Had it been a pleasant day the boy would have enjoyed that drive thoroughly, for it was through a most beautiful section of the country. On both sides of the road were broad fields, dotted here and there with patches of woods and bushes. Several brooks were also crossed, and at one of these he stopped for a few minutes to watch a trio of boys fishing.
But then the sky seemed to grow darker suddenly, and somewhat alarmed, Matt whipped up Billy. The wind died out utterly, and the air grew close and sultry.
“That means a heavy thunder-storm and nothing less,” thought Matt. “I wish I was near the journey’s end instead of only about half through with it.”
Presently came a sudden and quite unexpected rush of wind, and a second later a heavy dash of rain, which drove almost into the boy’s face.
Matt at once stopped driving, and adjusted the rubber blanket in front of his seat. This was no easy job, for the wind kept increasing in violence. He had barely completed the work when there came a crash of thunder, and then the rain came down harder than ever.
“I wish I could find some shelter,” he muttered to himself. “I would willingly pay to be allowed to drive into some barn until this was over. I hope none of the stock gets wet.”
Matt tried to peer about him, but he could not see far, owing to the sheets of rain which fell all around.
“We’ll have to stick to the road until something comes in sight, Billy,” he said, addressing the shivering horse. “Get up old boy, and step lively.”
Thus addressed, the animal started on once more. But the rain prevented him going as fast as before. The ground was very heavy, and the road in spots was covered with water which had not time to run off, so heavy was the downpour.