Maurice was just sinking into some sort of condition resembling sleep when there was a sudden wilder rush of wind than at any time previously.
And as he started up, thrilled with a sensation of coming peril, he felt a new motion to the shanty-boat that portended trouble.
"The cable's broken, pard, and we're afloat!" he shouted, as the equally bewildered Thad struggled up alongside him.
CHAPTER VII.
THE TERRORS OF THE STORM.
After that one feeling of horror both the boys recovered more or less of their ordinary ability to meet danger, and overcome it.
It was Maurice who sprang to the door, and threw it open.
As he pushed out upon the narrow deck of the float he could not but be appalled by the sight that met his wondering eyes.
Just as he had suspected so strongly, they had broken away from the anchorage. Doubtless the rope had been frayed by some sharp- edged stone, and when that unusual gust swooped down upon them it gave at the weakest part.
Out on the river little could be seen save a jumble of foamy waters, that seemed to be tumbling wildly over and over, driven by the furious blast from the north.