If one were to judge by eye and ear alone it would seem that the world was coming to an end.

Cast away in the wilderness, he was truly thankful for the human companionship of the man, Obed White, and it is likely that the man, Obed White, was just as thankful for the companionship of the boy, Edward Fulton.
All thought of another attack by the Mexicans passed for the present.
They knew that the besiegers themselves would be awed, and would flee for refuge, particularly from the trees falling before the strokes of lightning.

It was at least two miles to any such point of safety, and Ned and Obed saw a coming opportunity.

Both lightning and thunder ceased so abruptly that it was uncanny.

The sudden stillness was heavy and oppressive, and after the continued flare of the lightning, the darkness was so nearly impenetrable that they could not see ten yards in front of them.
Then the rain came in a tremendous cataract, but it came from the south, while they faced the north.