The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1904-07-21

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."
Save who, KathT'
Miss Vane. Her house lies so low
that she may be In great danger Be
careful! There is log in the way"
II shall take you home before l go
to Mr.. Vane's."
II must steer, John. Besides, I shall
not let you go alone"
Neither spoke again till they reached
the Vane house. The water was above
the second story windows. but there
were lights in the third story. AS they
stopped the boat they heard a woman
screaming. John called, and Ma 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
II shall leave you at Mr. Groves,
Mr.. Eane," said John as he neared a
tall house half mile from Mr. Vane's.
1T is the safest place In town. think
the water has reached it's 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 the 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 flood. Go
back, John, where you are safe"
"Kath. come backr' he commanded
in a 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
ana they could see the extent of the
damage done.
1.-THE worst is over" said John, "and
I think the water is going down a lit
tie. 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 mischievously. 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-
fassion
"Kath, I've been q fool and l came
near being rascal. But although /
treated you SO badly you care enough
about me to risk your life for my sake.
I 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. wrote a
note last night releasing you, and in
closed your ring. was not angry l
did it freely. Don't let any feeling of
! gratitude
"Kath, will you understand me? l
love you. What can / care for Rosa
mond Vane after what has happened
tonight? 1 shall never give you up
unless you can truthfully say that you
don't care for me. Tell me the truth or
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