“So are mine!” added Bob.
“I have some dry ones!” the scientist called. “Wait a minute!”
They could hear him moving about in the darkness and rain, seeking for a sheltered place in which to strike a light. Suddenly the blackness was illuminated by a brilliant white glare. It shone full in the faces of the travelers, who, much startled, turned to see what it was. They heard some object strike the island near where their boat was moored, and then the light went out, making the blackness more intense than before.
[CHAPTER XI]
THE HOUSEBOAT
“Lightning!” cried Bob.
“Must have struck here!” remarked Ned.
“Did you ever see lightning so near at hand and not hear thunder?” asked Jerry. “It was a searchlight, I think.”