miling at each
other, for both were accustomed to good treatment from their children,
and regarded life in general from a sunny point of view. They knew that
something very unusual was going on, but the old frau said--or thought--
to herself, "My boy will look after me!" while Daddy said, or thought,
"Liz knows all about it." Happy trustful spirits! Enviable pair!

Having informed the pair that she was going away for a minute or two to
look after something outside, old Liz left them. She found herself up
to the knees in water, of course, the moment she passed the doorway.
From an outhouse she procured a strong rope. This she fastened to a
large iron ring in the side of the hut, and attached the other end to a
thick tree whose branches overshadowed it. Even during the brief time
she was thus engaged the flood increased so rapidly, and the rising wind
blew so wildly, that the poor creature was almost carried off her short
legs. But old Liz had a powerful will, and was strong-hearted. Having
accomplished her object, and lost for ever her frilled cap in so doing,
she struggled back towards the door of the hut. A passing billet of
firewood tripped her up and sent her headlong into the flood. She
disappeared, but emerged instantly, with glaring eyes, gasping mouth,
and streaming hair. A resolute rush brought her to the door-step; she
seized the door-post, and was saved.

"Hech! but it's an awfu' time," gasped old Liz, as she wrung the water
from her garments.--"Comin', Daddy! I'll be their this meenit. I've
gotten mysel' a wee wat."

"What's wrang?" asked Daddy, in a feeble voice, as his ancient daughter
entered.

"It's only a bit spate, Daddy. The hoose is a'maist soomin', but ye've
nae need to fear."

"I'm no' feared, Liz. What wad I be feared o' whan ye're there?"

"Ver is mine boy?" demanded old Mrs Winklemann, looking round.

"He's gane to the kirk for floor. Ne'er fash yer heed aboot _him_.
He'll be back afore lang."

The old woman seemed content, though she did not understand a word of
Liz's Scotch.

"Bless mine boy," she said, with a mild smile at Daddy, who replied with
an amiable nod.

But this state of comparative comfort did not last long. In half an
hour the water came over the threshold of the door and flooded the
floor. Fortunately the old couple had their feet on wooden stools and
thus escaped the first rush, but old Liz now felt that something must be
done to keep them dry. The