Tom shook him vigorously.
“What happened to you, Hip?” questioned Tom.
“I don’t know.”
“Were you struck by a bolt?”
“I—I don’t remember. I reckon the mountain must have fallen on me. Hello, Chunky!” he added as the fat boy came sliding towards them.
Together, Tom and Stacy assisted Lieutenant Wingate up the mountain-side, Hippy gaining strength as they progressed, and by the time they reached the Overland party his mind had cleared. Nora threw herself into Hippy’s arms.
“My darlin’!” she cried, and burst into tears.
“Uncle Hip got potted by lightning,” announced Stacy. “He ought to have stepped aside when he saw the thing coming.”
“Is the camp all right?” questioned Hippy.
Tom explained that they did not know, adding that the tents had been taken down when it was seen that they could not stand the blow.