d on their way. As they entered
the watercourse connecting the two lakes they noticed that the
current was flowing swiftly.

"The heavy rains are responsible for this," said Snap. "We want to
be careful, or the boat will be smashed on some of the rocks."

"We might get out and walk---that is, some of us---if the shore
wasn't so rough and rocky," said Whopper. "It looks wilder than
ever now, doesn't it, boys?"

It certainly did look wilder---or was it only the rushing of the
water that made it appear so? They rowed on with caution, two
at the oars and two doing the steering with poles. Wags sat in
the bow as before, watching proceedings in silence.

About half the distance to Firefly Lake had been covered when they
came to a sharp turn in the watercourse. Here the water boiled and
foamed around several sharp rocks.

"Beware of the rocks!" sang out the doctor's Son.

"To the right! To the right!" yelled Whopper. "It's too shallow
on the other side!"

They tried to turn the craft to the right, but the current seemed
too strong for them. The boat swung around and hit one of the
rocks a sharp blow. There was a little splash as the collie went
overboard. Then came a big souse, that covered those who remained
in the boat with spray.

"Giant is overboard!" cried Whopper. "And so is the dog!"

"Let the dog take care of himself," cried Snap. "Grab Giant!"

Whopper turned to catch the lad who had gone overboard, but the
current was too quick for him, and the small youth was sent whirling
out of his reach.

For the moment it looked as if the rowboat would either go over
or be stove in on the rocks, and those left on board had to turn
their attention to the craft. They saw Giant floundering in the
boiling water, but could do nothing to aid him.

"Swing her around and pull for shore; it's our only chance!" cried
Snap. "Quick, now---or we'll all go to the bottom!"

Fighting desperately, the three lads swung the craft around slowly.
It scraped on more of the rocks, and one of the oars was caught and
snapped off like a pipe-stem. But then the boat struck water that
was a little more calm, and soon they reached a cove and felt
themselves safe for the time being.

"Where is Giant?" was Shep's question as soon as they knew the
outfit was secure.

"There he is, on one of the rocks," answered Whopper. "And here
comes the dog," he added as the collie came battling bravely toward
them.

Soon Wags was on