Shirley uttered a cry of relief. Before her she made out the first house in the little town. The sounds of the clattering hoofs on the hard macadamized road drew the residents from their homes. Several had gathered in a little knot as Shirley approached. Evidently they had not heard the sound of the roaring waters.
“The dam has gone!” cried the girl, as she came up to them, and rode by without checking the speed of her horse. “Fly for your lives!”
Instantly all became bustle and confusion. The word was passed like a flash and almost as one man the town poured from its homes and dashed for safety.
Clear through the town the young girl rode, calling out her warning. Then, and not until then, did she check her horse and turn his head toward the safety that lay in the east.
A man ran up to her.
“The Hendersons!” he cried. “They left here not five minutes ago in their buggy. The water will catch them on the road!”
Without a word, Shirley turned her horse and would have dashed forward had not the man caught the bridle.
“It’s death to you!” he cried.
“It’s death to them if I don’t make it!” cried Shirley.
She dug her heels into the animal’s flanks and the horse shook off the detaining hand with a quick twitch of his head. Evidently he, as well as the girl, realized his responsibility.