There was nothing to do but to doubly secure all the doors and windows. The roof of the living room proved to be leaky, but the use of pans and kettles to catch the water provided against any real discomfort.
“I think we had all better stay up,” suggested Jolly. “I was in one of these big coast storms a few years ago and before the night was through we had some work on hand, let me tell you.”
The speaker proceeded to light the gas stove, put on some coffee to boil and then announced that he was going to make some sandwiches. This suited all hands. It seemed sort of cheery to nest down in comfort and safety while the big storm was blowing outside. Pep and Randy began a game of checkers. Vincent was mending one of his speaking dolls. Frank was busy at his desk. They made quite a happy family party, when all chorused the word:
“Hello!”
“Lights out,” observed Jolly, himself the center of the only illumination in the room, proceeding from the gas stove.
“The electric current has gone off, that’s sure,” remarked Vincent. “That means trouble somewhere.”
They waited a few minutes, but the electric lights did not come on.
“Light the gas, Randy” suggested Frank. “I think we had better light one or two jets in the playhouse, too, so we can see our way if any trouble comes along.”
The playhouse was wired for electric lights, but had a gas connection as well. The jet in the living room was lighted.
Pep went out and set two jets going in the playhouse. They heard him utter a cry of dismay. Then he hailed briskly: