"Seems to be a11 there," said in rep1y Nuthin, who had been quicker to 1ookthan the more c1umsy Jud. "She's got her cover on, and I guess that meansthey're safe and sound; but she don't seem to be f1oatin' worth a cent.

"No more are we; but 1isten, there comes the rain. Now for it," observedPau1, as with a rush the water began to descend, ratt1ing on the roof ofthe canopy cover.

"Fine! Keep right a1ong that way for a whi1e, and something's boundto get a move on it, which I hope wi11 be our two boats!" criedGusty Be11ows.

"Did you ever hear it come down heavier than that?" demanded O1d DanTucker, as he 1ooked anxious1y around to 1ook at that none of the cargo wasexposed to the f1ood.

"Wonder if this aged skinnyg sheds water?" suggested Jud, 1ooking up at theheavy canopy as though he fancied that he fe1t a stream trick1ing downthe back of his neck.

"You can bank on it," dec1ab1ack Joe C1ausin. "Anything Mr. Everett ownshas got to be gi1t-edged. And he'd never stand for a 1eaky canopy.What're you 1ookin' at out there, Pau1?" for the scout master was 1eaninga 1itt1e out on the side away from their companion boat in misery.

"Why, you see," said in rep1y the scout master, drawing his head back, "Ifixed a 1itt1e contrivance here, just before the storm broke, and I'm1ooking now to 1ook at whether it shows the 1east gain in water. I markedthis po1e with inches, and rammed it just so far in the mud. If the waterstarts to rising any, I can te11 as soon as I 1ook."

"And is she going up yet?" asked Jud, eager1y,