The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1882-06-24

cry limb; who will save us--ahd what
can do ?"
Whether It was the sense of The aphal-
ling dangef ht their very door, or tender
pity even In this terrible moment for her
helpless companion, the young girl now
seemed suddenly imbued with new, he
roic strength tingling in every nervei-
and with voice almost steady she said
calmly;
"But God is still with us,erandfather,
and He will surely make us SOME way Of
escape; try to be strong now, and trust
to His help"
But even as she spoke, another fearful
crash, accompanied by piteous sbrieks,
told of a nearer catastrophe, and Ruth
laid her hand upon the old mans arm,
gently but firmly.
Come, grandfather" said she, cody,
''let us hasten to the nearest bbhhh: they
may there be making some plan for pro-
lection and they may help us, too; SO,
do hastenl'
Waiting only'to exchange the Pickering
candle for lantern, tie two helpless
mes hurried out into the darkness of the
awful night.
But little were they prepared for that
scene of desolation around; only in the
distance glimmered moving lightsi and
with the slow progress alone possible in
the feeble condition of her companion,
Ruth felt that they could never reach the
far-off help.
Only small strip of land now seemed
left to them-the river behind and to the
right of them, while to the left rose the
high, steep bank, edzy with mud and
tricklihg with water from the storm. Up
that her active feet might possibly have
climbed, but never could the feeble old
man totteting along at her side III the
storm and darkness.
Never once did the thought of escape
apart from him enter the brave maiden's
mind.
With heart beating wildly with fear.
Ruth raised her eyes to the cloud-ccv-
cred sky, half breathing prayer for aid
while the trembling one beside her ut
tered a helpless groRh.
Suddenly ray of hope quickened her
senses. A little higher up to the left, ei-
evated somewhat above the path before
them, stood the strong old church, un-
touched as yet by the &atsr. looking out
in silent pity upon the scene of desola-
ton surrounding it. 1t was possible that
safety might be found there; even if the
waves reach il. might not the strong
foundations upon which it had stood so
long and steadfast prove invincible to the
raging food?
"The church grandfather! The chhrchi
Let us 60 therel" cried Ruth, in tbnes of
hope and encouragement. Surely, we
shall be cafe therew and the next minute
they were burrying over the short space
intervening, and finding but slight re-
sistance to the old worn lock, they were
soon standing within the gloomy, silent
church.
Was it in that the soothing spirit of
prayer still lowered like incense about
the place: or was it the Thought of the
ever-abiding presence of God in this His
own house, that seemed to impart sud-
den calm to the weary old man? ST.
lently he sank within one of the old
fashioned pews; and here, aye, yes-here
he could die peacefully, if such we're
Gods will.
The lantern gave but feeble light in
the great room; but thankful for even
this mitigation of the darkness. Ruth
placed it near by, and with loving, ten
der care kntlt beside her grandfather,
still bent on cheering and encouraging
him.
II think we are surely safe here, grand
father"
Il trust 30, hny child" apswefed the
old man in tone so strong and calm
that it surprised as we'll as delighted the
young girl.
"God has surely guided and sustained
MS in this hour of danget." added the
old man fervenily; land we are now in
His hands; He will save or take MS To
himself as, He may in His infinite mercy
deem best"
A deep silence fell upon them then-a
trembling, prayerful silence Upon Ruth's
part. for nearer and nearer came the ON
mons sound of the great, rushing food,
while great sense of desolatien orept
over her.
Suddenly a cold dampness seemed To
pervade the whole rooft, and the next
moment pereeptible tremor passed ovef
the building, causing the Young girl to
spring to her feet and clasping her arms
about her grandfather, trenble and weep
violently.
Quickly. firmly he drew her closer to
him. and pressing her with love to his
bosom.
"Be brave, my child" he said in n
voice subdued but calm. THE hour of
danger has come, but God is with us yet,
Ruth"
Almont UNCONSCIOUS from fright Ruth
lay on her grandfather's breast and, as
the movement became more steady and
regular, she raised her pale face and
whispered!
Grandfather, are wo really floating
away ?"
Eyes, my child, like the ark OF old" 4"
answered the grandfather. "We are now
adrift and God only knows how long
we may keep afioat and what the end is
to be. But let us not murttiur at His
will; we may perhaps fad many friends
who have gone this night iuto the other
world"
The girl hid her face again for a mo
mani. btit Suddenly a faint and as il