Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1904-06-24

wreck?" he asked, for by this time the
stream was full of trees and timbers.
You risked your life to save mine"
There was not much danger. Row
fast, John. We must save her"
"SaveNwho, Kath?"
Miss Nane. Her house lies so low
that she may be in great danger. Be
careful! There is log in the way"
Il shall take you home before I 60
to Mr., Vane's,"
Il must steer, John. Besides, I shall
not let you go alone"
Neither spoke again till they reached
the Nane house. Yhe water was above
the second story windows, but there
We're lights in the third story. As they
stopped the boat they heard woman
screaming. John called, and Mr. Vane
appeared at the window.
God bless you, John, my boy" he
said as he stepped into the boat John
lifted Rosamond in, and the two terri
fed maids followed The coachman
and butler had taken refuge on the
roof and John promised to send help
to them, for Kath's little boat was al
ready taxed to the utmost
Il shall leave you at Mr. Groves,
Mr. Vane." said John as he neared
tall house half mile from Mr. Vanes.
1T is the safest place in town. think
the water has reached its height
Leave us at Mr.. Groves, John. That
is right. Bless you, you shall hear from
this nights work"
AS Rosamond stepped from the boat
to tie piazza roof she chung to John,
imploring him not to leave her. He
went few steps to encourage her, and
when he turned to come back Kath
was starting back across the water.
'Kath," John called, come back"
He could scarcely make out her an
swer above the roar of the food. go
back, John, where you are safe"
"Kath, come backr' he commanded
in tone she had never heard him use
before
She brought the boat up, and he
stepped in. He took off his coat and
wrapped it around her, paying no heed
to her demur "Give me the oars" he
said. And she obeyed.
John slowly threaded his way back
to Kath's home. Day was breaking
and they could see the extent of the
damage done.
"The worst is over" said John, "and
l think the water is going down lit
tle Your house is standing, Kath, but
the study is nearly under water. See,
the water reaches the tops of the win
dows. Your manuscripts will be wet"
! he added mlschievously. 1--WE shall be
obliged to land on the roof"
The study was only one Story in
height and John stepped to the roof
and held out his arms. Come, Kath,"
he said. He did not release her when
she stood beside him on the roof He
held her close while he made his con-
fession.
"Kath. I've been fool and l came
| near being a rascal But although I
treated you so badly you care enough
about me to risk your life for my sake.
know now what feel for you. For
give me and take me back. Can you
ever love me again?'
Hush. John! Don't blame yourself.
1t was natural that you should love
her. / do not blame you. l wrote
note last night releasing you, and l in
closed your ring. was not angry. l
did it freely Don't let any feeling Of
gratitude"-
'Kath, will you understand me?
love you. What can l care for Rosa
mond Vane after what has happened
tonight? | shall never give you up
unless you can truthfully say that you
don't care for me. Tell me the truth or
1 shall keep you on your own study
roof forever"
Kath did not make any audible reply,
but she put her arms around Johns
neck and rested her head on his drip
ping shoulder in perfect content.