“I don’t believe we shall get home before the shower,” said Marielle.
“Perhaps we can get into some house,” said Royal.
“Yes,” replied Marielle, “only there are no houses very near.”
“Well,” said Royal, “we shall only get wet pretty well; that is all.”
“I don’t want to get wet, I am sure,” said Lucy.
“And besides,” said little Rollo, “I’m afraid the thunder will strike us.”
“O no,” said Royal, “I don’t think that there is any danger that the thunder will strike us. It is a great way off.”
“How do you know?” asked Lucy.
“Because,” said Royal, “we don’t see the lightning much. If it was near, the lightning would be very bright.”
The children looked back, from time to time, at the cloud. It seemed to be coming on apace. Dark scuds were flying in contrary directions about the edge of the cloud, and every thing indicated the approach of a violent tempest. A few drops of rain began to fall just as the children came in sight of the pile of boards.