“I ought to be sure before I move away,” he told himself. “Suppose I fire a shot and see?”
No sooner had the thought entered his mind than he decided to act upon it. The sound of the report had hardly died away before an answering shot was wafted back to him.
“Thank goodness I have found them,” he cried. And the next instant he was off at the top of Dobbins’s speed.
Gus came out to meet him. Despite the rain the stout youth’s face was covered with a broad smile.
“Crickety! but I’m glad you’re here!” he called out. “I was afraid the storm would swallow you up.”
“And it nearly did,” replied Oliver; “I’ve had a narrow escape.”
By the time they had reached the others the rain began to abate as rapidly as it had come on. The dark, angry clouds broke up in all directions, and presently a glint of sunshine appeared far in the west.
“Always act that way,” said Cottle. “This is the blamedest region for such showers ever was.”
All gathered around Oliver to hear what he had to say, and all agreed that his escape was miraculous.