And Noah was sore perplexed, and marveled, though never doubting. [Illustration] 15. THE RAIN But at last the rain did come, and beat down upon the scoffers, and they were wet. And Noah’s sons and their wives triumphed. And even the animals were pleased. But Noah felt only sorrow for his stubborn neighbors, for he knew that much more rain would fall. [Illustration] 16. THE DELUGE And then for forty days and forty nights it rained hard. And the clouds were rent asunder. And a mighty deluge flooded the whole earth. And the waters rose and covered the trees, and then the hills and mountains, till no dry land might anywhere be seen. But the Ark was lifted up and floated safely away on a stormy sea. [Illustration] 17. INSIDE THE ARK Now inside the storm-tossed ship was much discomfort and grievous trouble. And many even regretted that they had been saved. “For lo!” they said, “nothing could be worse than this.” And Noah’s heart was heavy. [Illustration] 18. LIFE AT SEA But when the storm was passed and the good ship floated on an even keel, they felt better and settled down to their new life. And the animals took a keen interest in the passenger list, to find their own names, as passengers always do. And lazy days slipped quietly by; and the stout Ark drifted slowly on her way. [Illustration] 19. HOMESICKNESS But alas, this could not last. For as the days dragged on and they found themselves still shut up and afloat, they brooded and grew low in their minds. And a great homesickness, and longing for a change of any kind, came over them. And a wail of despair went up from the Ark. And the roof leaked. And all was gloom. And life became a burden to the Noah family. [Illustration] 20. STRAINED RELATIONS And then patience and good temper deserted the Ark. And the animals fretted and quarreled, and there was riot and disorder, and furious battle. And Noah’s task grew ever harder, and his load heavier to bear. [Illustration] 21. THE RAVEN IS SENT OUT Now Noah became desperate, and something had to be done; so he sent off a raven to bring tidings from the outer world. But the raven, once free, had no thought of returning, and flew far away, saying to himself: “Never again will I be caught in that trap.” And Noah waited for news, but none came. [Illustration] 22. RETURN OF THE DOVE Then, as matters grew worse. Noah sent forth a dove. “She is a gentle bird and will surely come again to her home,” he thought. And the dove did return, for she found only water, and no rest for her foot. Then Noah waited seven days and again sent her out. And she came back, bringing in her beak a twig from the olive tree. And all welcomed her with joy, for now they knew that the waters were falling. [Illustration] 23. FIRST SIGHT OF LAND Then Noah waited still another seven days, and again sent out the dove. But this time she did not come back.