So intently they longed for the coming of light,
For danger and darkness are frightfully mated
When danger approaches where darkness has waited.
They heard the wild river loud laughing and jeering!
It mocked at their fears while it ever was nearing;
Then they huddled in groups, as do creatures when caged,
When they heard the mad monster that roared and raged—
He was coming, was coming, they knew by the sound,
He would sweep the house off of the acre of ground.
At daybreak the water was high in the barn.