and the rope will help to make our nest."

They hauled up the ladder and placed it horizontally across the boughs.

"Stay," cried Harry, "if we get it up into this fork it will serve as a
back to our sleeping-place, and the rope passed two or three times
backwards and forwards will secure the sides." Harry had his axe in his
belt. "We must cut some boughs to raise the sides, lest we should stray
in our sleep and tumble overboard."

By creeping along one of the boughs they were able to reach some small
branches suited to their purpose. These were secured by means of some
of the fine vines which hung about the boughs. Harry and Reggy declared
the nest they had formed was perfect.

"I vote we have an annual feast here in commemoration of this flood,"
said Harry, "and we will invite our friends to join us."

"It will hold all who come," growled Hector. "I would rather try to
forget so disagreeable an event."

"There are some fellows who are never satisfied," said Harry, looking
away from Hector.

Harry did his best to keep up his cousins' spirits and his own by
talking away. Their conversation was interrupted by feeling some heavy
body strike the tree, and looking down they saw a bullock, which had
come down the torrent, driven against some of the lower branches, on
which the poor animal was endeavouring to find a foot-hold; it
succeeded, and remained fixed in the boughs. Its struggles soon ceased,
and it was pretty clear that, overcome by its exertions, it was dead,
for its head hung over the boughs into the water.

"No fear of starving," said Harry; "we may have as much beef-steak as we
like."

"Thank you! I'd rather not eat such horrid stuff," said Hector.

"As you please," answered Harry. "The time may come when you will
change your tone."

Night was approaching, the water was evidently rising less rapidly than
before, still it was spreading over the country. Here and there
hillocks and knolls appeared like islands in the midst of the sea.

"I wish that we had brought a gun with us; we could have made a signal
to our friends that we are all safe. My fear is that they will be
anxious about us." Harry did not for a moment think about himself.
"Well, old fellows, it's time to turn in."

After they had finished their frugal supper of damper and sweet potatoes
they arranged themselves for the night.

"Don't take to walking in your sleep, Hector, and you'll be all right,"
said Harry.

"But what