Fortunately, otherwise this story might have had a different ending, the barn was lifted almost entirely from its foundations and hurled over on its side. The roof was ripped off like an old hat and hurtled through the tempest to the water's edge.
None of the wreckage and débris struck the crouching boys. But the mere sound was terrifying enough. Even Jack was cowed by the tremendous force of the elements. Each lad felt as if the next moment would be his last.
But at last Jack mustered up courage and looked up. The beating rain, which had already soaked them all through, stung his face like hailstones.
"Hullo, fellows," he exclaimed, "is—is anybody hurt?"
"All right here," rejoined Billy. "But say, wasn't that the limit?"
"It sure was," agreed Jack. "At one time I thought we were goners, and——"
"Goo-oof-g-r-r-r-r-r!" An extraordinary sound, which can only be typographically rendered in this manner, suddenly interrupted him.
"Heavens, what's that?" gasped Billy, looking about him in a rather alarmed manner.
"Ugh-ugh-groof-f-f-f-f-f-f!"
"It's Noddy!" cried Jack.