Winn was not there, nor had the bed been occupied.
"He did spend the night on the raft, then, and so of course it is all right," thought the girl, greatly relieved at this discovery.

"The _Venture_ must be afloat, though.

I wonder if father knows it ?" Just then Major Caspar appeared, evidently prepared to face the storm.
"Well, little daughter," he said, "high-water has come at last, and the time of our departure is at hand.

I am going down to see what Winn thinks of it." "Oh, can't I go with you, papa?
I should dearly love to!" cried Elta.
"Well, I don't know," hesitated the Major.

"I suppose you might if you were rigged for it." This permission was sufficient, and the active girl bounded away full of glee at the prospect of a battle with the storm, and of surprising Winn on the raft.