THE FLOOD.
Every boy had gone home with the exception of Leslie, their farewell
shouts still echoed in his ears as he looked gloomily from one of the
deserted school-room windows out into the equally deserted playground;
how silent and lonely everything seemed, and to make matters worse,
the rain had re-commenced to fall. How sad Leslie felt; he pictured to
himself the warm and loving reception each of his departed school-boy
friends would receive on reaching home. Yes, he pictured it all to
himself as he stood watching the falling rain, and the hot tears
gushed from his eyes, and, laying his head upon the window sill, he
burst into uncontrollable sobs.
How long he remained thus he knew not, but he was roused from his
painful sense of desolation by a gentle hand being laid upon his
bowed head, and a kind voice saying, "My poor boy! I am very sorry you
are left behind; there, there, do not cry, brighten up, and come into
the parlour with Maud and me," and Mrs Price wiped the tears from his
face, and brushing back his hair, imprinted a kiss upon his forehead.
This kindness only made Leslie feel more inclined to cry, but
repressing his tears, and placing one hand in Mrs Price's, he said, as
they walked to the parlour, "You are very kind, ma'am, and your voice
is as soft as my own mamma's; thank you very much."
"There, that is a brave boy; you must not let Maud see you cry."
"No, but I could not help it, I did so long to go home, and it is such
a disappointment to be kept at school."
"My dear child, the world and life are full of disappointments."
"Are they, ma'am?"
"Yes, and we must all try to meet our share with a brave heart."
"Are they all as bitter as mine?"
"Some are much worse, my boy."
"I will try to be brave, ma'am; but I really did try to put the
linchpin back."
Maud was delighted to have a companion and playfellow who could be
with her all day, and was soon engaged in planning various excursions
to different, but favourite scenes in the neighbourhood.
"We will spend one long day," she said, "all by ourselves; we will get
up very early in the morning, and cook shall fill a basket with nice
things to eat; then we will row down the river until we reach the
wood, in which we will roam about all day, having our dinner under the
boughs of some large tree, and be for all the world like gipsies; will
that not be capital?" and Maud clapped her hands with glee.
"Yes," said Leslie, "and I will take a long stick, which shall be my
lance, and I will pretend to be a knight who has rescued a beautiful
lady from a cruel band of robbers."
"But who is to be the beautiful lady?" inquired Maud.
"Why, you, of course, for I think you very beautiful."
"Suppose real robbers do come," said Maud, opening her large eyes to
the full extent at the bare supposition.
"Oh, I would protect you," said Leslie, with fervour.
"Should you be really strong enough?"
"I think I should, if danger threatened you, Maud."
"Is not Leslie brave, mamma?" said Maud, turning to Mrs Price.
"Yes, my dear," was the answer.
"I don't know ma'am," said Leslie blushing, "but I think every one is
brave when those they love are in danger."
"But, my dear children, if the rain keeps falling as it has done
to-day, your excursion will have to be postponed for some days."
There seemed every prospect that Mrs Price's prophecy would be
fulfilled; the rain fell incessantly, day after day; men shook their
head, saying, "It will be a bad season for farmers, and the poor, if
no break come in the clouds." But day after day passed away, and no
bright sun broke through and dispersed the rain clouds; for miles
round, the fields appeared nothing but lakes of water, and some parts
of the road were in the same condition.
The river running in front of Ascot House had now become rapid and
turbulent. All the boats belonging to the boys had been carried into
the school-yard, that they might not drift away. Mrs Price was full of
fear and alarm; she was afraid the river would overflow. The doctor
was away from home, but she wrote him urgent letters requesting him to
return, for she felt her position to be somewhat critical should
danger arise, with only two children and two women servants, the rest
having gone away to visit their friends.
One evening the wind began to rise, while the rain seemed to fall
faster than ever. Mrs Price, and Maud, and Leslie, stood looking out
into the twilight. The mother was pale with anxiety, as she listened
to the increasing noise of the wind.
"Do you think there is any danger, Mrs Price?" said Leslie, touching
her arm.
"I cannot say, my dear, but I hope not; I wish the doctor was here, I
should know what to do then, but to-morrow we will move into the town
in case any thing should happen."
"If you please, mum," said a servant, entering, "the back yard is that
full of water that our kitchen will be flooded if something ain't
done."
"Well, Mary, I don't know what can be done; I will come and see," and
Mrs Price left the room.
"Ma' seems very much troubled," remarked Maud.
"Yes, Maud, your mamma is afraid the place will be flooded," said
Leslie.
"I hope not, for then we might all be drowned."
"Yes, unless some one came and rescued us."
It was with a heavy and foreboding heart that Mrs Price retired to
rest. She made her little daughter sleep in her own room, while Leslie
was placed in one much nearer her own than that he had previously
occupied.
"Good night, Leslie," said Mrs Price, kissing him; "be sure and not
forget to say your prayers, for we all need God's help."
Leslie had no idea how long he had been asleep, when he started up in
bed with an undefinable impression that something was wrong. He sat
rubbing his eyes, and but half awake--a confused sound, he knew not
what, fell upon his ear; it seemed as if some dreadful strife was
going on outside his window, something seemed in a terrible fury,
raging wildly.
