up. “His Excellency isn’t going to like this.”
    â€œJust for my information,” said Dr. Henderson, “now that we have the airplane, can’t we just fly out of the country from here?”
    Dr. Cooper looked across the vast, tabletop surface toward the distant horizon, barely visible beyond the Stone’s sharp edge. “Yes, we can. I’m just not sure how far we can go on the fuel we have left.”
    â€œFar enough to get out of Togwana would be fine with me.”
    â€œBut the question is, where can we go? If any of the neighboring countries help us escape, Nkromo would brand them as enemies. I’m not sure they’d want that.”
    â€œWell,” said Lila, “at least we’re safe up here.”
    As if in response to her words, a disturbing quiver came up through the soles of their shoes.
    â€œI knew it,” Dr. Henderson moaned.
    The Stone was quaking, all right. Dr. Henderson’s computer almost slid off its little stand before she grabbed it. The airplane began to rock, its wings dipping and jiggling. From deep below and all around, there was a deep rumble, like continuous thunder, as a gust of wind whipped across the Stone, kicking up tiny ice pellets that stung their faces.
    Dr. Henderson was already throwing her gear into the plane. “Let’s go, let’s go!”
    Dr. Cooper looked to the east and saw a curtain of snow, ice, and boiling clouds coming their way. “Fair weather’s over. We’d better get off this thing!”
    Lila looked the direction her father was looking and saw the storm approaching. Even so, she insisted, “But we’re safe here, really!”
    Dr. Cooper just tugged her toward the plane.“Jay, unchock the wheels!”
    Dr. Henderson started running away and he grabbed her.
    â€œI’ve got to get the blaster!” she yelled over the rumble and the wind. “And the drill, and all those sensors—”
    â€œWhat about the airplane? ” Dr. Cooper yelled back. “If it gets damaged, we’ll never get down!”
    The Stone lurched like a bucking horse. The airplane actually skipped backward several feet, and the Coopers tumbled to the ground. The wind began to whip at them angrily.
    Dr. Henderson didn’t need any more convincing. With a cry of fear, she struggled to her feet, jerked the door open, and clambered inside.
    Jay and Lila jumped in the back, Dr. Cooper in the front. The plane was still dancing and sidestepping along the quivering ground as Dr. Cooper rattled off the checklist, his hands flying from lever to button to gauge to switch. “Fuel tanks both, electrical off, breakers in, prop on maximum, carb heat cold . . .”
    He twisted the starter switch and the engine came to life, the prop spinning into a