Standing in the rain, Tom and Dick hastily dug two ditches at
either end of the tent. These ditches were no creditable engineering
jobs, but they would, at need, carry a good deal of water down
the slope.

By this time the rain was falling heavily. In the distance heavy
thunder volleyed, and the sky was growing blacker every minute.

"One more job," called Dick. "Dave and Greg, tumble out with
the shelter flap!"

This was a great sheet of canvas that had to be fastened in place
over the tent roof, and at a different pitch.

"We'll be drowned before we get the shelter flap in place," grumbled
Tom.

"And we might as well be out in the rain, if we don't have it
up," Dick retorted. "Open her up! Now, then---up with it!"

The shelter flap was placed with difficulty, for now the wind
was driving across the country, blowing everything before it.
The other two boys leaped out to help their chums. The shelter
flap was made secure at last, the ropes being made fast to the
surrounding trees.

By this time the wind was blowing at the rate of fifty miles an
hour. The sky was nearly as black as on a dark night, while the
rain was coming down "like another Niagara," as Harry Hazelton