“Across the street and into my storm cellar,” he told them.
“Is the tornado going to hit the town?” asked Helen as they hurried across the street.
“Can’t tell yet,” replied Doctor Stevens.
“There’s a common belief that the hills and lake protect us so a tornado will never strike here,” said Tom.
“We’ll soon know about that,” said the doctor grimly.
They got the exhausted boatman to the entrance of the cellar, where Mrs. Blair was anxiously awaiting their return.
“Are you all right, Helen?” she asked.
“A little wet on my lower extremities,” replied the young editor of the Herald. “I simply had to go, mother.”
“Of course you did,” said Mrs. Blair. “It was dangerous but I’m proud of you Helen.”
Mrs. Stevens brought out blankets and wrapped them around Jim Preston’s shoulders while Margaret took candles down into the storm cellar.