The rain was light, but the drops were large and hit them with stinging force.
For fully half an hour the blow continued, and then it appeared to let up and the rain stopped entirely.
"Shall we go on ?" questioned Phil, standing up and trying to pierce the darkness around them.
"Better hold up a while, Phil," answered Dave.

"This is as safe a spot as any, with the wind blowing down the trees all around us." They waited, and it was well that they did so, for presently the wind started to whistle once more, growing louder and louder.

A small tree branch came down on them, and then came a crash that made them both jump.
"It's coming this way!" yelled Phil.

"The tree behind the rocks!" "Get down!" cried Dave, and threw himself flat.
Both boys crouched as low as possible.

They heard the tree bend and crack.