“I wish that we had brought a gun with us; we could have made a signal to our friends that we are all safe. My fear is that they will be anxious about us.” Harry did not for a moment think about himself. “Well, old fellows, it’s time to turn in.”
After they had finished their frugal supper of damper and sweet potatoes they arranged themselves for the night.
“Don’t take to walking in your sleep, Hector, and you’ll be all right,” said Harry.
“But what if the tree should give way! I’m certain I felt it shake,” groaned Hector.
“Cling to the boughs like grim death,” answered Harry; “it won’t sink, and we shall be floated to shore somehow or other.”
Chapter Twelve.
Awakened by their Friend the Laughing Jackass—Another Day up the Tree—The Flood subsides—Return to Dry Land—Find the Family encamped—Paul returns.
The darkness of the night contributed to make the position of the three lads even more trying than it had been during the day. Notwithstanding Harry’s assertions, even Reggy could not help fearing that the tree might be carried away. The roar of the waters did not for a moment cease, while the wind howled through the branches, and the occasional lowing of some heifers more fortunate than their companions, and who had landed on some island knoll, reached their ears. The stout tree, however, held firm, and after some hours’ anxious watching they all dropped off to sleep. They were awakened by a loud cheerful cachination close above their heads, and on looking up, what should they see but their friend the laughing jackass, looking very much surprised to find them in such near proximity to its mate’s nest.