"After all," he cried out, in a distressed tone, "we have been building our hopes on a sandy foundation. The dear old cabin has stood up against all the pull of the river; but, see yonder, there comes a great tree floating down, as if it was in a mill race; and as sure as anything it's headed straight for our poor home. Once that strikes against the wall, we can say good-bye to the Armstrong cabin. Oh! it's hard to have to stand here, and not be able to lift a hand to save mother's home!" CHAPTER X THE CABIN THAT BRAVED THE FLOOD THERE was nothing that mortal hand could do to ward off the impending peril that threatened to take the Armstrong cabin down the river, after those of the other settlers that had gone before. That huge forest monarch was coming along with majestic power, borne on the swift current, and apparently headed straight for the half-submerged cabin that had made such a gallant fight against heavy odds. "If it hits the cabin, there can be but one end!" Bob was forced to say aloud. "But is there any chance at all that it may pass by without striking?" demanded Sandy, unconsciously gripping the sleeve of his brother's fringed hunting coat in his excitement, while his eyes were glued to the fearful object that was causing this new alarm in his heart. "A small one; hardly enough to build on," replied Bob, soberly. "It all depends on the current right here. I noticed some time ago that it seems to make a sharp swerve away from the shore. Perhaps that may be just enough to send the tree on a new tack, and spare our cabin." "Oh! I hope so; I hope so!" murmured Sandy. "But we shall know the worst in another minute," declared Bob; "for it is coming along pretty fast now." The two boys stood there, almost holding their breath in suspense, their eyes fixed on the object that held so much terror for them. Of course they would hate to see the dear old cabin go; but, after all, that was not what gave them the most concern. There was that little treasure box, that held the few valuables of their mother; and, besides, that precious belt, which meant more to the pioneer family than untold gold, as it spelled protection from Indian perils. "There, it is at the point where the outward sweep begins; but will such a big object be influenced by so small a change in the current?" Bob was saying. "I can begin to see a shaking of the branches that stand up, as if they felt a new hand at the helm!" declared Sandy. "Yes, yes, that is so!" cried Bob, almost as keenly aroused as the excitable Sandy. "It moves, Bob, it moves! I can see it begin to swerve! Oh! if the cabin were only fifty yards further down-stream, I do believe it would escape!" "And it may yet. Wait and see!" answered Bob, watching the course of the tree with a critical eye.