Cheyenne transporter. [volume] (Darlington, Indian Terr.) 1879-1886, 1884-02-13


fusal of the tempting morsel, the little
girl having just turned away from her
own unnviting breakfast of bacon and
corn bread.
"The river looks curiously, mamma
dear" she said, chatting over the wild
flowers she was arranging on the table
as she spread their feast. ~ went in TO
the boat to play, and when | wanted to
get out, the water was between it and
the shore, SO had to jump.
"Why, Pearl, are you sureP'
Eyes, mamma; and | was afraid
couldn't get i'll it again; so l united it
and held the rope till it hoated to the
little bayou, and then l pulled 1T in
and tied it. 1t was hard work, too"
"Can the river be rislngp l wish
they were not all away, daughter"
The helpless woman looked out of
the window with troubled face. The
floods of the year before had done but
little injury in their neighborhood, the
land lying much above the river level.
But she knew that this was due to the
strength of the levees many miles
above, and remembered having heard
people say that they never would
stand another pressure of high water.
The river was not yet as high as she
| had seen it. but she observed with
some uneasiness that it had advanced
upon them perceptibly during the last
few hours.
II don't believe the levee will break
though" she said" trying to encour-
age herself and Pearl.
Their dinner was eaten rather more
soberly than quite suited the little girl /;
but after everything was cleared away,
and she had taken another look out
side, both felt better at perceiving that
the waters seemed at stand-still.
Bring me the brush for your pretty
hair, Pearl"
1t was one of the few things she still
had energy to do, this brushing and
fondling of the child's hair. No one,
seeing its beautiful luxuriance, could
wonder at her loving admiration.
Pearl took innocent pleasure in it as
ono of the things which made her
sweet to father and mother, and
laughed as mamma loOsened the soft
braids and held up the wavy mass to
<catch the sunshine.
Papa says it's my golden Aag," she
said. "When l was out hunting old
Snow last week he knew it was me
when | was q mile away"
"Then you must hang out your flag
whenever you want him to find you. l
wish aunty were here to help you to-
day, my pet"
But the hand which held the long
golden braid suddenly dropped
"Look there, PEARL"
Pearl sprang up, and saw trees no
far from their door standing in the
water, where water had never been be-
fore. In one moments glance she
marked how tho river was broadening
and swelling. There was no sudden
rush or roar, az would have been the
case with narrower stream, or one
with high banks; but there was still
something mysterious and terrible in
the low sound, half-hissing, half-mur-
muring, with which the pitiless flood
was fast creeping upon them.
She turned with one thought in her
brave little heart-of caring of her
mother as she had promised.
mamma, darling, don't be fright
ened. You must get to the bOat-yOu
can, know, when most carry you. "
Pearl had rushed out to the boat.
Most fortunately the bank to which she
had towed and secured it was high.
Drawing it now much nearer the house,
she came and hurriedly prepared her
mother, cooing to her all the while en-
dearing words of encouragement,
| never 1ettinp her pueSS how her own
face grew pale and her heart stood
still at the sight of the danger which
gathered faster and faster so near