On this day Tom had a story of more than ordinary interest to tell him, about the battle and the chance of rescue which had so narrowly passed them.

Sam was interested in it all as a matter of course, but he was still more deeply interested, it seemed, in the condition of the sand near the place where he was lying.

He had dug a little hole with his hand, and feeling of the sand found it decidedly wet.

Turning to Tom, he said: "The river is rising rapidly, isn't it ?" "Yes; but how did you find it out ?" "By the sand.

I've been watching it a good deal since the fall rains set in, as I'm afraid the river will drive us out of here.