This kept up for some time, until all were wet through and thoroughly
uncomfortable, when Tom proposed that they start for home regardless
of the storm.
"We can't get any wetter than we are," he declared. "And the sooner
we reach the house the sooner we'll be able to change our clothes."
The others agreed, and when the worst of the lightning and thunder
had passed they set off once more, two rowing and the third steering
the boat and bailing out the water, which came in faster than was
desirable.
"When it rains in the tropics, it rains," observed Tom. "Puts me in
mind of that storm we met when we were in Africa. Do you remember, Sam?"
"Indeed, I do," answered his brother. "I thought we'd all be killed
by the trees that fell in the jungle."
"Have you been in Africa?" came from Captain Blossom in astonishment.
"Yes," answered Tom. "Our father got lost there once, and we went in
search of him," and he gave a few of the particulars, as already
related in another volume of this series, entitled "The Rover Boys
in the Jungle."
"Well, you boys have had some ups and downs," said the captain. "But
I reckon you weren't cast away before like this."
"Not like this," answered Sam. "But we were left on a lonely island
once in Lake Huron," and he related a few particulars of their exciting
experiences with the Baxters while on the Great Lakes.
Another downpour of rain cut off the talking, and Tom was kept busy
bailing out the row-boat.
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