"And so they are--or in the middle of it," said Mr. Winthrop. "Each of us is living in a story of our own, after all, and I suppose each would have its own interest if it could only be read just as it is."
"Only some stories are more interesting than others," suggested Hugh.
"And those people evidently think theirs is particularly interesting just now," remarked Kate, for they were just passing a little cluster of tiny cottages and tents, where a large and merry party were summering, with much display of bright bunting and many skiffs; and where young and old alike seemed to get into a state of wild excitement as the boat passed, saluting her with horns and a white flutter of handkerchiefs that might have passed for a flight of pigeons. The captain of the steamboat courteously returned the salute with his steam whistle, with the laconic remark: "Makes them feel happy," which seemed true, for the demonstrations were renewed with fresh vigor and continued till the little encampment was out of sight.
But the dark thunder-clouds had been again stealing up behind them, and now the lights on the shore and the foliage disappeared, the cedars looking especially sombre in the growing gloom.
"There's a squall coming down the river," said Hugh Macnab, who had been watching from the stern the pretty grouping of the small islands that here studded the channel.
"Yes, indeed," said Kate. "They often come up here suddenly. Look how one point after another is sponged out by the gray mist. See there, how the rain is driving down over there already."
"And it will be here in a minute," said Mr. Winthrop, rising hastily. "Come, you must all get into the centre of the boat, well under the awning, if you won't go down stairs."
Mrs. Sandford thought it best to retreat to the cabin below, being afraid of thunder, but all the others protested that it was much too interesting to watch the arrival of the storm. At a suggestion from Mr. Winthrop, however, he and Hugh made a dash down to the cabin for wraps and umbrella, returning in a second or two with an armful of waterproofs, in which the ladies were all carefully wrapped before the first heavy rain-drops came pattering down on deck. And then, for a minute, how they _did_ come down, lashing the deck till it was flooded;--even where they sat the drops flew, into their faces, and, but for the waterproofs, would have drenched their garments. Kate, who loved a storm, was looking brilliantly handsome, and so--May was sure--thought Mr. Winthrop, who kept his position near her, so as to shelter a little from the onslaught of the rain. And how--she inwardly wondered--would Hugh Macnab like the sudden invasion from this stranger and foreigner, who seemed to make himself so very much at home? She fancied that his somewhat sensitive face looked clouded, but perhaps it was only the reflection of the clouds without, for, presently when the rain-drops gradually ceased, and the sun shone out again, brighter, as it seemed, than ever, his face brightened, too, and he watched eagerly for the first appearance of what might properly be called the real Thousand Island group.