"Sure. After the first scare was over, it was like being back in the old swimming hole at our creek. The water was nice and warm."
"Yes, it's quite hot to-night," observed Mr. Hurd. "I shouldn't be surprised if we got a thunder storm."
"Then we'd better rig up some sort of a shelter," advised Gabe.
This was done, a lean-to being built with branches, and their rubber blankets spread on top, and well fastened down. Jed's pack had been opened out to dry, and when the horses had been safely tethered, and the camp made as snug as possible for the night, the travelers stretched out to sleep, tired out with the day's travel.
It was hot, entirely too hot for that time of year, and it was almost stifling under the improvised shelter. Still, after vainly wishing it would cool off, Jed and Will, with their older companions, fell asleep.
Jed had a vivid dream that night. He thought he was again in the rapids, and that his horse was pulling him into a deep hole of the stream. So vivid was it that he awoke with a start, to find himself in water, while something seemed wrapped about his neck, dragging him forward.
"What's the matter?" he cried.
"Fierce storm!" replied Gabe. "Our lean-to has blown away, and it's raining cats and dogs!"
An instant later there came an intensely bright flash of lightning, and a peal of thunder that seemed to shake the ground.