"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."