THE MYSTERY OF A PAIR OF BREECHES.
Jack went out with the lantern upon the ruined abutment of the bridge, and showed a space beside the drift-wood, in the turbid and whirling current, where fording seemed practicable.
Then the boys got into the wagon again, and the mare was driven cautiously forward, by the glimmering light which the lantern shed faintly before and around them. Lion swam ahead, throwing up his muzzle and barking loud, like a faithful pilot showing the safest way. The wheels went in over the hubs; the water came into the bottom of the wagon-box; the flood boiled and plashed and gurgled, and swept away in black, whirling eddies; and Jack said, "This wouldn't be a very nice place to break down, eh,—would it?"
But they got safely through; and on the farther bank they were pleased to find again the trail of the horse and buggy.
They were now in high spirits. The whirlwind having passed up the river, the road lay aside from its direct path, but still within the area of rain.
"This is gay!" said Jack. "He thinks he has baffled us; and he will put up somewhere for the night; and we won't! We shall circumvent Master Radcliff!"
