"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."