“What’s that?” cried Blake.
“Sounded like a steamboat!” answered Joe.
“It is a steamboat!” called Birdie Lee, as she looked down the flooded river. “See! There she comes! Oh, we are saved!”
“Thank the dear Lord,” echoed Miss Shay.
Pushing her way up against the powerful current, was a big boat—a steamer—from the funnels of which belched black smoke.
“Wave something!”
“Call to them!”
“Make them hear us!”
“Show a signal!”
Thus cried the refugees, as they saw help approaching. In another instant the boys and men raised their voices in a united shout, and coats and caps were frantically waved to attract the attention of the pilot of the vessel.