"Shall we sleep on the boat?" asked Laddie.
"Yes, we'll have cute little beds to sleep in," said Mother Bunker.
A half hour later they were on one of the big Fall River boats that make nightly trips between New York and the Massachusetts city. The Bunkers were shown to their state-rooms. They had three large apartments, with several bunks, or beds, in each one, so there would be plenty of room.
They had their supper on the boat, and then they went out on deck in the evening. There were many sights new and strange to the children, and they looked eagerly at each one. Then it grew dark, and it was decided that the time had come for little folks to "turn in," and go to sleep.
Laddie, who with Russ and his father shared a room together, was looking from the window of the stateroom, out into the dark night, when he suddenly cried out:
"Oh, there's going to be a big thunder storm! I just saw the flash of lightning!"
"Are you sure it was lightning?" asked Mr. Bunker with a smile. "I didn't hear any thunder."
"There it is again!" cried Laddie, and this time a ray of bright, white light shone in the window, full in Laddie's face.