Another fierce glare lit up the forest and an instant crash followed that seemed to rend the tree-tops right over the boys' heads.

They clung together in terror, in the thick gloom that followed.

A few big rain-drops fell pattering upon the leaves.
"Quick! boys, go for the tent!" exclaimed Tom.
They sprang away, stumbling over roots and among vines in the dark, no two plunging in the same direction.

A furious blast roared through the trees, making everything sing as it went.

One blinding flash after another came, and peal on peal of deafening thunder.