Phil was," and Dave heaved a deep sigh. Had
their chum lost his life in that rapidly-rising river?

"Ain't no ust to stay here--gitting wetter an' wetter," said the
camp-worker, after a pause. "Besides, if that flood gits wuss it is
bound to come up here. We better git further back--up the hill."

"Is there any shelter around here? I mean on high ground?" asked
Dave.

"Yes, I know of a cabin up on the hill," answered Buster. "I don't
know if I can find it in the rain and darkness, but I can try."

He walked along, through the trees, until he reached a footpath
running up from the shore. They followed the path for about a hundred
yards, and then came in sight of a long, low, rambling cabin, the home
in years gone by of some lumbermen. It was in a dilapidated state,
with doors and windows gone, but it would provide a roof over their
heads, and that was something.

Entering, the lantern was hung on a nail, and they looked around them.
There was a fireplace, with some dry sticks handy, and soon they had a
fire started, which added much to the comfort of the surroundings.
They hung up the majority of their wet garments and sat close to the
blaze, drying themselves.

"If I only knew where to look for Phil, I'd go after him," said Dave.
"But to look for him in the darkness is like looking for the
proverbial needle in the haystack."

"We'll have to go out first thing in the morning," returned Ben.

"Yes, as soon as we can see," added Buster.

The boys who had run away were anxious to learn what Dave had to say
about affairs at Oakdale, and in a low voice, while the camp-worker
was preparing hot coffee and something to eat, he related what had
happened since their departure.

"You made a big mistake to run away," he said, earnestly. "Just
because you did that, many folks feel sure you must be guilty. You
ought to go right back and face the music."

"I guess you are right, Dave," answered Ben, shamefacedly. "But when
Phil said 'run,' I didn't stop to think, but just got out."

"And that is what I did, too," added the stout youth. "But I don't
blame Phil any more than I blame myself," he added, hastily.

"Nor do I," said Ben. "We made a big mistake. We should have stood our
ground, like you and Roger did."

"Well, you come back with me, and we'll face this to a finish," went
on our hero. "But, of course, we've got to find Phil first."

Only the camp-worker slept well that night. The boys were restless,
and sever