On it came with a magnificent roar that shook the very earth, and revealed itself at last in the shape of a mighty whirlwind.

In a moment the distant woods bent before it, and fell like grass before the scythe.

It was a whirling hurricane, accompanied by a deluge of rain such as none of the party had ever before witnessed.

Steadily, fiercely, irresistibly it bore down upon them, while the crash of falling, snapping, and uprooting trees mingled with the dire artillery of that sweeping storm like the musketry on a battle-field.
"Follow me, lads!" shouted Joe, turning his horse and dashing at full speed towards a rocky eminence that offered shelter.

But shelter was not needed.