And when peril threatens it is some satisfaction at
least to see the worst.
"Now it's only one foot down, Frank!" cried Bob.
"That's so," replied the other, instantly; "but I reckon it's about
reached its limit. You see, the higher it rises the broader the
channel becomes, and that takes a heap of the water. Bob, cheer up,
I'm nearly sure it won't reach the ledge!"
"Oh! don't I hope it won't!" cried the Kentucky boy, a little
hysterically; for his nerves had indeed been sorely tried during this
night.
Five minutes more passed, during which the torrent continued to rush
downward through the gorge with all the attendant clamor.
"It's at a stand!" shouted Frank, who had himself been making soundings
with his hand.
"And only six inches from the shelf!" echoed Bob. "That's what you
could call a close call; eh, Frank?"
"It sure is, old fellow," replied the prairie boy, himself more
relieved than his words would indicate; for he had discovered, during
his brief search, that there was absolutely no hope of ascending any
farther up that blank wall.
"Shake hands, Frank! We're as lucky as ever, I tell you!" said Bob;
and when their hands clasped neither of them thought it strange that he
could feel the other trembling.
"Well, what are we going to do about it?" asked Bob, when some time had
passed, and the flood still rushed through the canyon, although in
diminished fury.
"I don't know that we can do anything except camp out right here on
this rock-shelf, and wait for the storm to pass by," replied Frank.
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