observed Clay. "I believe it's going to
rain. The air feels sultry, and there isn't a star in sight."

Almost as he spoke a sullen peal of thunder echoed among the hills, and
an instant later a jagged flash of lightning blazed on the surface of
the creek.

The boys huddled a little closer together and nervously discussed the
situation. A storm was bad enough when they had a snug tent to shelter
them, but in their present plight, adrift on the water in pitch
darkness, there was no telling what disaster might happen.

"I wish I was home," said Nugget. "I'm awfully afraid of thunder and
lightning."

No one laughed at this candid confession. The occasion was too serious
for mirth.

"I hardly know what would be best to do," began Ned. "If there is going
to be much lightning we will be safer on the water than among the trees
on shore. But here comes a gale, if I'm not mistaken. That will make
things lively for us."

Ned's prediction was correct. The trees on shore suddenly began to
rustle and creak. The water was lashed into short, choppy waves, which
turned to white capped billows as the wind waxed stronger. It was
evident that this part of the creek occupied an exposed position.

"Keep your canoes trim," shouted Ned. "The wind will drop as soon as the
rain comes."

It is doubtful if his companions heard the warning. The force of the
tempest had already driven the canoes apart.

For two or three minutes Ned was tossed about at will, momentarily
expecting his frail craft to upset. He could see no trace of his
companions in the darkness, and when he shouted the roar of the gale
almost drowned his voice.

Suddenly he felt a severe shock, and then the canoe stood still. As he
partially rose, and peered to right and left, a dim object glided
swiftly by him. A second later it disappeared with startling abruptness,
and a frantic cry for help rang out hoarsely above the fury of the
storm.

CHAPTER V

DISAPPEARANCE OF NUGGET

Ned knew that the dim object must have been a canoe, but its sudden
effacement, and the loud cry for help, were mysteries too deep for
immediate comprehension. He shouted with all the power of his voice full
half a dozen times, but no answer came back.

Then a happy thought flashed into his mind. When he had satisfied
himself by shaking it violently that the canoe was firmly lodged on some
object--probably a rock--he leaned forward and took his lantern from the
hatch. By holding it lo