THE STORM IN ITS FURY. 1G9 



whose pculs were heard far above the roaring of the 

 wind, or the groaning and creaking of the trees. 

 They appeared to issue from a height but little 

 above the earth, so sudden and startling were the 

 thunder volleys. Presently, there was a compara- 

 tive pause, but only for a few seconds ; for the 

 elements, gaining strength by their momentary rest, 

 burst out with renewed fury. A globe of fire 

 seemed to fall within a short distance, and rush 

 along the ground. This was instantaneously suc- 

 ceeded by a roar of thunder, which shook the earth. 

 The power of the storm was redoubled, and the 

 hurricane attained its greatest violence. 



All three hunters were seated in Mackenzie's 

 tent, which now gave symptoms of succumbing to 

 the fury of the blast. One corner rope had given 

 way, and as others threatened to do so, it became 

 necessary to avert, if possible, the impending cata- 

 strophe of its downfall. By shouting into each 

 other's ears, and making signals, the three, with 

 some of the servants, managed to act in combina- 

 tion, and, securing the flapping rope, had it soon 

 again fixed to a buried bush, and themselves cliino- 



O O 



on to the remaining ones. 



The storm, having once attained its climax, sub- 

 sided as quickly as it had arisen. The rain lessened, 

 then the wind abated, and in less than an hour the 



