The warden arose with a groan; and his example was followed by all his comrades.
"My dear Beatrix, take my arm," said Mr. Berners, helping Miss Pendleton to rise.
"My brother! Where is my brother? He was far enough off to be safe from the flood; but why is he not here now."
"My dear Beatrix, he could not possibly get here yet. As soon as the water shall have settled he will come, no doubt," said Mr. Berners, as he led her down the hill towards the village.
The road was very bad. In some places it was nearly half a leg deep in pools of water, or in mud. But they reached the half-ruined village at length. And Mr. Berners, accompanied by the whole party, took Miss Pendleton to the hotel to await the arrival of her brother.
All the sufferers were hospitably received by the landlord's family, who furnished them with dry clothing, warm meals, and good lodging.
But it was not until evening that the subsidence of the waters permitted Captain Pendleton to make his way down the valley to the village, to look after his sister.
The meeting between the brother and sister was very affecting.
Beatrix wept on his shoulder.
"Thank Heaven, you are safe, my dear sister!" were among the first words that he said.