Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1880-12-18

1
roaring Of the river; that to ny excited
fancy seemed to grow louder and loud
or. At last Katie entered the room.
| Her face was very pale, but her eyes
shone with resolution. y think that I
will 20 to the factory for Tom,' she said,
| in cheerful voice. The river is still
rising and would much prefer to have
him here 'Oh, Katie" ! cried, excited
| ", do not leave me alone with the
children. There surely can be no dan
ger!'
She was silent for a moment, and then
said, gently: There may be danger,
Mollie and want to avoid it, both for
Won and the children. Some one must
80 for Tom
AS she spoke the roaring became more
distinct, and, starting up, / saw that
the water had crossedg the road and, like
a great shining serpent, was crawling
up to our very windows. l gave a
shrek Of despair. go quicklyv l
cried, hardly knowing what l said, and
take the children with you.' 1T is too
late to take children, but will 60,
Mollie, and bring help she answered,
calmly; and placing little Robbie on the
bed with baby and me, she babe him be
q good boy and take care Of mamma.
Keep up good courage, dear she said,
kissing me. 4 will bring help soon.'
Nv reflections, when was left alone,
were dot pleasant ones. was too week
to be fully conscious of the danger; and
vet the thought that 1 was woman,
sick and alone in q house with two little
children, with raging torrent, rising
higher and higher at Oar door, filed me
! with terror. But I prayed for strength
and courage as / tried to quiet poor lit
tie Robbie, who was badly frightened.
The baby slept on, calmly unconscious
through il oil, and it somfcrted me to
think that, Is the infant lays sleeping
| in my arms, oven 20 might Ito in tho
arms Of my Heavenly Father psseefal,
| in life or in death.
| But l was not left long alone. Katie
coon returned, her clothes vet and her
cheeks flushed with excitement. Her
long hair had fallen down and hung
around her like golden vel. l had
never seen her look lovelier. 'Mollie,
darling she said, eagerly, help will
soon come to as now. Tom will be here
with men and boats, and ell will be
we'll rBoatsv I cried. rs the water
high enough to float a boat, Katie 2
Yes she answered. The water has
risen above the fences by this time
sat up and looked at her. How did
you ever get to the factory, and Why did
you not stay there's asked. 4 did not
60 to the factory she replied, blushing'
4 met Mr.. Pierce Mr.. Piercep
echoed, in establishment. Where wa.
be goings Do, Katie, tell me oil about
it, We'll, she replied, demureiy, 'hs
was going to the river, and the rive1
met him; 50 there was collision. But
lie down, Mollle,' she added with
change Of tone, 'and I will tell you all
! had not gone far on my way before
found there was to b q struggle. The
water was already above my knees ant
. the current so strong that could scarce
3 ~ keep my footing, but / managed
8 pretty we'll for time by walking along
by the fence! but soon l had to eros
r the road, and / think then, i'll Ind no
\ remembered you and the children, III.
4 courage would have failed me. LET
o my hold of the fence and stepped boldl,
forward. Oh! how strong the curren
!, was. How the river roared around ME
4 as if to mock my fear. Just at this in
slant l saw man walking through tn
:, flood toward me. As he drew near,
= saw that it was Mr.. Pierce. | shoute'
to him to go back to the factory 70
help; but could not make my voic
r. heard above the turmoil Of the water
Il l saw his lips move but could hear n
l. sound. The water was by this tim
% above my waist, the raging torren
> broke in foam around me, as if angry a
>. any obstacle that would bar it's way.
~ expected each instant to be drawn swift
" ly down to the dark death below.
y, thought of the great mill wheel, an
Il shuddered. At last Mr. Pierce reache
V my side. He spoke no word; bu
~ throwing his arm around me, supporte
"a me until / gained little strength
6. leave me- | cried as soon as | cou1
speak, and go back for help. Moll
u and the children are alone in the hons
~, helpless. Leave me and go for Ton
hnt ln thn Lot