The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1895-07-27
recent heavy rain, had washed away the


prove destruction,
But there was no time to lose.
The enemy was close upon him, and see
ing from the distance that something had
occurred to bar his escape began to shout
in triumph. He quickly decided what to
do. He would risk the river.
He urged his trembling horse forward
The latter refused to obey, but by applying
the spurs numerically he succeeded in
starting him and with a snort of terror he
8 rang into the water
The current whirled him under in
trice, and the lieutenant had all he could
do to cling to tho saddle as the horse, ris-
ing again, struck out wildly for the other
shore.
had been carried down from above, and one
of these suddenly struck the horse in the
head. The poor brute sank from under
him, leaving Grey struggling in the cur
rent.
But the lieutenant threw out his arms
and managed to grasp the log as it rushed
by. With much difficulty he drew him
self upon the timber and clung to it with
tenacity.
On down the stream the log bore him.
while other timbers and Instructions came
into his way so thick and fast that
he narrowly escaped being crushed to
death
At last he noticed with a feeling of
horror that the river was rapidly narrowing
and the current increasing in turbulence.
The hanksrose on either side to the height
of twelve or fifteen feet and into the swirl
ing gorge he soon found himself
The log began turning and twisting in
Ill directions. and he was submerged MANY
times. Suddenly he lost his hold entirely
and slipped off into the water to begin
struggling desperately for life.
With an energy born of despair he struck
ont for the hank. His strength was soon
spent With groan he was about giving
up the territlice struggle when his hands
came in contact with some bushes CROWN.
out from the shore.
With his last remnant of strength he
grasped them, contrving to wind their
long ends around his body. Then, dashed
To and fro by the mercileSs current, h. sank
into Inconsistencies
When he finally came to his senses the
light of day had appeared The river had
ubsid'd somewhat, and he found himself
hanging from the bushes "A few feet above
the water He looked up to the top of the
bank and gloancd Us he realized his in
ability to reach it unaided
What shall | do?" he cried in DIES
pair.
Then he started in surprise. Surely that
vas IA child crying on the bank above him.
Listening intently he was soon convinced
that he was not mistaken.
who's up there" he called.
The next moment a little tear stained
face looked down upon him. 1t evidently
belonged to IA little girl of Is or seven years
and as the soldier beheld her he forgot his
own peril for the time in his surprise at
her presence.
'Who are you child" he asked.
Bessie, she answered.
Bessie who?'
"Just Bessie"
''IIave you no other nance" he asked.
''No, sir
GLOW did you come herc?'
81 ruined away. The people didn't
treat me good. They locked me in the
smoke house, but got out and ran off
vest day morning.
Grey uttered cry of surprise
''Was it Tom Jones who put you there?'
he asked.
eyes, sir; he's bad man"
81 believe you, child, " said the soldier
He began looking around again. There
was wild vine running along the top of
him. He managed to get out his kuife.
and, after opening it tossed it up to the
child.
Take the knife, Bessie and cut that
vine in two; but be careful you don't cut
your fingers, he said
She did as directed, and after much diff
licuty succeeded.
"Now pull one end over the bank so
can reach it, he went on.
But this was no easy task for her After
doing all she could the vine was still foot
or more above him. lie contrived to draw
himself up sufficiently to grasp it, however,
then Selling it firmly he allowed his
weight to fall back upon it. Being well
entangled in the bushes above, it sustained
him nicely.
Then began the task of climbing up. In
his weak condition this was exceedingly
arduous, and when he finally reached the
summit and drew himself over the edge
his strength left him and he would have
fallen back had not Bessie seized his arms
and tugged With all her might. She could
not do much, of course, but just that little
assistance was all he needed and moment
later he was safe.
Grey now stretched himself out for
long rest and the child told him more about
how she came there. She had run away