The Coconino sun., 1891-06-27

and she turned toward the twins con-
temptuously, ARE the light-keeper's
daughters. l used to go to school
with them" p
The insolent words brought flush
to the strangers cheek. II am sorry
to trouble you," she said touching
Meg's arm gently, "but should be so
glad Of some dry clothing. l take
cold SO easily" I
Meg's face cleared instantly, and in
few moments the two visitors, in dry
garments, sat by the fire eating the
food which Peggy placed before them.
Meg started quickly for the door.
Hand me my waterproof Peggy. I'll
run into the tower once more to make
sure that everything is right for the
night"
In few moments she came back
pale and breathless. THE water is
nearly up TO the doorsteps. | can't
get to the tower and it's overlooked
behind the house, too II / had only
watched as father told mew Under
her directions the three girls hastily
gathered the few valuables OF the
house and carried them up to the SIS
ters room on the second story. And
they did not get to work any too soon,
for by the time they took up the last
load small stream of water had
forced its way under the door and ran
gurgling across the room.
The hours OF the night wore YEARLY
on, but Meg was so hopeful and calm
that she helped to keep up the courage
of the others. She paid several visits
to the hall and each time came back
more sober and thoughtful, but she
said not word. The water was al
ready half way up to the second floor.
She remembered with a shudder
how old and frail the house was. 'If
it will only hold out" she thought
The last time she went out she found
that the water had gained on them
Slowly but surely it was climbing up
ward. But there was this to be thank
full for-the wind had abated some
what and the rain had ceased.
When she returned she said to her
guests, Lie down; you need rest more
than we do. II there is any danger
will call you"
Bertha and Miss Howard soon fell
into light doze. Meg sat quietly.
holding Pcggy's hand in hers. Peg
gy," she said earnestly, ''if the water
gets much higher we must go up on
the roof II is about on level with
the second landing on the lower stairs
The window is never fastened and we
can open it easily from outside, and
the window ledge is very broad. You
know the ladder that leads up to the
opening in the roof? It's long enough
to reach across. You see, don't you?
We must use it as a bridge and crawl
over! Once in the tower we are safe
from the highest tide. | wish we
could have got there before"
Peggy started, as strange culver
like a tremor ran through the house
In an instant Meg was by the bed
arousing the sleepers. 1T is the house.
Peggy thought felt it before. but
! was not sure. One or two more rock
ings like that and it will be all over
with usrn
The four frightened girls climbed
up hurriedly through the skylight and
drew up the ladder after them. As they
stepped out upon the roof the moon
struggled through a rift in the clouds
and the flashes OF the great light
showed them on all sides a drcary
waste of water. Nothing else was WIS.,
ible save the tall white tower close be-
side them.
Meg crept TO the edge of the roof
and with Peggy's help showed the lad
der out by the fitful flashes until it
rested firmly on the stone ledge Of the
tower window. Now CO." she said
reassuringly to Miss Howard. Don't
be afraid! Hold fast to the sides of
the ladder and feel your way on your
knees from round TO roundi Then wait
for fla ash and raise the window"
After a few moments OF suspense the
young girl reached the tower safely.
Then 1t was Bertha's turn, but she
had to be urged and scolded and
threatened by turns, until Meg lost
patience. you are wasting precious
time-and perhaps lives she said
solemnly, as there was another CULVER
ing OF the house under them.
Meg, go yourself. Don't wait for
her; she isn't worth itr' cried Peggy,
beside herself with tear.
But Meg seized Bertha by the arm
and forced her out on the ladder, and
she too managed to make the passage
safely.
Now, Peggy, it's your turn"
The young girl drew back. Not
before you;n but the sound Of Meg's
voice silenced her. Grasping the sides
of the ladder she worked her way
cautiously over, but as her feet touched
tho window ledge she felt sudden
dipping of the frail bridge. and house,
ladder and Meg sank out of sight in an
instant, and the only answer to her
despairing cry, Meg! o! Meg!" was
the mad rush Of the cruel waters.
In the handsome new stone church
in the village is a magnificent stained
glass window, placed there by Mr..
Howard in memory of Meg. A small
marble tablet underneath tells the
simple story of the young girls
heroism. At tho bottom of the win
dow, in quaint lettering, are the words,
Greater love hath no man than this,
that man lay down his life for his
friends
Monetary Item.
A few nights ago a policeman halted
supicious looking colored man who