Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1888-09-05
The FLOODS WORK.

The foods were out at Wendelthorpe.
Boats were moving hither and thither
In the lower-lying streets, and out in
the open country, field after field was
changed to a lake. From amid the
waters rose a solitary farmhouse,
black against Il darkening sky The
surging flow heaved and tossed and
struck heavily upon It; here was no
languidly spreading expansc, but the
hurry OF the swollen river rushing
impatiently forward and rising In its
impatience higher and ever higher. at
an upper window six persons were
gathered, watching the motions OF a
light that came and went slowly, and
seemed to be drawing nearer by de-
grees. The group was made up OF the
farmer, his wife, three children, and
young man who was the eldest daugh-
ter's lover. The light was manifestly
approaching, the dark shape of a boat
became distinct, they heard the dip
and splash of the oars; at last the boat
paused in the lee OF the house. and
their rescue was secure. 1t could be
seen now, in the light OF the lantern,
that there were several persons in the
boat, and one or them was a woman.
A voice called upward to those within:
"How many are your"
And a voice called down in reply:
"SIx."
To that answer followed moment
of silence. Then, amid the sound of
the water came up the words:
1--WE have only room for four"
''Shall you be able to come back for
the others?" asked the farmer.
Again followed a pause, briefly, but
sufficient to foreshadow the coming
negative; :. 3, ..,- 49,, AL
and too dangerous
Within were quick questionings and
denials, q half heard debate. Caught
and lost again between the omInous
beating of the rising foods. by day
break the housetop would scarcely be
left above water, even IL the walls
should be strong enough to hold out
so long.
"Jack and will stay" said the far
mer at last
III Jack stays" so will I."arswered
the clear voice of his daughter.
Then a man rose in the boat and
said:
'Thsre Is no woman who would say
that for me, 50 let me stay"
The others in the boat looked at him
a. ne slOO4 ACakAuk O-AS as-AAAsN
the wall. He was a stranger who had
reached wendelthorpe that afternoon,
and had volunteered his services at the
ftarting OF the boat. The woman
sitting IN the stern moved q little and
said:
AZ will stay, too"
All eyes turned back to her. Her
they knew. She was the new mistress
of the village school, a grave young
woman, and reported eccentric
There was no remonstrance from the
boat; only a slow, Illuminating surprise;
from above, indeed, came protests, but
faint and quickly oyerruled.
A window was opened in lower
story; the two entered upon a landing
that was already flooded and went
quickly upward. Warm, broken thanks
met them, and eager promises OF re-
turn in the first hour of dawn They
stood side by side, watching the pro-
gress OF the departing six, and the
wayerIng reflection OF the sh AIKEN light
The room had, IN the interval, grown
nearly dark.
"Have you any hope OF their coming
back in timer" asked the woman.
"Nol'' her companion answered.
"Ncr have ], ;" said she.
They stood aimleSSly LOOKING INTO TIE
fast darkening room. The wind and
the water went sweeping by outside,
and In the house were ghostly sounds
of doors and windows stealtnily tried
and shaken
Had we not better 60 up to the
attic while we can?" asked the man
by-snd-by.
She as.ented, and they went inward
TO the dark core OF the house, The
inky solitude below was full OF creak-
ings and rustlings; above shone square
of yellow light, revealing a steep ladder.
A lighted lantern had been left for
them in the attic, together with food
and warm wrappings-
ct will fetch the lantern" said he.
and swung himself quickly upward
She stood below. holding fast to the
side OF the ladder. His quick step
sounded above her head; the light
shifted and frightened, she saw his
face in a quick illumination; then the
usht whIrled toward and beyond her.
down into the darkness and flashed
upon the stairs. Her breath stood
still: she had sickening feeling OF
being left alone. Assurance or her
compapion,s safety reached her, how
ever. in the form of an imPrecation.
checked, indeed, Tut hearty, uttered
about two feet above her head.
orhs handle OF the lantern was
loose. - rs he came to her level III.
20 down and fetch 1t up"
aNo. Son'ti It is too darkt Please
don,tl L8 US 40 up-"