During the last hour the sky had become overcast with masses of dull, leaden clouds. The wind too was increasing in power and the waters of the lagoon began to break into waves in the midst of which the Dartaway pitched and tossed.
“I think it would be wise to go ashore,” said Jerry. “We’d better camp there for the night. We can go out on the lake in the morning.”
Bob put the wheel over and they landed at a place where tall green grass came down almost to the water’s edge.
“We’ll have to hustle to get the tent up if we’re going to sleep here to-night,” said Ned. “That long grass looks as if there might be snakes in it.”
“If there are perhaps I can get a few specimens,” spoke Mr. Snodgrass. “But come on, boys. The storm will soon be upon us.”
Bob and Ned, aided by the scientist, and by Jerry, who could perform light tasks, soon had the tent up. They securely moored the Dartaway, and then set about making things comfortable for the night. The wind was increasing in force, and a few drops of rain fell, but the boys knew their tent was a strong and dry one, and securely put up.
They went to bed early, as it had been a tiresome day. Shortly before midnight they were all awakened by a crash. Then it seemed as if a giant hand had lifted their tent from the ground. An instant later they felt a deluge of rain.
“Secure the tent! Hold it down! Grab the ropes!” yelled Ned.
Bob and the professor sprang to aid him, but they were too late. The tent was blown down.