"The guide isn't saying anything. Chops is too frightened to talk. Shall I give the orders, sir?" asked Butler.
"Yes, if you think best, Tad. Your judgment in these matters I have usually found to be sound."
"Turn out, fellows! Turn out in a hurry, too, unless you prefer to take a long swim. Saddle the ponies, Chops. Move!" urged Tad sharply.
The Pony Rider camp was instantly turned into a scene of activity. The boys knew from Tad's tone that the situation was alarming, and they lost no time in getting into their wet clothes, Chunky chattering like a magpie, Chops rolling his eyes as if he were about to go into a fit, and the faces of the other boys showing more than ordinary concern.
The situation was critical, even more so than Tad Butler thought, but which he, with the others, was soon to realize.
[CHAPTER II]
BATTLING WITH A GREAT FLOOD
Fortunately for the Pony Rider outfit, Tad Butler's forethought had saved much of their provisions, for the "chuck" had been suspended from the crotch of a sapling where it now swung high and dry above the water that was swirling below it.
Not trusting the guide to pack the provisions Tad took that task upon himself, while his companions, with the exception of Stacy Brown, were getting the other equipment together for a hurried move. Billy Veal, in the present emergency, was about as useful as a wooden man. Too frightened to keep his mind on his work, whatever he did he did badly.
"Who was the man who recommended Chops to you, Professor?" called Tad.