Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1868-03-26

6S VIC C8Lut Q6dItI aL4 utaIt[ 10 The COlbaKc.
| Turn more up stream" painted Harris
and we battled ON, lower and lower in the
water, while, though fighting with the
should never reach the Mill, for the stream
the true bed OF the river. -
"Fredl" Kissed voice at my elbow all
st once. and turned my head to see the
most pale and CHASTITY face ever beheld--
Erred, if you ever get to them, tell her
was true to the last, and did all could.
But can't reach her I'm about DONE"
As he spoke, my hand struck upon the
thin branches of willow pollard, whose
head was above water; and then reaching
out my other hand, caught Harris just
in time, for the stream was sweeping him
| away but the next instant we were both
among the branches of the pollard, resting
with the water above our breasts. Upon
looking round tried to make out whether
there was no eddy at hand Of which we
could take advantage, and then swim down
upon the island; but no-the water seemed
to break down upon the house with one
tremendous rush till it struck the walls,
and then divided right and left, as though
embracing the place, and trying to lift 1t
boldly in its watery arms. could see
that the watchers at the window saw our
peril; and holding on with one hand, l
| waved the other in way meant for en-
couragement. But / saw figure clasp
her hands to her eyes, and shrink back, as
though in despair at our position, when,
turning round to Harris, I asked him IL he
could manage the other fifty yards that lay
between us and the position that should
sweep Us down upon the Mill.
l Ha cot hia taath and unfdad ard than
without word darted off with bold rush
that astonisked me after the tokens of
weakness he had shown ten minutes be-
fore. However, tried hard to initiate
him, and followed some two or three yards
behind, always hslfswimming against the
stream, as II swept US nearer and nearer to
| the house.
All seems now to have been one wild
dream Of rushing water and bowling wind,
mingled with the screams of women, as
once more beaten in strength we were
driven down almost with the swiftness of
arrows right upon the Mill, whose trellis
woodwork afforded secure hold, though
the stream beat furiously against US in its
efforts to tear US away. The next recollec-
ton / have is of being hslfhelped, half
dragged in at an open window by Harris,
and then feeling Helen's warm tears upon
my face as lay completely exhausted upon
q bed floor.
But it was time of peril-s time to be
up and doing, for the water was still ris
ing fast, and now, as it rushed past the
house, seemed to grow more furious at the
obstacle in its way. Had we felt assured
of safety. it would have been an interest
ing though sad sight to watch the waits
borne upon the breast Of the food; but
n
assured that the place would bear The
pressure now brought TO bear upon it. The
lower windows had early been broken IN
by the wood work swept against them, so
that the water had clear course through
the lower part of the house sheds lad
been swept away; furniture noated out
while the greater part Of the old wooden
mill by the side had early in the fight
succumbed, though the top of the large
undershot wheel yet showed above the
flood. faa
ShiveriDg IS 1 was with cold and excite
ment, / can remember grim smile coming
upon my face at seeing how thoroughly
my tirnid little sister, who aforetime would
hardly have stolen a look, now chung
he!plessly to friend Harris as If protection
lay in his arm, but l told myself it was
human nature, and began to look out for
help Water all around-savage, living,
rushing water lesping up at US, and even
splsshing In at The open window some
times, while step by step 1t was slowly
creeping up the stairs with strange, lap
ping sound, as 1t came nearer the bedroom
door.
There was still the attics to fee to, even
if we were driven from the bedroom but
that was not the dread there was not
much prospect of so high q rise the ques-
ton was, whether the building would
stand. at another time ! should have
poh-pohed a doubt and talked OF the
strength of the old place and pointed TO
the stout walls; but now with torrent
rushing through, and every window up
stairs rafting with the vibration, the only
question seemed to be time-how long ii
would be before the place was undermined
and crumbled bodily into the water. II
was horrible dread and even with the
strong love of life upon me, could no,
help looking with sorrow upon my gentle
sisters pale face, as she chung helplessly
to Harris, with her eyes asking that same
question again and again Shall We be
savei?" p - +i' ~ go
"Come, Harris" l said gruffiy; cup
and be doing, this is no time for fooleries
did not mean it unkindly; but howey.
er it was taken, it had the effect of bring
ing my friend to my side in an instant
when We began TO look out Tor means Of
escape.
II dare not trust the place" said, "ol
l would stay. Can't We contriye raf
somehow ?" tt~
Harris shook his head doubtingly, as
following my example, he ascended TO one
of the attics, and looked out upon the
dreary waste. In straight line. the near
est high ground was about two hundred
yards distant; but the stream would sweeE
boat or raft far down toward the flooded
T meadows, where the watery waste spread
out apparently mile VIDE. No help q
any kind In sight, neither boat nor barge
thor III a couple had rushed by earlier II
which dashed down the old wooden bridge
while sfterward they were in dread lest il
should come in contact with the house
But we 5000 fnished our survey, finding
that, unless we could make raft of furni
| niture and fAe woodwork of the house, we
must keep our perilous position. CD
Our blank looks told our disappoint
, ment to those below when we again de
. scended and now our only hope seemed
, to be the chance Of making signals to some
! one in the distant road, though we still
Thought 4 possible 9 boat might come
Night fell at last, dark and hideous, Thu
, wind bowling through the elms at the back
and the water running by, ever with it
I Wild, rayening, kissing cry; the 'houst
trembled; the wood work In the old Mil
again and again, during the long watches
, of the awful night, cracked and gave way
portions falling heavily into the furious
, river, which seemed to leap and bound, a
if rejoicing, sending up family seen spray
and then hurrying on fierce and black a
ever. Step by step the water had riser
ltin we were driven from the bedroom an(
took refuge IN one OF the attics while tn.
two women Servants walled loudly, 70 ado
; 70 the misery Of the night Light We hat