A flash answered the question for her. Patricia and Cora were sitting up in their beds, with blankets wrapped about them. Their faces were pale with fright.
"Don't be frightened, girls," Harriet called soothingly. "You can tell by listening that the worst of the storm has passed. It has gone to the north of us. The wind is blowing strongly from the south."
Cora gave her an appealing look that made Harriet feel sorry for the girl. Patricia never looked at her at all.
"It may rain all the rest of the night, but the dangerous part of the storm has passed," continued Harriet. "I'm glad of it myself. One doesn't feel any too secure in these flimsy tents in a heavy gale. But don't worry."
"Oh, thave me!" wailed Tommy, quickly pulling the blankets over her head as the tent was illuminated by a particularly brilliant flash of lightning.
The downpour became heavier. Next the tent began to leak. Harriet felt several large drops of rain strike in her face.
"I think I had better move," she said laughingly. "How is it with you, girls?"
"I'm soaked," answered Cora.
"Drag your cots into the middle of the tent. I think we shall find it drier there."
This suited Grace. She felt the need of closer companionship. Then followed the sound of cots being scraped along the floor. Harriet had reasoned correctly. The middle of the tent thus far had not begun to leak.