Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1891-06-05

aillons 'hem, saying cheering words
nero and there and sending all the wet
shivering women with their frightened
little 'nes to the great house on the
hill.
Suddenly he saw that couple of
men were about 10 venture on the
swollen waters in a small boat.
''lf all are safe, why risk your
livesg" lie asked them.
"All are not safe, SIR" one replied,
hurricdly. We never thought of old
MIR. Jlayin and his niece, and their
house is surrounded by the water
has been SO for hours. The old man
Is paralytic, the niece only a slip of
a girl. They're in danger, sir, and
we're going to try to get them"
'IlI 90 with you," said Vane, step
ping into the boat.
And in moment they were out in
the rush and swell of the current, un-
able, for all their six strong arms, to
guide the boat. Several times they
were caught among floating debris
thev were swung round and round;
the boat was dashed forcibly against
some building which the water sur
rounded.
Al last, with infinite trouble, they
secured the boat at an open window in
the second story of cottage, of which
only that floor and the roof were
visible above the surface.
With a ringing cheer one OF them
leaped over the sill, and Vanc looked
afts!Ancm.
In great chair, with shawls
wrapped about him, and a shrinking
terror in his large eyes, sat the paraly-
tic; beside the chair, slight, pale, but
firm as steel, stood girl, with eyes
like stars and lips that began to quiver
as she saw the help that had come;
while at her feet, with his low whines
changing 10 joyful barking, crouched
great black dog.
The chair was wheeled to the win
dow, the helpless man lifted into the
boat; then the girl put out her hands
to Vane. and, as his closed on them,
and he drew her over the sill, she
tainted and fell forward
There was only time to lay her
gently down, with her head resting
against Vane's knees, when the boat
shot away; and, with a bark, the dog
plunged in and swan after.
1t was some time before they could
effect landing, and more than once
Vane's eyes wandered to the still face
at his knee.
1t was the face of the "nut-brown
maid," with all its rich bloom and
warm sunnincss swept from it; but il
was sweet, aud young, and loysly.
and the young man found such a
charm in it as no face, not even the
fair one of his mothers guest, had
held for him before.
81 have met my fate" he said to
while he strove to guide the
boat to land.
And when at last land was reached,
and she was given to him to cIrry to
a place of safety, his heart leaped with
delight to find that his mother had sent
their carriage down to the valley.
Mr.. Glavin and his niece, Beatrice,
were taken to Vanc's home, which
was already filled with sufferers from
The flood; and as he gave Beatrice to
his mothers care, he bent and kissed
the stately old lady on the brow.
Mother" he whispered, ''bc very
kind to this new guest-for my sake"
She looked down at the sweet, pale
face of the girl, then up into her sons
eyes, and she understood.
At that moment the dog, shaggy,
wet, Ianting, ran up to Vane, and
put his nose in his hand.
\ few days later the flood was a
thlns OF the past. Clear skies and
smiled upon the world; and
Of Mrs Carrolrs guests but three
were letl-Inez Kent, Beatrice Glavin
and her uncle.
care those people going to remain
here fore, ,er?' Inez asked Mrs. Car
rol, with frown on her face. '.They
quite spoil my visit"
81 am sorry" Mrs. Carroll an
swered. with slight fash in her eyes,
''but | have invited them to remain a
month with us here, and ! think, !
hope they will do so. Miss Glavin is
1 lovely girl. could ask n, sweeter
wife for Vanc'
"Wifc for Vane!" cried Inez, with
unsteady lips. "Do you quite mean
hiatt"
ale loves her; she is worthy of
lim; | wish his happiness beyond oil