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

that Katie treated him rather worse
than she did any one else. | often
grew angry with the child: bat no anger
could long Withstand the charm of her
ginning ways. and although began by
scolding her, | generally ended by
laughing at her. How lovely she used
to look, ~ she came dancing into my
room, ready for some pleasure. yitfi her
eyes shining like stars, her cheeks like
roses, and her face beaming with mis-
chief under her white hood. Il came l
saw conquered : Has her motto, and
she fully carried it out. / remember
that a great deal of snow fell that win
ter, and as spring came on all the rivers
and brooks became very much swollen;
but our river had never been known to
rise very high and we feared no danger.
Ny second baby was born In Marcia
pretty, blue.eyed little darling-and the
happiness Of our home was complete.
One very stormy day, when my baby
vas about a week old, Katie came run.
ing into my room. 'Oh Mollie, she
cried, i wish that you could see the
river. II is perfectly beautiful. It has
risen considerably above its banks and
is hurrying along over the rocks one
sheet OF foam AS she spoke, | could
hear distinctly the rushing Of the water.
Leave the door open, Katie, I said.
Perhaps | may be able to catch q
glimpse of it. She obeyed, and ! could
plainly see the white line of the river
hurrying along. A little later, Katie
came in again. 'Mollle,' she said, has
the river ever risen as high as the road 2
NO. replied such a thing was never
known. Has it now. Katie p Yes, she
answered, quickly, seeming my excite
ment 'but do not think it will rise
any higher. | will 60 and watch She
left me, and for time heard nothing
but the pouring Of The rain and the
roaring of the river: that to my excited
fancy seemed to grow louder and loud
er. At last Katie entered the room.
Her face was very pale, but her eyes
shOne with resolution. i think that
will 60 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.
ly,, do not leave me alone with the
children. There surely can be no dan
ger1
She was silent for moment, and then
said, gently: There may be danger,
Mollie; and want to avoid it, both for
you and the children. Some one must
go for Tom,
As she spoke the roaring became more
distinct, and, starting up, I saw that
the water had crossed the road and, like
great shining serpent, was crawling
up to our very windows. | gave q
shrek of despair. 600 quisklyn I
cried, hardly knowing what 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
good boy and take care Of mamma.
Keep up good courage, dear she said,
kissing me. i will bring help soon.
Nv reflections, when was left alone,
we're dot pleasant ones was too week
to be fully conscious Of the danger: and
| yet the thought that / was woman,
sick and alone in q house with two little
/ children, with raging torrent, rising
/ higher and higher, at o .ir door, filed me
With terror. But | prayed for strength
and courage as | tried to quiet poor lit.
tie Robbie, who vas badly frightened.
The baby slep. OH, calIaly unconscious
} through it all, and it comforted me to
think that, as the infant lays sleeping
in ny arms, oven 50 might lie In the
arms Of my Heavenly Father peaceful,
in life or in death.
T But | was not left long alone. Katie
soon returned, aer clothes wet and her
cheeks flushed with excitement. Hell
long hair had fallen down and hung
around her like 3 golden veil. ! had
never seen her look lovelier. 'Mollie
darling she said, eagerly, help will
soon come to US now. Tom viii be hers
with men and boats, and all will be
we'll Boats | cried. Is the water
high enough to float q boat, Katie 7
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, aud why did
you not stay there ? asked. i did moi
go TO the factory she replied, blushing