The Huntington argus. [volume] (Huntington, W. Va.) 1872-1905, 1873-03-15
CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER III.
gray. lowering sky overhead. the earth
soaked with rain underneath, and n gen.
eral air OF dreariness and dampnes. every
where, was what met the eve on n chill.
November afternoon, three weeks ate,
Roland Tyrrells visit to the Churchill cot
iage For n week Ridgeiord had suffered
from rains such as had not been known
within generations, and in the wake of the
rains had followed a most disastrous flood
Houses had been swept away, lives had
been lost, and property to the amount OF
millions damaged by theturbulent violence
OF stream just beyond the town-the IA
nous water power that turned its mills and
made its wealth, now transformed from a
slave into tyrant At last, one afternoon.
however, the windows Of heaven seemed
10 have closed, the sullen clouds still hung
heavy and dark, but the rain had ceased
Tor the first time in eight days; and ar
rayed in er-proof-provided also with
large umbrella-Margaref Churchill took
advantage Of the lull to SET forth for some
necessary domestic purchases.
At first she thought she would not 70
Tar into Ridgeford but would make her
purchases at some Of the suburban shops
that lind the way. But we have most of
us known the unsatisfactory character of
suburban SHOPS, and Margaret. iiaGing ex.
ercise pleasant after her weeks confine-
ment in the house, could not make up her
mind to stop short OF the establishments
where she usually dealt Walking on.
there ore, she soon found herself in the
heart OF the town, jostlsg among a throng
OF people on the wet payements and finally
IA king across familiar counter to n ia
miliar dealer in teas and other groceries
The man knew her well and liked her
bright face, as every one did who came in
contact with it; so, while lie took down
her orders, and tied up her bundles, he DIES.
canted freely and fully on the great Ridge
ford topic-the terrible and a,l-absorving
iiooi. Despite the papers, an DESPITE
Hugh, Margaret had scarcely appreciated
the awful dcsolauon which had been
wrought until it was brought home to her
10y the many minute particulars-the per.
sonal hardships and losses-that 20 TO
make up the full sum Of such a public ca
iam'ty These were poured upon her now
IN such stream that it was only when a
partial lull in the garrulity Of her inform
ant came that she was able to take up her
bundles aud prepare to leave tie shop.
As she was in the act OF doing so, the pro
prietor stepped from behind the counter.
to say hy way Of adieu:
II you have seen noihing Of the Hood.
Mis- Churchill, it would be worth vour
while to take a look at it. Youare hardly
likely to ever see such anothcr-at least.
the Lord preserve MS from il. like in Ridge
ford again! II you 90 home hy Light
street-it won't take YOU very much ont Of
your way-you can get a toIerable view of
the stream and the house. that are under
water
Margaret thanked him. and -aid that
she thought she would 20 home by Light
street She slmo-t changed her mind.
however, when -he came ont and saw how
Threatening the clouds were but ON con-
siierat.on. che found 10 impossible 10 resist
the temptation Of seeing the nuod. now
that 30 wa at IFS height. go. clutchins her
umbrella firmly, she turned her steps to-
ward Light street 10 was very much a.
the dealer BOO teas and other groceries bad
toll her From ths rather elevated point
she bal tolerab'e view OF the sut-
msrsei quarter. and Of tbe angry urbI
water which bad broken its bounds and
done all 'he mischief But Mics Churchill
vas a Young ally ofambiion, and. having
seen thus touch, -te waited To- zee more
The gloomy de-o'aron OF the sight m-ci-
mated her Size wax anxious and deter
mined n have more thau a mere glimps,
oft
To Obtain ibis was-or seemed 60 her
easy enough. by skirt'ng around the sub
urbs fthe town she would reach home a
safely. IL not as speedily, a. by following
the direct course. Il must be conceded