debris coming down the big, muddy water, and several times the boat was nearly struck by a floating house, or barn.
"We've got to keep a sharp lookout!" decided Mr. Ringold. "It won't do to be swamped—there'd be no getting ashore in this flood. Keep your eyes open, boys!"
With one in the stern and another at the bow, taking turns, the rescuers did all they could to prevent the boat from being damaged, by fending off logs and heavy driftwood.
The day wore on, and though they stopped at several other towns, in a search for Charlie's mother, their quest was unsuccessful. Nor was anything heard of the missing players.
"Well, I guess we'll have to look for another stopping place for the night," remarked Mr. Ringold, late that afternoon. He was about to turn the wheel over to Joe, for a rest, when Blake, who was in the extreme bow, cried out:
"Quick! Put her over! We're going to ram a barn!"
