checked somewhat by the
tree and the boat. If this tree, firmly wedged in place, could be made
the nucleus of a mass of wreckage, the flood might be effectually
checked, temporarily, at least. One thing, a moment's glance at the
condition of the cove showed all too certainly what must have happened
at the road-crossing. That the little rustic bridge there could have
withstood the first overwhelming rush of the flood was quite
unthinkable. Berry's garage too, perched on the edge of the hollow, must
have been swept away.

[Illustration: THE TREE POKED ITS BRANCHES UP OUT OF THE BLACK WATER
AND GUIDED THEM TO SAFETY. Tom Slade's Double Dare. Page 25]

[Illustration: (Transcriber's note: Map including Black Lake, the rustic
bridge, and Berry's Garage.)]

And where was the lumbering old bus? That was the question now. If it
had been a motor bus its lights might have foretold the danger. But it
was one of those old-fashioned horse-drawn stages which are still seen
in mountain districts.

In all that tumult of storm, Tom Slade paused to think. All about them
was Bedlam. Down the precipitous mountainside hard by, were crashing the
torn and uprooted trophies of the storm high in those dizzy recesses
above, where eagles, undisturbed by any human presence, made their homes
upon the crags. The rending and crashing up there was conjured by the
distance into a hundred weird and uncanny voices which now and again
seemed like the wailing of human souls.

The rush of water, gathering force in the narrow confines of the cove,
became a torrent and threw a white spray in the faces of the boys as it
beat against the fallen tree. It seemed strange that they could be so
close to this paroxysm of the elements, in the very center of it as one
might say, and yet be safe. Nature was in a mad turmoil all about them,
yet by a lucky chance they stood upon a little oasis of temporary
refuge.

"There are two things that have to be done--quick," said Tom. "Somebody
has got to pick his way down the west shore back to camp. It's through
the mountains and maybe two of you had better go. Here, take my
compass," he added, handing it to Westy. "Have you got some matches?"

"I've got my flashlight," said Roy.

So it fell out that Westy and Roy were the ones to make the journey back
to camp.

"Keep as close to the shore as you can, it's easier going and shorter,"
Tom said. "Anyway, use the compass and keep going straight south till
you see the lig