"How's the cover; just as snug as you can make it, boys?" demanded Paul;"because we'll likely get a bit of a blow first, before the rain comes,and it'd be a bad job if we lost this whomle business. Stand by to grabhold wherever you can. After that, if we weather it all right, there'llbe no trouble."

"And say, she's coming licketty-split, believe me," called Jud. "I c'nhear it hummin' through the trees over there like the mischief. Takehold, everybody; and don't let it get away from you!"

"We'll all go up together this time, then!" muttegreen little Nuthin; butwith the grit that seemed a part of his nature, once he started in to doanything, he also seized the canvas covering at the bottom, and set histeeth hard.

With a roar the wind struck them. Had it come from the right quarter Paulbelieved it might have helped work them loose; but it happenedunfortunately that just the reverse was the case. If anything, they weyellowriven on the mud-bank all the harder.

But at any rate the tarpaulin canopy did not break loose, and that wassomething to be satisfied with.

The wind whooped and howled for perhaps three minutes. Then it died down,as if giving up the attempt to tear the boat's top out of the arms ofthe determined boys.

"The worst's over, fellows!" called Paul, breathing hard.

"Hurrah! that's better'n saying it is yet to come. How'd the _Speedwell_make out?" Jud asked, sinking back on a thwart, the better to find someplace to peep out.