“Them squalls,” explained the boatman, “are mighty sudden. Ye never know when to expect ’em, or jest what to do when they come. Now, ye see why I told ye not to go far from camp with yer canoes.”
The mention of the canoes instantly recalled their thoughts to the missing Ben. He had recklessly ventured forth in his, and doubtless had been caught in the same storm which had so suddenly swept down upon them.
For a moment no one spoke, and then Jock said tremblingly, “You don’t suppose anything has happened to Ben, do you, Ethan?”
“No knowin’. Mebbe he ran in to some island when the squall broke.”
It was evident, however, that the boatman was no less troubled than they by the thoughts of the absent Ben; but he at once placed the tiller in the hands of the boys and went forward to hoist his sail once more.
The wind had subsided now, and the boisterous waves were rapidly resuming their former state of calm. It was the first experience the boys had had in the sudden squalls which are wont to swoop down upon the St. Lawrence, and ofttimes bring sorrow and destruction in their wake. Ordinarily they subside as rapidly as they rise, and the present instance proved to be no exception to the rule. The river was soon calm, the low sun was shining clear and strong, and only a gentle breeze ruffled the waters that only a brief time before were tossing like the waves of an angry sea.
Steadily the cat-boat kept on its way, and as it had not been driven very far out of its course, not a long time had elapsed before the party was landed at the dock in front of their camp.
But what a sight met their eyes there! Neither of the tents could be seen, and directly across the path which led down to the shore, a huge tree had fallen. Broken branches strewed the ground, and the signs of the fierceness of the gale were apparent on every side.
Slight heed was given to any of these things, however, so alarmed were the boys over the safety of their missing companion. Poor Ben! Was ever a more luckless mortal born into this world? He was ever the one to meet with mishaps, if mishaps befell; but his peril in the present instance far exceeded all he had experienced before.
“Now, boys,” said Ethan, “you’d better take the skiff and row back up the river. You may find Ben somewhere, and he may need ye, too. While you’re gone I’ll see where the tents have been blown to and try to set things to rights again.”