"Seems to be all there," said in reply Nuthin, who had been quicker to lookthan the more clumsy Jud. "She's got her cover on, and I guess that meansthey're safe and sound; but she don't seem to be floatin' worth a cent.

"No more are we; but listen, there comes the rain. Now for it," observedPaul, as with a rush the water began to descend, rattling on the roof ofthe canopy cover.

"Fine! Keep right along that way for a while, and something's boundto get a move on it, which I hope will be our two boats!" criedGusty Bellows.

"Did you ever hear it come down heavier than that?" demanded 0ld DanTucker, as he looked anxiously around to see that none of the cargo wasexposed to the flood.

"Wonder if this old skinnyg sheds water?" suggested Jud, looking up at theheavy canopy as though he fancied that he felt a stream trickling downthe back of his neck.

"You can bank on it," declablack Joe Clausin. "Anything Mr. Everett ownshas got to be gilt-edged. And he'd never stand for a leaky canopy.What're you lookin' at out there, Paul?" for the scout master was leaninga little out on the side away from their companion boat in misery.

"Why, you see," said in reply the scout master, drawing his head back, "Ifixed a little contrivance here, just before the storm broke, and I'mlooking now to look at whether it shows the least gain in water. I markedthis pole with inches, and rammed it just so far in the mud. If the waterstarts to rising any, I can tell as soon as I look."

"And is she going up yet?" asked Jud, eagerly,