The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1876-01-20

pine trees bent and writhed in the terrible
gusts, which became more and more fire.
quent. The river, always rapid and strong
was now fierce, turbulent stream, whose
middle current nothing could cross in safe
ty. At last Tom burst into the MILL
''Its of no use," he exclaimed. We've
got to stay here or swim home. l went
clear to the main road, more than five miles
from here, and found that the horses have
turned the wrong way, instead Of going
home. If they had gone straight back, the
men would have known that something had
happened, and come for us; but there no
chance for that now"
At that Harry and Jack began to cry,
and even Mrs. Allen looked dismayed.
Staying here tonight is out Of the ques-
tion,'' said Mr.. Allen I'VE must get home
somehow. We haven't morsel to eat, and
every hour makes it worse. We're in for a
long storm and the road half the way from
here to the turnpike will be under water
within twelve hours.
'What shall we do, them" asked Tom,
who was holding his dripping coat before
the blaze
Mr.. Allen shook his head.
''If it was fair weather should know
what to do quick enough; and don't know
but we shall be obliged to come to it any
way"
why, what do you mean, fathers" asked
Mrs Allen, anxiously.
He pointed to the river.
Il should take the single raft lying there
by the landing. 1t is staunch and strong,
and just as safe as any boat that ever float
ed ON the St. Johns River
MrC A1inp had oil uoroop-c dra,d of
the water. and her heart sank at once.
for two or three days in that desolate spot,
without food or chance to sleep, was more
dreadful yet, and she felt almost ike urg-
ing her husband to carry out the de- perate
idea he had announced.
We've got to decide upon something
very quick" continued the farmer It'll
be dark in an hour, and then we shall have
no choice
He went to the window and looked out
for moment at the river. Then he came
back TO the stove.
1T storms fearfully; but then we're p~et-
ty nigh as wet as we can be now. l believe
we can keep inshore without much trouble,
and at the rate the stream is running now we
should reach Woodstock in less than an
hour. I've done it in worse weather than
this
Il shouldn't be afraid myself" said Tom,
''but then there's mother and the children
to think Of ]"
'I'm not afraid, Tom,' said Mrs Allen.
And even if were, believe it's the only
thing we can de-
Well try it, then" said Mr., Aallen, de-
cidedly. Come, Tom, we've no time to
lose. See ii there is rope enough in the
corner there for a coil to throw ashore when
we get to the landing at Woodstock, and
put the paddle aboard. Let me take the
baby, mother. Now, boys, jump on. There
room enonough for regiment You'll
have to make up your minds to stand a
good deal of water the next hour. Push
her off,"
The raft swung slowly round from its
fastenlngs, and in another minute struck
the shore current, which, though less swift
! than that in the middle Of the river, was
yet so strong as to make safe navigation a
difficult task. The rain came with such
binding force that it was almost impossible
to see the shore. and the increasing dusk
threatened to grow into total darkness be-
fore the end OF their perilous journey was
reached.
1t was barely three quarters of an hour
from the time they left their starting point
when the raft touched the landing place al
Woodstock, and Tom, rore in hand. jump
ed on shore to throw the loop over the post
which had always stood there.
To his dismay. the post was gone, and as
the raft swept along he felt the rope slip
through his fingers in spite Of his endea-
vors 10 hold it. There was another point
lower down where the raft might strike, il
his father could keep it out of the current
| by his single arm. Beyond that the river
made sudden bend and if the landing
should be missed there no power could STOP
them from going down the river.
| He hurried to the nearest house of The
village and gave the alarm. and then few
down the street, which ran parallel with
the river. to the lower landing. He wa.
just in time to see his father spring from
the raft holding the rope, and, rushing in
the water up to his waist. caught hold Of i,
to assist Their united strength babe fan
to bring the raft into the eddy. and the
shouts of the rapidly advancing men. whe
had been reused by Toms brief warning
gave them additional energy. Two minute,
| iateE aaii Il uo1cu stIouS arms were aiaius
them. aud the raft was slowly drawing Il
the shore. when the rope suddenly parted
With a wild scream the mother rose with
| her baby in ner arms. as if. TO plunge int,
the river. Then. seeming 10 remember tn
children who chung TO her garments. sh
sank down again. and the next moment III
fierce current had swep, them away in ih
darkness.
/ There was but one hope more. If the FER
~ FIVE miles lower down. could be reache'
in time they might be saved. and the almos
distracted father and son, mounted Of
horses provided by sympa,hi1ing friends
galloped there. Too late. The ferry keep
er had seen some black object rush by i
the darkness, and heard cries for help
which he was unable to give. They wer
in the hands of God and be only could no
them.
All that night Farmer Allen paced tn
aoor Of his desolase home. The friend VII
came to comfort him found their endeavor
vaing. He wished TO be alone with his sol
row. Tom had remained a. the ferry, de
terminei to take boat at early dayligh
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