Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-09-26

SWAN IATOuSu JuS
pine woods, and the food that followed tore
the fallen trees from the bank and bore
them down the wild stream.
Gustave Stein, the lame boy, lived on
Gull Island with his sister Almeda. Gull
Island was just below the rapids, narrow
strip of land containing a few acres that
Mr.. Stein cultivated, and when he died left
as legacy to his children
Gustave was away at a neighbours house
when the storm came, and his anxiety for
Almeda was pitiful. The road from the
house where he was stopping to the river
opposite Gull Island was filed with trees
and the wind continued to blow even after
the worst was over.
81 will keep you company, Gustave," said
the farmer, ''or perhaps you had better re-
main here while go and ascertain if any
thing has happened to Almeda. The wind
could do no damage on the island, but the
river IS rising, and 1t may be well enough
for your sister to seek the main land I'll.
after the food subsidies"
81 can not remain here" declared Gus
tave. Il can manage some way to get to the
river, and Rob will lead the way"
The boy patted the head of his dog, stout
shepherd, which stood near regarding his
young master with intelligent eyes
every well, them" said Mr.. Frost; ''but
Pm afraid you'll find it a tedious road with
your lameness."
1t was about three miles to the river. and
it required nearly three hours time for boy
and man to gain the bank, so many trees
DISTRACTED the way. Rob, however, went
on in advance, instructed by his master &c
go seek Almcda.
Long before the twain reached the river
the distant bark of dog was borne &c
their ears. At times this became a howl.
and but added to the daring of Gustave.
The kind farmer lifted the lame boy over
fallen trees, and in other ways assisted him
forward, although he had urged him tc
leave him and push forward alone.
81 can not do thatr' declared MIR. Frost
"You are under my protection now, my
boy, and l shall see that you get through
this tangle in safety"
The bowls of the dog grew louder as the
man and boy reached the vicinity of the
river.
"Ah! see!" exclaimed Gustave, as he
caught sight of the foamlng water in the
distance; ''the river is overhowing its
banks the island is gone!''
mo, no, my lad; let US hope it's not SC
bad as that
Pushing on with nervous haste, Mr.. Frost
reached the river some rods in advance OF
Gustave. The dog was nowhere to be seen.
while the roar of mad waters drowned al
other sounds.
But narrow strip of the river bank was
above the water, and the island was indeed
inundated.
Mr.. Frost strained his eyes, but could see
nothing of the humble cot that had so lately
been occupied by the brother and sister. Il
had indeed been swept away.
Gustave, limping 10 the side Of Mr.. Frost
uttered a moaning cry and sank to the
ground, covering his face with his hands
''Almeda! my poor Almeda'' he groaned
A hand plucked at the sleeve Of the boy
and Mr.. Frost said, cheerily:
'Don't give way like this, Gustave. The
girl may have escaped before the flood"
mo, no. She could not. 1 took the only
boat. She is drewnedl drowned" walled
the lone lad.
''Hushl Listenl There's the dog again.
declared Frost.
Sure enough, Rob's bark rang family
over the water, and then the two on the
shore saw the animals head peer UP from
between the trunks of trees that had been
swept down by the mighty flood, and now
formed part of large jam ut the head of
Gull Island. Around and through these
fallen mounds of the wood the water
vhirled with a rush and roar that was ter
'ible to contemplate.
Below this jam part of the island was
Visible. Evidently the house had been