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."