xcited; that's all. I don't
want you, and I daresay the storm's nearly over now."

The sound of dipping water and pouring it over the side went on merrily
in the darkness and brilliant light alternately, for, in spite of the
guide's words, there seemed to be no sign of the storm abating, and
while the men were busy outside Brazier and the two boys set to work
piling the various objects they wished to keep dry upon the barrels
which had been utilised for their stores, for the water had invaded the
covered-in part of the boat to a serious extent, and threatened more
damage every moment.

A few minutes later, though, the efforts of the men began to show, and
Shaddy appeared again for one moment, his face being visible in the
glare of light, but was hidden the next.

"Getting the water down fast now, sir," he said. "Hope you haven't much
mischief done."

"A great many things soaked."

"That don't matter, sir, so long as your stores are right. Sun'll dry
everything in an hour or two."

"But when is it coming, Shaddy?"

"'Fore long, sir."

They did not see him go, but knew from the sound of his voice the next
minute that he was in the fore-part of the boat, ordering his men to
take up some of the boards.

Ten minutes later the rain ceased as suddenly as it had begun. There
was a vivid flash of lightning, a long pause, and then a deep-toned
roar, while all at once the interior of the little cabin became visible,
and a little later the sun came out to shine brilliantly on what looked
like a lake of thick mist.

"Will one of you young gents unfasten the stern rope?" cried Shaddy,
"and we'll get out from under this dripping tree."

"All right!" cried Rob, and he turned to throw open the stern end of the
awning, while Brazier and Joe went in the other direction to where the
men were still baling, but scraping the bottom hard at every scoop of
the tins they were using.

The stern end of the canvas was secured by a couple of straps, similar
to those used in small tents, and these were so wet that it was not easy
to get them out of the buckles, but with a little exertion this was
done, and Rob parted the ends like the curtains of a bed, peered out at
the dripping foliage, and shut them to again, startled by what he saw.

After a few moments' hesitation, he was roused to action by a shout from
Shaddy.

"Can't you get it undone, sir?"

"Yes, I think so. Wait a moment," cried Rob huskily, and opening the
canvas