Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1884-06-13
MOONLIGHT AND FLOODS.

MOONLIGHT AND FLOODS.
Tho floods were out ut Wendelthorpe.
Boats were moving hither and thither
IN the lower-lying streets, and out in
the open country field after field was
changed TO n lake. From amid the
waters rose n solitary farmhouse,
black against n darkening sky. The
surRing flow hcaved and tossed and
struck heavily upon IL; here was no
languidly spreading expanse, but the
hurry OF tho swollen river rushing inn
patiently forward and rising in its i'm
patience higher and even higher. AT
an upper window six persons were
gathered. watching the motions OF n
light that came and went slowly, and
seemed TO be drawing nearer by de-
greos. The group was made ND of the
farmer, his wife. their three children,
and young man who was the eldest
daughters lover. The light was mani
fostly approaching. the dark shape of
boat became distinct, they heard the
dip and splash Of tho oars at last the
boat paused in the lee OF the house, and
their rescue was secure. IL could be
seen now. In the light Of tho lantern.
that there were several persons in the
boat, and that one of them was n wom-
an.
A voice called upward 10 those with
In; "How many are you?"
And voice called downward in re-
ply: "Six."
To that answer followed moment Of
silence.
Then, amid the sound of the water.
came up the words I'VE have only
room for four"
shall you DO able 10 come back for
the othersP" asked the farmer.
Again followed pause. brief. but
sufficient to foreshadow the coming
negative.
No. hardly. IL was getting too dark
and too dangerous.
Within were quick questionings and
denials, half-heard debate, caught
and lost again between the ominous
beating OF tho rising Hoods. by day
break the housetop would scarcely 10
left above water. even IL the walls
shold DO strong enough to hold out so
long.
Jack and l will stay" said tho
farmer at last.
IF Jack stays. so will l." answered
the clear voice Of his daughter.
Then n man rose In the boat and
said; There Is no woman who would
say that for me. and SO let me STAY"
The others In the boat looked nj him
as he stood leaning one hand against
the wall. lie was n stranger who had
reached Wendelthorpe only that after
noon, and had volunteered his services
at the starting OF the boat.
The Vnunan afffip., L., A.. 49,. -. A
a little and said, III will stay. too"
and all eyes turned back to her. Her
they knew. She was tho new mistress
Of the village school. a grave Young
woman. and reported eccentric.
There was no romonstrance from the
boat only slow, Illuminating surprise;
from above, indeed. came protests, but
faint and qickly overruled.
A window was opened in n lower
story the two entered upon landing
that was already flooded aud went
quickly upward. Warm. broken thanks
met them and eager promises of return
In tho first hour Of dawn. Then from
the upper window. tho two watched
tho embarkatiOn Of tho six, heard their
shouts OF thanks and of farewell. then
the dip of the oars, and felt at their
hearts n sudden blank. They stood
side by side, watching the waverinp
progress Of the departure and the
wayoring reflection of the shaken light.
AT last, when the boat was far away
and no dim echo reached them of its
sounds, they turned toward each other
and toward the inner room. The room
had in the interval, grown nearly dark.
and a. they turned this way they heard
the Hap OF the water. like a step on the
staircase.
Have you any hope of their coming
back In timer" asked the woman.
Her companion answered.: "No."
and she saw through tho darkness that
he shook his head.
Nor have /. said she.
They stood aimlessly looking into the
fast darkcning room. They had NO
occupation but TO await the coming up
OF the water. and they were strangers
who had mover so much as beheld each
others face by full daylight. The wind
AMI the water went sweeping by outside.
and In tho house were ghostly sounds of
doors and windows stealthily tried and
shaken.
Had we not better 90 up to the at
tic while we camp asked tho man. by
and by.
She assonted. and tboy went inward
70 the dark core Of the house. The inky
solitude below was full Of creakings
and rustlings; above shono n square Of
yellow light, revealing steep ladder.
A lighted lantern had been left for them
IN the attic, together with food and
warm wrappings.
II viii fetch the lantern.n said be
and swung himself quickly upward.
She stood below, holding fast To the
aide OF the ladder. His quick step
sounded above her head, theli0ht shift
ed and Frightened. she saw his face In
quick illumination; then the light
whirled toward and beyond her, down.
down into the darkness and flashed
upon the stairs Her breath stood still:
ene had sickening feeling OF being
lett alone. Assurance Of her compan-
ION safety reached her. however. no
the form OF an improcation. checked.
indeed. but hearty. uttered about two
feet above her.
The handle Of The lantarn was loo. ~
salc Pc. a. 10 eamo 70 her level. EN-
50 down and fetch IL up"
NO, DON'T 10 IL too dark. Pleas
don't let us 20 mp"
ooo had found his arm IN tho d.rl-
ness and held him back. In the g.
ness, which was much the blaoker -
ma, brief intorpositlon Of lIvhI 49,
made saslF way late thS AIDE "a