Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-07-23

R OE Murray and Wilbur Howard pushed
away from the landing and hosted their sail
sail to the morning breeze.
~ They exchanged laughing good-bys and
~ good wishes with little group of friends on
the landing, ard shouted back promise to
return for the Fourth and share in the big celebra
ton.
Their trim little boat was soon sailing briskly
over the bright waters of the lake, OF Amer
ice's great inland seas. and headed straight for
Oak Island
Zoe this is simply immense" cried WILL after
they had settled themselves comfortably. we've
actually started on our camping trip, after talking
of it all winter at school,
Mighty glad your folks let you come, Will. I'll
show you of the prettiest camping spots you
ever saw, and we'll have bully time these two
weeks"
win had much to tell of scenes in his home
state farther west, especially OF Indian life, OF
wiswarns birch canoes, buckskin clothing and moe
casins and much else that appealed to Joe's nagi-
nation.
They proposed to live like indians during these
two weeks; but any real Indian would have been
astonished to find his5wigwam filed with the stock
of choice provisions andirnodern camp eonVenIences
which Joe had provided for this trip
Shifting winds delayed them, and it was mid
afternoon when they finally ran the boat on the
little sand beach.
"Here we are" cried Joe. Haul up the boat
and let's get out what stuff we need for the night;
It's so late the will have wait till morning
They were soon Juggling their first load up the
hill When they broke through a thicket into an
open space with grand trees. VIII looked around
at the beautiful natural lawn, the little spring OF
clear water, the distant views toward the main
land and out upon the great IKE, and exclaimed,
well. this is the finest camping place ever saw
His enthusiasm led him to say much more that was
very gratifying to Joe, who delighted to find
that his chosen camping site appreciated.
By the time they had Brought a second load from
the boat had pitched the roomy walled tent pre-
pared their hunks and cooked supper, they were
hungry and tired That first camp supper did taste
good. They fingered long over it and then. leaving
the dis-washng till morning. stretched out IN their
hunks.
Through the open tent flaps they watched the
moon. She had been beauling them from clear
heaven ;.now she peeked through hecked sky which
conveyed warning to the happy campers. 1hey
not weather prophets.
For time they talked. The pauses became
longer and numerous; the crackle and flare Of the
camp fire grew softer and softer; the call of the
,ship-poor-yyill and hum of insect voices grew in
distinct, and then-two healthy, growing boys
hreathed deeply and slowly the sweet night air.
There is sleep like that of the camPl
What that!" cried Joe and VIII the same
Instant, both sitting bolt upright in the black dark
moss. Their breath was held they turned their
heads to listen Moments passed in utter Stiffness
one, two--then dazzling blaze, roaring thunder
crash, and a staggering rush of wind
Quick, Joe, light the lantern. Jerk the goods
into the tent It'll pour guns in minute!"
~Find that AK, WILL hustlel Drive the tent stakes
In farther she'll never hold up in such gale.
There. told you She's pulling loose. Here, quick,
grab this line Pull her down. Don't let the wind
get under could hold her. Drive this stake
here, drive it, say-There, now that next rope
can fasteD it. Drive the other stakes All down, are
they7 Here. quick get inside; grab this flap,
can't hold it; pull her over. pull, Howard pull
there, I've got her fast. Whewp
The tent!was shaking in the blasts of wind and
torrents of rain; ncessant iightnngs and thunders
rent the air. The scant clothing the boys
drenched. They hurried into dry clothes and sought
the shelter and comfort of their hunks; but got
more sleep for hour. when the storm had blown
over, and all again calm and silent. for
the chipping of insects, and the drip, drip, drip of
water from the trees.
few hours later they looked out perfect
summer morning, but startled to a great
tree that had stood nearby fallen and shat
tered wreck. It that lightning stroke that had
crashed upon their sleep and reused them from
their hunks.
Their fears during the storm for the safety of
the goods left in the boat drove them now, before
breakfast, down the hillside to the beach. Together
they rushed out of the bushes on to the sand and
there stopped in sad dismay. Tire boat itself was
gone
The beach had been swept from end to end by
great waves which cut in two by the south
western point OF the island, and which had then
raced past it on opposite sides. Hurriedly the two