Then, too, at several of the towns, the levees were in danger, and all available help was engaged in making them stronger. It was a time of stress and trouble for all.
After leaving one small city, that was threatened by the rising river, our friends proceeded well out in the stream, as they had been informed a dangerous "cut-off" had formed just below, and they might be drawn into it, and stranded in a big swamp.
"We'll avoid that, if we can," said Mr. Ringold, as they came within sight of the "cutoff," and saw where the stream had divided.
The manager was at the wheel, and, as he put it hard over, so as to give the dangerous current an extra wide berth, the motor unexpectedly stopped.
"What's the matter?" cried Mr. Ringold, as he noticed, with alarm, that they were being drawn into the "cut-off."
"Motor's gone dead!" cried Blake, as he sprang toward it. "I will see if I can start it."
But though he turned and turned again the flywheel, the machine would not go. It was rather an old-fashioned one, and worked hard.
"Got plenty of gasoline?" asked Joe, coming up to the help of his chum.
"There was half an hour ago, and we can't
