Another sudden boom, like a cannon-shot, silenced the noise inside for an instant, and then a sudden movement took place, the movement of feet passing hurriedly about, and at last only one or two persons could be heard. When Rivers re-entered the store Bailey was alone, standing in the door, intently watching the coming storm. It was growing dusk on the plain, and the lightning was beginning to play rapidly, low down toward the horizon.
"We're in for it!" Bailey remarked, very quietly. "Cyclone!"
"Think so?" said Rivers, carelessly.
"Sure of it, Jim. That cloud's too wide in the wings to miss us this time."
A peculiar, branching flash of lightning lay along the sky, like a vast elm-tree, followed by a crashing roar.
Blanche cried out in alarm.
"Now, don't be scared. It's only a shower and will soon be over," said Bailey. "Here's a letter for you."
She took the letter and read it hastily, looking often at the coming storm. She seemed pale and distraught.
"Do you s'pose I've got time to get home now?" she asked, as she finished reading.
"No," said Rivers, so decidedly that Bailey looked up in surprise.