nine o'clock before
`` It is fortunate our tent was no nearer to that side of the plateau , '' observed Mrs. Havel . Then the rain commenced again , and the thudding on the canvas drowned out their voices for a time . Somehow Wyn managed to get supper . The thunder and lightning gradually subsided ; but for an hour the rain came in intermittent dashes and it was nine o'clock before they could venture forth into the cool , damp air . They had eaten their simple meal and set up the sleeping cots -LRB- which were likewise of canvas -RRB- before that . There was a flooring of matched planks to be laid , too ; but the rain had wet them and the girls would have to wait for to-morrow 's sun to dry them . `` Oh !