Cheraw chronicle. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1896-2005, 1913-10-09


die, reading the card. "Sorry l cant
give you an order. I might nave
taken some for later use, but this dig
flood has done worse than the hre.
I lust got a wire in town telling me
that the dyke up at the quarries mas
overfowed. If the dam goes, lts rulu
for the whole plant up there"
It continued to rain. Bruce fingered
another hour. Then he announced MS
intention of returning to town. MT.
| Riddle went out and studied the heaVy
| clouds.
See here" he said, 81 might drive
| YOU to town, but we would get
drenched. Just make up your mind to
stay with US overnight"
Bruce glanced at the trim figure ana
charming face Of his hostess and made
no demur. He held an umbrella over
| Verona while they ran for the larger
house. Then the deft little housekeep
or busted herself preparing supper.
They had Just concluded the eve
ming meal when there came a harsh
rapid jangle at the telephone. MIR.
Biddle answered the call He instant.
ly dropped the receiver and ran for
his hat.
Its come!" he announced In q
tone Of deep concern-"the dam has
broken and the food Is on. Can you
help me Bit Mr.. BruceT
why. surely" acceded Bruce
promptly.
The young salesman knew little
about floods as he assisted his host
in getting some cattle from the low
land meadows into the stables. He
knew a great deal more at the end of
his labors, as Mr.. Biddle told him Of
former inundations the section had
experienced.
AS they passed the little brook he
| had crossed on his way to the house,
Bruce was fairly startled and his COM
panion expressed renewed alarm. The
formerly placid water was growing In
to torrent force.
I'VE must be ready for dash to
the highlands If this grows worse"
advised his host I've been through
this before"
1T Is q question Of the stream ris-
ing enough to reach the houser In
Quired Bruce, with speculative look
in his eyes.
"Just that" was the positive re-
sponse.
The young salesman returned to the
house and took up his satchel. He
had studied the contour OF the sur.
roundings and he knew his business.
Mr.. Biddle and his daughter were
standing on the porch wondering
What had become Of their guest Ten
minutes went by, then half an hour.
The quarryman ever and anon took
lantern and went to the edge
of the stream. The last time he did
this he came hurrying back with an
alarmed face.
Get the house locked up" he said
urgently. AT the rate the water is
rising, the next hour will see us sur.
rounded, If not floating away"
"Oh! as bad as that papar' e1'
claimed Verona
"Yes. l will hitch up at once and
we will go over to your aunts at High
Ridge"
Crash!-a terrific explosion ratified
the windows Of the house. AS father
and daughter stood petrified with
amazement, Bruce came into view
bearing the empty satchel in one hand,
a battery apparatus in the other.
Look at your creek now," he spoke
in something Of q tone Of triumph.
You are a practical man," was the
comment of Mr.. Biddle. as he did look
and was told what had caused the
water to recede.
II simply blew out the ravine wall"
explained Bruce. "The dynamite did
it. There's a vent now that may I'LL
up the ravine, but you won't have any
food hereabouts."
So practical a man was Bruce, In
deed, that Mr.. Biddle offered him the
superintendency Of his plant when he
started up again.
So sensible was Bruce, that he pro-
posed to Verona within month, mar
ried her in two, and the pretty cot.
tage had new occupants.
| frooyrtobf 1919 hv w n Cha0rnanl