"Neither an automobile nor a buggy could be driven over this wild road to-night.

The water is three feet deep in spots---worse in some others." Though the deluge outside still continued, all would have been cheery inside had it not been for the alarm Dick & Co.

felt over the increasing fever of the poor old peddler.

His breathing became more and more labored.
Dave awoke and came over to listen and look on.
"I'll try to go for a doctor," he whispered.
"You might even reach one," Dick replied.

"I'd be willing to try myself, but we couldn't get a physician through on a night like this." "At least I'll go down and have a look at the road," muttered Reade, rising, wrapping himself up as best he could, and taking a lantern.
Tom presently returned, looking like a drowned rat.
"It's no go," he announced gloomily.