Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-08-19
A Maryland Farmhouse.

We devoted our afternoon to a refreshing
nap and when We awoke great change
had come over the scene Some clouds were
banked up on every side. and the setting
sun cast a golden flood of light through
The magnificence of the sight was irs,,ir-
ing, but We had no time to spare and mast
lily pitched our tent and tumDled in our
outfit to shelter it from the RAPIDLY ap-
preaching storm.
Camping in n Kansas C-clone.
AS a last precaution deep trench was
dug on each side of our tent, and the pegs
driven into the sandy soil as far as pos
sible. Had We known that a yeritable Kan
sas cyclone was about to sweep down on
us perhaps our plans would have been al
terel, but the camper must take what comes
and make the best of IL without gumbling
and We were no exception to the rule Out
SIDE all was inky darkness, save now and
then vivid Hash of lightning: but It was
coy enough in our tent, and testing on
our comfortable blankets we ,waited the
storm. suddenly a strong gust Of wind
from the broad river struck the cent ON its
side and it swayed and tugged al its guy
ropes, but held to its sasteniays. 1t could
not be swept away. Down came The tor
rents of rain, and amid the howliay of the
gale the brilliant lightning and Crashing
thunder added to the wildness of the scene
All at once another gust much heavier
than the first, bore down on the tent and
the pegs, foosened by the wettins Of the
sandy soil, pulled up. and had we not seiz-
ed the tent frame firmly the whole struct-
ure would have Been blown INTO an adioin-
ing corn field. The rain now poured in on
our blankets and camp luggage. drenching
everything but our provision hamper ard
extra clothing. which had previously been
wrapped in a rubber blanket. there was
no help for ii. and one of went outside
and drove pegs while the other. no less
wet. held up the tent. In a :hort time all
was secure again. but in less than an hour
afterwards. during which time the terrific
lar experience. and in addition. he con:inu-
al wetting brought on a disagreelble chill
illness which rendered il necessary to seek
drier quarters. In the heighth Of the storm
a large Washington excursion steamer com
ing up the river was Obliged TO seek Shelter
IN Quantico creek on the Virginia shore.
til daylight.
Three times the storm turned on its
course and vented its fury on our little
camp without cessation but ali things have
an emf and about 1879 pm. the downpour
ceased and soon out came the stars while
farther down the river We could see n won
derful electrical display showing the path
or the storm. Cold and drenched to the
skin we lit our lantern, and placing il in a
large canvas bag to prevent 1t from blow
ing out, tied up our tent and started for
the nearest farm house one mile away.
When nearly TO the much desired shelter
We found the road had become a raging
torrent three feet deep, but wading through
bravely We soon reached the farmers gate
and halloed. Perhaps MARYLAND farmers
are are MOI GOO sieepers. At any rate 1t took
doors and shouting ourselves hoarse to
awaken this one. and an inquiry from an
upper window Of who's there?'' brought
forth request from us to be allowed IN
build fire in the kitchen stove and dry
our clothing. "AlI right; make vourscL.es
at home: the doors unlocked: L won't come
down., was the answer. and we entered
the old-fashioned kitchen and looked curl
ously about us. No paper to light the fire
could be found and an ancient cook book
was sacrificed to the flames Our rubber
bag of dry clothing was a Godsend 10 us
and soon the roaring fire and comforta bic
atmosphere caused US TO nod. and with the
har1 floor for our bed we slept soundly tilI
daylight when the farmer appeared at tho
door with a cordial Good morning: got
drowned ont. did you; what can 1 do for
you? Nothing, We replied, many