and would flee
for refuge, particularly from the trees falling before the strokes of
lightning. It was at least two miles to any such point of safety, and
Ned and Obed saw a coming opportunity. Both lightning and thunder ceased
so abruptly that it was uncanny. The sudden stillness was heavy and
oppressive, and after the continued flare of the lightning, the darkness
was so nearly impenetrable that they could not see ten yards in front of
them.

Then the rain came in a tremendous cataract, but it came from the south,
while they faced the north. Hence it drove over and past their alcove
and they remained dry. But it poured so hard and with such a sweep and
roar that Obed was forced to shout when he said to Ned:

"I've never been to Niagara and of course I've never been behind the
falls there but this must be like it. The luck has certainly turned in
our favor, Ned. The Mexicans could never stand it out there without
shelter."

"I don't see how it can last long," shouted Ned in reply.

"It can't. It's too violent. But it's the way down here, rushing from
one extreme to another. As soon as it begins to ease up, we'll move."

The darkness presently began to thin rapidly, and the heavy drumming of
the rain on the rocks and forest turned to a patter.

"I think it's a good time to go, Ned," said Obed. "In fifteen minutes it
will stop raining entirely and the Mexicans, if they are not drowned,
may come back for us. We can't keep ourselves dry, but we'll protect our
rifles and ammunition. We've got a good chance to escape now, especially
since night will soon be here."

They left the overhanging cliff which had guarded them so well in more
ways than one, and entered the forest, veering off to the left, and
picking their way carefully through the underbrush. Ned suddenly sprang
aside, shuddering. A Mexican, slain in the battle, lay upon his side.
But Obed was practical.

"I know it's unpleasant to touch him," he said, "but he may have what
we need. Ah, here is a pistol and bullets for it, and a flask of powder
which his own body has helped to keep dry. It's likely that we'll have
use for these before we get through, and so I'll take 'em."

He quickly secured the pistol and ammunition, and they went on,
traveling rapidly westward. The rain ceased entirely in twenty minutes,
and all the clouds passed away, but night came in their place, covering
their flight with its friendly mantle. They were wet to the waist and
the wat