"Don't say a word," groaned Whopper. "I've got about a barrel of water in my shoes and another barrel down my neck!"
"I am going to see if the stores are safe," came from Shep, and he hurried for the boat, followed by Snap. They found that the canvas had torn from its fastenings and was flapping wildly in the wind. The rain had soaked almost everything.
"This is certainly serious," said Snap, as he did his best, assisted by the others, to pull the canvas into place once more and fasten it tight. "We don't want our stores ruined."
"We can thank Mr. Andrew Felps for this experience," grumbled
Shep. "I suppose he is snug in our cabin and laughing at us."
"He must certainly be in the cabin," said Giant, who had followed the others to the boat.
They could do nothing to make themselves comfortable, and so had to simply grin and bear it, which they did with the best grace possible. They were afraid to remain under the trees for fear of getting struck by some falling branch.
"Wonder how long this is going to last?" came from Whopper, an hour later. "Looks to me as if it was going to keep up a long time."
"There is no telling," answered Snap. "I think—-hark!"
All listened and heard a strange humming. Then the wind began to tear through the forest with fearful violence.
"It is surely a tornado!" yelled Shep. "Get down, all of you, or you'll be blown to nowhere!"