The new Northwest. [volume] (Portland, Or.) 1871-1887, 1879-07-17
a Run for Life.

a pale, delicate woman stood at the
window of a Lighthouse, looking anX-
iously out at the storm. 1t had rained
for three days and nights, and was still
pouring. The wind blew fearfully. At
first il seemed as if il would tear the
strong grass up by the roots; as for
trees, there were none, for it was in the
very heart Of an open prairie. But now
the grass was entirely covered with
water; the river had overflowed, and as
far as the eye could reach, nothing was
10 be seen but angry, wind tossed waves.
Mamma" said Julia, a little girl Of
nine, the oldest of six children, 81
should think this was another flood, and
our house was the ark"
Mrs. Payson made no reply.
"FlOod, indeed but we are not in an
ark" thought she, continuing to gaze
with terror out of the window.
Night was coming on black and grim
What might happen before morning
Her husband had just started for the
Black Hills, and here was she, a feeble
woman, left alone with her little family
two miles from any neighbor.
The water was rising, rising; she had
been watching it all day; it had got now
as far as the top of the doorstone how
long before IL would fill the house and
sweep it away? The roar of the waters
sounded nearer and nearer. Something
must be done she had already waited
too long.
''Julia," said she, taking her little girl
one side, you are all mamma has TO
lean upOn-dO you know it? Don't be
frightened, darling, but listen to me.
We must 90 away from this house ~
"Oh, Out mamma, how can We get
anywhere through all this water ?'
81 will take you through. God will
give me strength"
"But that awful gully, mamma.
where the river pours through; you for
get we can't cross the gully, mamma "
Julia" said Mrs. Payson, a strange
CLEAN lighting her pale face, "dO as |
say. Wrap up your two little brothers
warmly aud bring them along after me- -
Poor Julia, trusting her mother as her
mother trusted God, ran, though trem-
bling, for the boys caps and cloaks.
Mrs. Payson took from the cradle the
sleeping baby, summoned the two little
girls i'm a CHEEKY voice, aud they all set
forth in the fast-falling twilight, though
none Of them, except Juha aud her
mother, knew that they were fleeing for
their lives.
The raviue was as high as Mrs Pay
sons waist, aud the current so strong
she could hardly breast it.
"L0rd save u, or we perish - she
prayed, clasping her two youngest ones
and struggling forward.
Five times she crossed the roaring
stream and back again, until the last
child was safely Overi
Then through the storm and dark ness
they walked two miles across the prairie
to the house Of Mr.. Hughes. Ii WAS
nine O'clock 10y this time, and the lights
were out, but the good neighbor rose
speedily tN take in the wanderers.
Good heavensl how did you cross
the gully p he cried.
But Mrs Paysou had sunk to the floor
speechless with exhaustion.
There were only three rooms in the
house, and the family numbered seven,
but there was plenty Of room for seven
more.
Next morning Mr.. Hughes went to
see what had become Of the Payson
dwelling. He could get no further than
the ravine, which WAS now impossible; (;
but he could see that the Lighthouse was
still standing, its chimueys just visible
above the flood. The family had barely
escaped watery grave.
at was a miracle" said good Mrs.
Hughes, when her husband returned.
Mrs. Payson lay in bed propped up
with pillows, but the same glow came
back TO her face that had lighted it up
the night before, as she said:
81 believe a mother can do almost
anything. | never knew before what
strength there is in love Plymouth
Chimes