“The wind an’ the rain, I betcha,” Skippy said, getting back to his task. “It’ll last all night—I think it’s gettin’ cooler.”
“Yeah, an’ you’n me’s gettin’ wetter. We’ll be plenty cool by the time we get through. Gimme a whack at it now, hah?”
“Wait a minute. I ain’t tired yet—it’s loosened a little more.”
Nickie sighed. “Just on one side yet, hah? Holy smoke, at that speed....” Then, suddenly: “Kid, I hear somebuddy! Somebuddy runnin’!”
Before Skippy could answer they were startled by a cry that seemed to come from the clearing.
“HE JUST STOOD WAITIN’ FOR ME TO DROWN!”
CHAPTER XX
TIMMY?
Nickie jumped up and held the lantern high over their heads. They looked down into the clearing but for a long time the black night and the screaming wind and rain obscured their vision. Skippy thought he saw something moving but he wasn’t sure.
Again a thin, piteous scream pierced the storm. Nickie—Kid? Can’t you guys hear me? It’s me—Timmy!“