Besides its trunk there were the numerous pendants, which had struck down and taken root, so that it was more likely to resist the torrent than any other of the trees near.
Hector, however, was obstinate. He was confident that he was safe, at all events for the present, and thought he should remain so.
“I should grow giddy if I were to climb up into such a tree as that,” he answered; “Reggy, you may go if you like, but I’ll stay here.”
Harry, who carried the ladder, placed it against the tree, which reached sufficiently high to enable them to
get hold of one of the lower branches, by which they could hoist themselves higher. Harry, however, had no intention of going up until it became absolutely necessary. Still the water rose. It was now sweeping over the ground on which they stood. Reggy, again entreating Hector to come, rushed up to the tree and mounted the ladder. Just then the captain and Mr Berrington appeared in the distance. The roar of the waters prevented their voices being heard. Their alarm at seeing their boys placed in so perilous a position was, of course, very great. Harry saw them making signs and pointing to the tree.
“They want you to do as I advise,” shouted Harry. “Come down! come down!”
Hector felt the house shake, as a surge beat against it larger than any of its predecessors. He lost confidence in the safety of his position.
“Slip off the roof by the verandah,” shouted Harry.
At length, as he saw Harry still standing below him, not being aware that the water was over his ankles, he slid down.