"We shan't be," said Fred. "I'll put on a little more speed and
we'll go on to the next place. That's where the hotel or tavern
is that they told me about in Utica. It won't rain before we get
there for it is only four or five miles ahead. If it is going to
rain we can stop. If it doesn't we can keep on if we want to."
Conversation ceased as the speed of the swift little boat
increased. Less than a half-hour had elapsed when the boys found
that they were entering the village to which Fred had referred.
"How about it, Fred?" called John. "It looks pretty black to me."
"It does to me, too," replied Fred. "I think the best thing for
us to do will be to stop. We'll find a place where we can leave
the motor-boat and then we'll go up to the hotel and if we have
to we'll stay there all night."
The boys all agreed to the suggestion and in a brief time the
graceful little boat was covered in such a way that she was
protected from the coming storm, which now was almost upon them.
Hastily the boys took their bags and at once started for the
hotel which they were informed was only a few yards distant.
With difficulty they made their way along the darkened street,
and in a few minutes arrived at their destination.
Just as they entered, the storm broke. There was a long roll of
thunder followed by a blinding flash and then the rain began to
fall in torrents.
Pages:
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57