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.

"Yes; I am safe, I am safe, Clement. _But she is lost!_ Oh, Clement,
_she is lost_!" cried Beatrix, bursting into tears.

Captain Pendleton started, and looked up to the face of Mr. Berners, as
if asking for a confirmation or contradiction of these words.

Lyon Berners sorrowfully bent his head, and then turned away to conceal
the strong emotion which he could no longer control.

It was not until the next morning that the waters had gone down
sufficiently to enable them to go up the valley as far as Black Hall.

And up to this time but few of the dead bodies of the victims had been
found; but all these had been easily recognized, and were now prepared
for burial.

Mr. Berners engaged special agents to watch for the appearance of
Sybil's body, and to advise him the moment it should be discovered; and
then, having made every necessary provision, in case of its recovery
during his absence, for its reception at the church, and its retention
there until his return, he set out for Black Hall, accompanied by the
two Pendletons.

As no carriage could possibly pass along the roads in their present
condition, our party were forced to go on horseback.

After a heavy and tedious ride through the deep mud left by the flood,
they reached Black Hall, which they found half full of refugees; and
where they were warmly welcomed by their faithful servants, who, up to
the hour of their arrival, had supposed them to be lost.

But then came the question:

"Where is Miss Sybil?" asked almost in a breath by Joe and Dilly and
Aunt Mopsa.

And grave and sorrowful faces answered, even before the tongue spoke:

"Lost in the flood!"

Then for a time loud wailing filled the house. But after a while it
ceased, and comparative quiet followed.

"Where is Raphael and little C