"HERE I am, all right, little mother! I'll save you all," said brave
Hal, as his head appeared at the window. He had been out to see how deep
the water was.
They were all alone in the old house by the river. Father was away, and
the water was rising fast. What should they do? All depended on little
Hal.
"I'll take Annie first, she's so afraid. And you hold baby till I get
the rest over."
It was but a short distance to higher ground, but he had to step
carefully. So it seemed a long time to the waiting mother before she saw
him again.
"Jamie this time, 'cause he's lame," Hal said when his wet face
appeared. "Then he can see to the little ones."
It was some trouble to get lame Jamie on Hal's back. But at last he too
was safe beside little Annie. Then Jesse and Lida were carried by the
same willing though tired arms.
"Now, mother, let me take the baby, and you follow me." The little
mother's face was pale, but she followed her brave boy, and soon they
were all safe. Even then it was some trouble to guide the little party
through the storm and darkness to the nearest neighbor. But Hal was
brave to the end.
[Illustration]