They were moving toward their horses when there came a terrific peal of thunder accompanied by a lightning flash that almost blinded them. At the same instant a great tree, split to the base by the lightning, fell with a tremendous roar right back of the horses, narrowly grazing them as it fell.
A GREAT TREE, SPLIT TO THE BASE BY THE LIGHTNING.
The frightened beasts, with a neigh of terror, sprang forward and in a moment were running away. They were frantic and although the boys shouted to them they paid no attention.
The boys ran after their mounts but soon saw that this was useless. The horses were badly frightened, and would not stop until they were exhausted or had reached home.
The boys huddled together disconsolately under the trees. The rain now was coming down in torrents.
"We mustn't stay here, fellows," said George. "The lightning may strike another tree. We must get out into the open."
"We'll be drenched to the skin," grumbled Frank.