Thunder now preponderated greatly in that rumble on the western horizon, and a blaze of yellow lightning played across the surface of the pond.

It was followed by a rush of rain and the soldiers turned back toward the house, evidently sure that they had not missed.
John drew himself out of the water and climbed up the bank.

His knees gave way under him and he sank to the ground.

Excitement and emotion had been so violent that he was robbed of strength, but the condition lasted only a minute or two.

Then he rose and began to pick a way.
The rain was driving hard, and it had grown so dark that one could not see far.