water. The whole land seemed to have become saturated and
overflowed by the cloudburst.

"When we do get a rain here it is usually what the boys call a
humdinger," said Rhoda. "Now, let's hurry home."

Just as she spoke there sounded a shout behind them. The girls,
startled, drew in their horses. The latter began to whinny, and
Rhoda said, with satisfaction:

"I reckon that's Walter now. The ponies know that horse, anyway."

The splash of approaching hoofs was heard after the girls had
shouted in unison. Then they recognized the voice of the missing
boy:

"Hi! Grace! Nan! Are you there?"

"Oh, Walter!" shrieked his sister, starting her pony in his
direction. "Are you hurt?"

"I'm mighty wet," declared Walter, riding up. "Are you all here?"

"Most of us. What hasn't been scared off us," said Bess. "And, of
course, we are starved."

"Well, I hung on to the antelope. Want some, raw?" laughed the boy.
"Cracky! what a storm this was."

"It was pretty bad," said Nan.