As his senses became more collected, he listened, and then he heard
sounds which made him at once spring from his bed, slip on his
trousers, and rush to the window; he hurriedly forced it open, and
looked out. The night was still dark, and the wind still high, but
something unusual was taking place in the playground directly
underneath where he stood; for a minute or two he could not make out
what it could be, but as his eyes grew more accustomed to the
darkness, he could distinctly make it out to be the surging and
roaring of water, which appeared to increase even as he gazed.
"Why," he thought, "the banks have given way, and the river has
overflown--the house will be washed away."
Then his thoughts instantly reverted to Mrs Price and Maud, perhaps
they were unacquainted with the danger which threatened them, which
must be greater than his, for their room was on a lower floor. Without
a moment's thought about the risk he might possibly run, half dressed
as he was, he opened his room-door, and groped his way down stairs as
quickly as he could.
He could hear the water dashing up against the stairs, how far down he
knew not, but, judging from the sounds which it made, he concluded it
must be very near Mrs Price's bedroom; this fact made him hurry
faster, and not quite so cautiously as before, the consequences of
which was his slipping down a number of the stairs, and falling plump
into the water, which had already reached the landing; it was not
deep, however, so he was quickly upon his feet again, and a moment or
two after hammering with might and main at the door of the room in
which Maud and her mamma were sleeping.
"Who is there?" came Mrs Price's voice.
"I, Leslie Ross."
"What do you want?"
"You and Maud must get up directly, the river has overflown, and the
house is surrounded by water; make haste or it will be too late, it
has already reached the landing."
"Wait one moment, Leslie, I will procure a light--the water has
invaded my room, I feel the carpet is soaked."
Sooner than Leslie could have thought possible, Mrs Price had dressed
herself and Maud, and appeared pale and anxious at her chamber door.
"Why, child, you are not dressed."
"I had not time, the danger was too great."
"Here, carry Maud up into your room, while I wake the servants."
"Don't be long, mamma dear," cried Maud, greatly terrified.
"No, darling. Hold this light, while Leslie carries you."
Leslie had to put forth all his strength to carry his precious burden,
yet he contrived to whisper to her not to fear, for he would protect
her. But they were both much frightened when they looked over the
bannisters and saw the eddying and whirling water.
"You are all wet, Leslie!" said Mrs Price as she left him with Maud in
his arms.
"Yes, I fell in coming down."
Maud was safely conveyed to his room, where he wrapped her round in a
blanket which he took from his bed, he then hastily dressed himself
so as to be in readiness for any emergency that might arise.
Mrs Price soon joined them with the terrified servants, whose pale
faces and trembling bodies almost made Maud cry, but with her mamma's
arms around her her fears were soon quieted.
"Thank God we are all safe," ejaculated Mrs Price.
"Yes, at present," said Leslie; "but I wish daylight was here so that
we could understand what our position really is."
"The house is strong, Leslie, I don't think we can be washed away,"
said Mrs Price.
"Listen, mamma, what a noise the water makes!"
"Yes, darling, but it shall not hurt you."
"I will go and ascertain whether it is still rising," said Leslie,
taking one of the candles and leaving the room.
He found the water rising fast, and felt that they must make their way
to the attics if they did not wish to be swamped. He hurried back with
the dismal intelligence, and Mrs Price immediately acted upon his
advice, and the whole party were soon assembled in the top-most room
of the house.
"We can go no higher," said Mrs Price; "but, children, let us pray to
God for help."
They all knelt down, and in earnest tones and very fervent words, Mrs
Price implored help from the great Helper of all mankind, in their
time of peril and danger. When they arose from their knees, the little
party felt more strengthened and hopeful. What a refuge God is in
times of peril. Will my young readers remember this?
The time passed slowly away; the terror of the little party was every
moment increased by the loud tumult of the water, and the terrible
shocks which the house every instant received, as some large substance
was hurled against it; they began to be afraid that it would not
stand; that the waters would wash it away. As this fear gained
ascendency, they longed more than ever for daylight to appear, that
they might fully realize their position.
"With daylight, help must come," said Mrs Price, trying to soothe
Maud, who was crying, "for many must know of our danger."
Leslie did his utmost to quiet his own fears, and infuse hope into the
hearts of the rest; he tried to be brave and cheerful; and many times
during that dreadful night Mrs Price admired the boy, and blessed him
for his faithfulness and courage; and afterwards she said, it was him
alone that kept them from utter despair.
Daylight at length came, but it only served to reveal the hopelessness
of their situation. From the window of their refuge nothing was to be
seen but a turbulent mass of heaving and seething water, in which
uprooted trees were being tossed about, the thatched roofs of
cottages, and pieces of household furniture; now and then the drowned
carcase of a pig or sheep would float in sight; but look where they
might, or in whatsoever direction, nothing but desolation met their
view. The little party looked into each other's eyes to see only the
reflection of their own despair.
"Look out, Leslie," said Mrs Price, "and see if any help is
approaching."
"I cannot see a living creature in sight in any direction," said
Leslie, after a long and anxious gaze.
