The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1877-08-15
A RACE FOR LIFE.
From Cassell's Magazine.l

.My dear fellow. ! am delighted to sec
you, exclaimed my friend McCausland, as
be met me at the door Of his house.
| had gone on visit to Holmesdale. q
little town 10 the north Of England. Mc-
Causland was engineer TO the water COM
pany there, and bad Invited me to 20 down
for week.
After .he usual interval for dressing. We
sat down 10 an excellent little dinner. Not
unnatu'ally the conversation turned upon
weather.
i am sorry the rain continues, said
McCausland it spoils my water supply.
People bully me as il | could help H.
Are you reservoirs near the town.
asked. No. he replied, away in the
hills. We can go over tomorrow if you
like. I'm due there's
The excursion was arranged. We
agreed to start ut eleven o'clock next morn
ing. and we started punc,ually. We pur-
sued our way up the hill. aud crossing the
brow. reached small inn. Here we
found country gig awaiting us. Into
this we clambcred. and proceeded along a
wooded by-road. stony and rut.full. At
length. when hope bad almost given way
to bad language, We pulled up. al another
small inn sailed the .'Reseryoir." We got
out Of the gig gladly.
An engineer forman hurried up and ac-
cosied US politely.
is all right. Johnsony inquired Me-
Causlsnd. Yes. al Is right; but"
We'll. but what's
i don't quite like the South Reservoir
was the reply.
slcCaus.and turned pale to bis very lips.
.Come with me- be said abruptly We
hurried after him in silence, and with a
strange dread upon us.
We soon come 10 sight Of The extensive
which confined tho waters Of
the largest Of the three reservoirs Of tho
Holmesdsle Company.
This is the spot was looking at this
morning. said johnson:
You had better have few men TO
puddle M this said McCausland indi-
eating tiny crack that would have escaped
less experienced eyes.
We then continued our inspection. but
during our progress round the works the
clouds hpd masse9 themselves in wild
grandeur above the bills. and lay heavily
above the Apps Valley in front. The nail
road crossed the valley on q graceful
siaduct near Ammering junction.
A low moaning sound was 10 the air. Il
was lot the wind. for the breeze had
strangely lulled. The men had al gone
up to tho reservoirs. Mct'ausland aud !
vat chatting together.
DO you think you could lind your way
back alone.s he asked suddenly.
sWhys' said. DO you intend to re-.
main hsrei Is there any dsbgerf
We'll scarcely that; but think | ought
70 bc on tie spot. Iwill return tomorrow
ar the next day.
Cannot stay too5
sCersainly. IL you desire Il. We rough
d up here. though
4 do not mind that | replied. SO Il
vas settled. Fortunate Il was that ! did
remain. As We were preparing to visit
The sluices again me were startled By yidid
fash Of lightning, which had hardly
passed when the rocks rang out with
Thousand thunder echues
This was the signal. The windows Of
heaven opened. aud perfect deluge do.
.cended upon the devoted valley. The
little brooks leaped up. snd danced down
he hill.sides. IL whine array. Tiny water.
falls swelled themselves into cartaracts.
md loaned down 20 ihe streams.
but still the men worked hard amid the
gloom aud thunder by lantern.
light. aud nature rested not that liycloug
night.
But ! turned in and got samo sleep ir
defiance Of the elemental war without.
At I've o'clock in the morning. ss the
gray light was struggling into life. Nc.
causland came. fully dressed. in,o my
room. started up.
Dress yourself quickly as YOU can. aud
,ome down stairs. he said. began 70
ask questions. Lose no time. there's
good fellow want your assistance lie
left the room.
jumped up At once. hurried 10 tie
window an looked out, Day was just
breaking through tho misty sky. and all
lhe world was raining.
Eyor and anon sharp snap denoied
bough torn from lis place and whirled TO
10 the soaking earth.
dressed quickly and joinel McCaus.
land IN The little parlor. he was study
log private copy Of the railroad time.
tables. which as m official be always
carried.
will you take the horse and ride down
70 Aminering Junction with me@agei'
His collected manner assured me. Was
this alIi A ride through the rain was not
much. '0f course, | will co.
lie grasped my hand firmly. Are you
nervous y ho said. MS he held il 10 bis own
steady grasp.
sNonsenss., (, I replied. laughing. sf'll