here, because there was no wind to counteract it, the
water was rushing toward what was left of the cove. It was like a rapid
river flowing close to the shore and bearing upon its hurrying water the
debris which had crashed down from that lonesome, storm-torn height.

The boat was caught in this rushing water and the danger was increased
by its closeness to the shore where every missile of rock or tree, cast
by that frowning monster, might at any minute dash the craft to
splinters.

The little flickering lights which shone through the spray and fine
blown rain across that black water seemed very cheerful and inviting
now.

CHAPTER IV

THE TREE

"We're in a bad fix," said Tom; "let's try to make a landing and see if
we can scramble along shore to the cove."

It is doubtful whether they could have scrambled along that precipitous
bank, but in any case, so great was the impetus of the rushing water
that even making a landing was impossible. The boat was borne along with
a force that all their exertions could not counteract, headlong for the
cove.

"What can we do?" Roy asked.

"The only thing that I know of," said Tom, "is to get within reach of
the shore in the cove. If we can do that we might get to safety even if
we have to jump."

Presently the boat went careening into the cove; an appalling sound of
scraping, then of tearing, was heard beneath it, it reared up forward,
spilling its occupants into the whirling water and, settling sideways,
remained stationary.

The boys found themselves clinging to the branches of a broken tree
which was wedged crossways in the cove, its trunk entirely submerged. It
formed a sort of makeshift dam and the boat, caught in its branches,
added to the obstruction.

If it had not been for this tree the boat would have been borne upon the
flood, with what tragic sequel who shall say?

"All right," said Tom, "we're lucky; keep hold of the branches, it's
only a few feet to shore; careful how you step. If you let go it's all
over. We could never swim in this torrent."

"Where do you suppose this tree came from?" Roy asked.

"From the top of the mountain for all I know," Tom answered. "Watch your
step and follow me. We're in luck."

"You don't call this luck, do you?" Westy asked.

"Watch me, I can go scout-pace on the trunk," said Hervey, handing
himself along.

"Never mind any of those stunts," said Tom; "you watch what you're doing
and follow me."

"The pleasu