"God help us!" murmured the anxious mother, pressing her daughter
closer to her bosom.
Oh how powerless Leslie felt, that he could not effectually help Maud
and her mother, that he could not rescue them from danger, and place
them in some safe retreat.
"What is that, Leslie?" cried Mrs Price, as the house received a
violent shock.
"A large tree, ma'am," said Leslie, looking out.
"I am fearful the house will not stand; is the water subsiding?"
Leslie shook his head; the water had risen so as to be but a few feet
from their last refuge.
Suddenly Leslie gave a cry; he had been leaning out of the window, and
an object caught his eye as it floated and drifted on the water.
"What is it, Leslie--help?" inquired Mrs Price.
"One of the school boats, ma'am; if it would only float close to the
window we might all get into it, for the house is terribly shaken."
"Pray God that it may!" was the fervent ejaculation.
Leslie intently watched the progress of the boat, as the waters tossed
it hither and thither; at one moment he believed it would float quite
near, and then again his hopes were dashed, as it was whirled in
another direction. At length, after his hopes had been alternately
raised and dashed for many times, to his consternation he found it
would pass the house a dozen yards distant. What could be done? It
seemed their only hope from destruction. How could it be reached and
entered? The distance was not great; should he swim to it? He looked
at Mrs Price and Maud, and nerved his heart to the task.
"What are you about, Leslie?" cried Mrs Price, as she saw him climbing
on to the window sill.
"I am going to swim to the boat."
"My child, you must not; the risk is too great!"
"Have no fear, ma'am, it is for your sake and Maud's," replied Leslie;
and without further words, he plunged into the water and struck boldly
out for the boat.
He found the turbulence of the waters stronger than he anticipated,
and was compelled to put forth all his strength to prevent being
carried away. The lessons he had learnt from Old Crusoe were of good
service now. He had to put them all into practical use, or his brave
attempt would have ended in death. He gained the boat at last, but he
was so exhausted that it was with difficulty he could climb into it,
and when he had done so he was obliged to rest himself, to recover a
little measure of strength. He found, as he knew he should, the oars
safely secured, one to either side of the boat, and by their aid it
was not long before he stood beneath the window from which Mrs Price
was anxiously watching him.
"Will you place Maud in, while I prevent the boat from knocking
against the wall of the house."
Leslie's head was on a level with the window sill, so that it was not
far for Maud to be lowered. The feat was successfully accomplished;
then Mrs Price turned to her two servants, desiring them to enter
first.
"Make haste," said Leslie, for the girls hesitated, "or the boat will
be dashed to pieces."
They entered with fear and trembling; Mrs Price was the last to leave
the room.
"All safe!" cried Leslie, pushing away the boat.
Mrs Price first wrapped a blanket she had brought with her round Maud,
and then, turning to Leslie, seized one of the oars, saying, "I can
row."
"You must all sit very still, for the boat is rather small to contain
so many," said Leslie.
They rowed in the direction of the little market-town, but their
progress was slow, as they had constantly to steer wide to prevent
being run down by the floating _debris_.
They had not proceeded half way from the house when one of the
servants gave a great cry, and, looking round, Leslie perceived a
large boat approaching with several men in it; he raised a shout,
which was heartily returned by them, as they turned their boat in his
direction. What was the astonishment of Mrs Price, as the boat ran
alongside of their own, to see that her husband was one of the number.
"Thank God you are safe," he said, as he clasped wife and child in his
arms.
"Yes, and we owe it, under Providence, to Leslie Ross," said Mrs
Price.
"My brave boy, I thank you heartily," said the husband, in broken
accents.
All were soon conveyed to a place of safety, while the men started
again to try and rescue others from their equally perilous positions.
Happily no lives were lost, but the destruction of property was very
great; and it was several days ere the water subsided, so as to allow
the work of renovation to commence.
Mr and Mrs Price found a refuge in the house of a friend, where Mr
Ross speedily joined them, being anxious for the safety of his son,
having read and heard accounts of the flood.
"I think," said Mr Ross, smilingly, one evening, "that we may forgive
Leslie the punishment for his last 'lark.'"
"Yes, indeed," said the doctor, "I owe him more than ever I shall be
able to repay."
"Some debts are sweet to owe," said Mrs Price, kissing Leslie.
"To-morrow we must start for home," said Mr Ross, "for your mamma will
be anxious to see you."
My young readers can picture to themselves what a reception Leslie
received when he reached home--all who have affectionate and loving
parents can.
Leslie's adventures during the flood sobered him somewhat, he became
more thoughtful, and the consequence was that he never again indulged
in a "lark" without first believing it would have no unhappy results;
yet he could never feel sorry for taking out the linchpin from the
farmer's cart, although he was sorry that the farmer broke his arm.
Ascot House withstood the fury of the flood, but Dr Price thought it
advisable to have his school somewhat further removed from the
dangerous stream.
As soon as everything could be satisfactorily arranged, the scholars
once more assembled, among whom Leslie received a most hearty welcome,
and was regarded as quite a hero, while the story of the flood and his
adventures became one of the legends of Ascot House School.