, 1877-10-05
A Race for Life.

you" exclaimed my Irlenu McSauslahu,
as be met me at the door of his house.
1 had gone on visit to Homesdale, a
little town in the north of England
McCausland was engineer to the water
company there, and had invited me to ge
down for a week.
After the usual interval for dressing
we sat down at the excellent little dinner
Not unnaturally the conversation turned
upon the weather. ...-..----....-.,...,. ..,....s,.
II am sorry this rain continues" said
McCausland; sit spoils my water supply
People bully me as if I could help it,"
"Are your reservoirs near the townW
asked.
"No," he replied, "away in the hills
We can go over tomorrow if you like
I'm due there" A-S a..i p. s
The excursion was arranged. We
agreed to start at eleven o'clock next
morning, and we started punctually. We
pursued our way up the hill, and cross
ing the brow reached o smallinn. Here
wefound a country gig awaiting US. Into
this we climbed, and proceeded along a
wooded by.road, stony and rut-full. At
length. when hope had almost given way
to bad language, We pulled up at another
small inn called the "Reservoir'' We
got out Of the gig gladly.
An engineer foreman hurried up and
accosted US politely.
"Isall right Johnsonl'' inquired Nc
Causland. S SSAS 4 &@
''Yes, all is right; butt
"Well, but what3' t3i1l Nu
N don't quite like the South Reservoir
embankment," was the reply, c
McCausland turned pale to his very
lips.
"Come with me-" he said abruptly.
We hurried after him in silence, and
with strange dread upon us. l ,
We soon came in sight of the extensive
embankment, which confined the waters
of the largest Of the three reservoirs Of
the Holmesdale Company.
"There is the spot was looking at
this morning." said johnson.
"You had better have few men to
puddle up this" said McCausland, indi-
eating tiny crack that would have es-
capped less experienced eyes.
We then continued our inspection, but
during our progress round the works the
clouds had masscd themselves in wild
grandeur above the hills, and lay heavily
above the Apps Valley in front. The
railroad crossed the valley in a graceful
viaduct near Ammering Junction.
A low moaning sound was in the air.
1t was not the wind, for the breeze had
strangely lulled. The men had all gone
up to the reservoirs. gMcC Causland and I
sat chatting together.
"Do you think you could find your way
back Alone" he asked suddenly.
"Whyp 1 said. "Do you intend to re-
main heres Is there any dangerln
aWell, scarcely that; but l think
ought to be on the spot. will return
tomorrow or next day"
"Cannot | stay, toolp t,s, hts
Certainly, if you desire it. We rough
it up here, thought E4f.Va
II do not mind that" / replied. So it
was settled. Fortunate it was that did
remain. AS we were preparing to visit
the sluices again we were startled by a
vivid fash of lightning, which had hardly
passed when the rocks rang out with q
thousand thunder echoes.
This was the signal. The windows Of
heaven opened, and perfect deluge dc.
Scended upon the devoted valley. The
little brooks leaped up, and danced down
the hillsides, in white array. Tiny wa.
terfalls swelled themselves into cataracts,
and foamed down to the streams.
But still the men worked hard amid
the gathering gloom and thunder BY
lantern-light and Mature rested not thai
ivelong night.
But turned in and got some sleep in
defiance Of the elemental war without
At five O'Clock in the morning, as the
gray light was struggling into life, Nc
Causland came, fully. dressed, into my
room. | startedu up,
"DresS yourself as quickly as YOU can
and come down stairs, he said. ! began
to ask questions. 'Lose no time, +" there's
a good fellow; l want your assistance. {,
he left the room.
jumped up at once, hurried to the
window and looked out. Day was lust
breaking through the misty sky, and all
the world was raining.
Ever and anon sharp snap denoted q
bough torn from its place and whirled tc
the soaking earth.
IdreSsed quickly and joined McCaus
land In the little parlor. He was study
inga private copy of the railroad tins
tables, which as an official he slwayl
carried.
will you take the horse and ride dowr
to Ammering Junction with a message2'
His collected manner assured me. Wa.
this alli A ride through the rain wal
not much. "of course, l will go.''