They were all alone in the old house by the river. Father was away, and the water was rising fast. What should they do? All depended on little Hal.
"I'll take Annie first, she's so afraid. And you hold baby till I get the rest over."
It was but a short distance to higher ground, but he had to step carefully. So it seemed a long time to the waiting mother before she saw him again.
"Jamie this time, 'cause he's lame," Hal said when his wet face appeared. "Then he can see to the little ones."
It was some trouble to get lame Jamie on Hal's back. But at last he too was safe beside little Annie. Then Jesse and Lida were carried by the same willing though tired arms.
"Now, mother, let me take the baby, and you follow me." The little mother's face was pale, but she followed her brave boy, and soon they were all safe. Even then it was some trouble to guide the little party through the storm and darkness to the nearest neighbor. But Hal was brave to the end.
AT THE SHORE.
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