"I'll have to postpone getting square with Prescott.

Besides, the storm will waken those fellows and I don't want to be caught here." There came another flash, that descended near the water.

The crashing noise of the thunder came at the same instant.
Fred, facing the tent, saw the bolt strike the ridge pole.

Evidently the current ran down one of the poles, for he saw the bluish white electric fluid running over the ground, coming from inside the tent.

The tent sagged, then fell.
"Gracious!" shivered this evil traveler of the night.