"Alger Jr, Horatio - Joe the Hotel Boy" - читать интересную книгу автора (Alger Horatio Jr)

crouched in a corner of the shelter. "I hope the lightning
doesn't strike this place."

"We can be thankful that we were not caught out in the middle of
the lake, Ned."

"I agree on that, Joe,--but it doesn't help matters much. Oh,
dear me!" And Ned shrank down, as another blinding flash of
lightning lit up the scene.

It was not a comfortable situation and Joe did not like it any
more than did his friend. But the hermit's boy was accustomed to
being out in the elements, and therefore was not so impressed by
what was taking place.

"The rain will fill the boat," said Ned, presently.

"Never mind, we can easily bail her out or turn her over."

"When do you think this storm will stop?"

"In an hour or two, most likely. Such storms never last very
long. What time is it, Ned?"

"Half-past two," answered Ned, after consulting the handsome
watch he carried.

"Then, if it clears in two hours, we'll have plenty of time to
get home before dark."

"I don't care to stay here two hours," grumbled Ned. "It's not a
very inviting place."

"It's better than being out under the trees," answered Joe,
cheerfully. The hermit's boy was always ready to look on the
brighter side of things.

"Oh, of course."

"And we have a fine string of fish, don't forget that, Ned. We
were lucky to get so many before the storm came up."

"Do you want the fish, or are you going to let me take them?"

"I'd like to have one fish. You may take the others."

"Not unless you let me pay for them, Joe."

"Oh, you needn't mind about paying me."