Harry gathered all the large water pails he could carry, and hurried up to the tank followed by Bert.
"It has gone down already," said Harry, as they looked into the tank again. "But we had better dip out all we can, to make sure. Lucky we found it as soon as we did, for there are all father's tools on the bench right under the tank, besides all those new paints that have just been opened."
"Here comes John now," said Bert, as he heard the barn door open and shut again.
"Come up here, John!" called Harry; "we're almost flooded out. The tank overflowed."
"It did!" exclaimed John. "Gracious! I hope nothing is spoiled."
"Oh, we just caught it in tine," Harry told him, "and we opened up the faucets as soon as we could. Then we began dipping out, to make sure."
"You were smart boys this time," John told him, "and saved a lot of trouble by being so prompt to act. There is going to be a flood sure. The dam is roaring like Niagara, and they haven't opened the gates yet."
"I'm glad we are up high," Bert remarked, for he had never seen a country flood before, and was a good deal frightened at the prospect.
"Hey, John!" called Freddie from the back porch. "Hey, bring me some more nails, will you? I need them for my ark."
"He's building an ark!" laughed Bert. "Guess we'll need it all right if this keeps on."