Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1880-12-14

by the fence but soon | had to cross
the road, and | think then, i'll bad not
remembered you and the children, my
courage would have failed me- ! left
my hold Of the fence and stepre boldly
forward. Oh f! how strong the current
was. How the river roared aronlhi me,
as if to mock my fear. Just at tllis in
slant saw a man Walking through the
food toward me. AS he drew near, |
saw that it vas Mr.. Pierce. | shouted
to him to go back TO the factory for
help; but could not make my voice
heard above the turmoil of the water.
! saw bis lips move but could hear no
sound. The water was by this time
above my waist, the raging torrent
broke in foam around me, as if angry at
any obstacle that would bar its way.
expected each instant to be drawn swift
~ down to the dark death below. !
thought of the great mill wheel, and
shuddered. At last Mr.. Pierce reached
my side. He spoke no word; but,
throwing bis arm around me, supported
me until gained q little strength.
Leave me- cried as soon as could
speak, and go back for help. Mollie
and the children are alone in the house,
helpless. Leave me aud go for Tom,
before it be too late
When you are ont Of danger, then
will return was bis answer. They are
safe n the house for some time to come,
and you must be taken care of first
still urged him to return but he would
not listen. Come, be said, there is no
time TO be lost The sooner you are ont
Of danger, the sooner will help come to
your sister ! yielded at that, aud,
struggling with the dark water mat
threatened every moment to engulf us,
we slowly fought our way back to the
house, and he has returned for help
Katie had scarcely finished her story
when the door opened aud Tom cams In.
He was pale, but calm aud quiet, Mol
lie, dear, be said, coming to the bed
and taking me in bis arms, we must
leave the house as soon as possible |
have procured help aud you mist be
ready when it comes tom, cried,
i cannot go. Take Katie and she chill
dren and leave Me. I was trembling
with fear and weakness and hardly
knew what said The river looked to
NE like some mighty monster, seeking
TO deyour me. But Tom and Katie
soothed and Gained me, and in q very
short time all was ready for our depart
uVe, We soon heard a great shouting.
aud. looking from the window, saw
eight or tea men guiding a floating
wagon. The va cached their breasts
and it was wi. greatest difficulty
that they guided the wagon close under
| our window. As looked out, saw
| that there WIS BED in this new-fash-
| Toned boat
'Molle, said Tom, you will have to
jump from the window into the wagon.
Courage, dear wife; the trial viii soon
be over The water, by this time, had
come in at the door, and was slowly,
surely making its way from room to
room. Fear lent me courage and strength,
and, closing my eyes, With 81! ut Pray
er for help, ! jumped into the rocking
vehicle below. How the water ragged
and surged about us! For QOraent, it
seemed as if we must all go down. But
the men held on with united strength
aud the wagon ceased to rock 20 yio-
lently.
Tom dropped a blanket, with which
I
to cover me, and then jumped from toe
window into the water among the men.
Katie, lie called back, we will return
for you and the children. Keep up your
courage Ny baby" screamed. I
will not go without my babyn Tom
tried in vain to quiet me. I would not
listen. My baby!'' Icried. will not
leave my baby And sat mp in the
wagon al If meditatipg plunge into
the water. 3
Here is the little fellow said a fami-
liar voice. Take him, Mr., Stevens l
looked up, and saw Mr. Pierce in the
widow. holding the baby out TO Tom.
IL the midst Of my excitement, l had
time to wonder how he came there.
Tom handed me my little blue-eyed
darling and lay back, satisfied. Never
shall forget that journey. The rain
fell in torrents, the angry waters rushed
around the bed in which lay, holding
my baby in my arms, expecting death
each instant. The gallant men strug-
| gled on, the water reaching their Shout