The lake turned the color of lead, and the air that had been so warm suddenly turned cold and sharp. Lightning streaked across the sky like a whip followed by a frightening crash of thunder that seemed to make the earth shake. Mom called from the front porch: “Here comes the rain,” and they all turned to watch.
The storm was coming toward them from the northern shore of the lake, and as it advanced it flattened out the waves in its path, until finally the entire lake was a misty gray dimpled carpet. It smacked the children on their hot cheeks, and they squealed and held their arms in the air and danced around. Mom called again. “Come in,” she cried, “you’ll be struck by lightning.” They ran for the porch. The rain slashed at their bare legs and the wind slammed the door behind them.
Davey and Butch were sitting on James’ bed, and every time the thunder would roll Butchie would stick his head under the pillow. Mom got the candles out, and Grandma started to boil water for tea.
“Might as well heat it while I can,” she said. “The power will be turned off now, any minute.” As she spoke there was a sudden wild crash followed by a shuddering roar of thunder, and every light went out all the way around the lake.
“Oh well,” said Grandma, “we won’t have tea after all. We’ll have milk. I’m sure it will be better for us.”
In a few moments there was candlelight in the cottage. James ate crackers and milk out of a blue bowl, and the candle made wavering designs on the wall. The flame flickered in the draft, and James snuggled closer in his safe pillows. He imagined he was far out at sea. He was strapped to his bunk in a lunging merchantman, with a bearded pirate guarding the door, holding a great two-edged sword in his teeth.
Just then Billy opened the door, and James roared out: “Avast ye scum! Shiver me timbers and nail me mizzen mast if I don’t split ye in two!”
Billy looked startled and then he grinned. “Oh, you’ve been reading Treasure Island again. Better not let Mom catch you reading by candlelight.”
“Abe Lincoln did, and George Washington too, I betcha.”
“Well, maybe they got away with it, but you won’t.” said Bill. “Wait till I have my supper, and we’ll play rummy.”