Harper's Young People, June 29, 1880 / An Illustrated Weekly

A SOUP EXPLOSION.
It was a terrific storm. The wind swept down the river, raising a ridge of white water in its path. The rain came down harder, so the boys thought, than they had ever seen it come down before, and the glare of the lightning and the crash of the thunder were frightful.
What luck it is that we got the tent pitched in time! exclaimed Joe. We're as dry and comfortable here as if we were in a house.
Pick your blankets up quick, boys, cried Harry. Here's the water coming in under the tent.
Joe had boasted a little too soon. The water running down the side of the hill was making its way in large quantities into the tent. To save their clothes and blankets the boys had to stand up and hold them in their arms, which was by no means a pleasant occupation, especially as the cold rain-water was bathing their feet.
It can't last long, remarked Tom. We're all right if the lightning doesn't strike us.
Where's the powder? asked Harry.
Oh, it's in the flask, replied Joe, and I've got the flask in my pocket.
So, if the lightning strikes the tent, we'll all be blown up! exclaimed Harry. This is getting more and more pleasant.
The boys were not yet at the end of their troubles. The rain had loosened the earth, and the tent-pins, of which only four had been used, could no longer hold the tent. So, while they were talking about the powder, the tent suddenly blew down, upsetting the boys as it fell, and burying them under the wet canvas.