if the tree should give way! I'm certain I felt it shake,"
groaned Hector.

"Cling to the boughs like grim death," answered Harry; "it won't sink,
and we shall be floated to shore somehow or other."

CHAPTER TWELVE.

AWAKENED BY THEIR FRIEND THE LAUGHING JACKASS--ANOTHER DAY UP THE TREE--
THE FLOOD SUBSIDES--RETURN TO DRY LAND--FIND THE FAMILY ENCAMPED--PAUL
RETURNS.

The darkness of the night contributed to make the position of the three
lads even more trying than it had been during the day. Notwithstanding
Harry's assertions, even Reggy could not help fearing that the tree
might be carried away. The roar of the waters did not for a moment
cease, while the wind howled through the branches, and the occasional
lowing of some heifers more fortunate than their companions, and who had
landed on some island knoll, reached their ears. The stout tree,
however, held firm, and after some hours' anxious watching they all
dropped off to sleep. They were awakened by a loud cheerful cachination
close above their heads, and on looking up, what should they see but
their friend the laughing jackass, looking very much surprised to find
them in such near proximity to its mate's nest.

"Much obliged to you, old fellow," said Harry to the bird, which nodded
its head in response, and laughed again as if he were going to split his
sides.

"That's a good sign," observed Harry; "there's no storm coming, or he
would not be so merry. It's my belief that we shall find the water has
dropped considerably."

Harry was right, for on looking down they saw the unfortunate bullock
hanging in the branches considerably above the surface, while the force
of the current was evidently much lessened. The water, indeed, at the
first glance seemed to be sinking into the earth, but, watching more
narrowly, they could detect currents running from all quarters into the
main stream, which still went hissing and foaming on as before.

They all felt very thirsty, but none of them were inclined to drink the
muddy liquid which flowed by them. At last they could hold out no
longer, and Harry, unreeving the rope, descended to the water and
brought up a hatful. It did not look nearly as yellow as they had
expected, and they were thankful to quench their thirst. The day wore
on.

"If no further flood comes down, I really believe that we may be able to
get on shore to-night," said Harry.

"I hope so, indeed," moaned Hector; "to have to sleep again