watching these curious little creatures that they did not

observe the rapid spread of the black clouds over the

sky. A few heavy drops of rain now warned them to

seek shelter, so wheeling round they dashed off at full

speed for the clump of willows, which they gained just

as the rain began to descend in torrents.

"Now, lads, do it slick. Off packs and saddles," cried

Joe Blunt, jumping from his horse. "I'll make a hut

for ye, right off."

"A hut, Joe! what sort o' hut can ye make here?"