bable that a knowledge of their own danger might have failed to
disturb them. But they had little more idea than George himself of the
extent of the peril they were in. They did not know that the Levels
were surrounded by hills on every side but towards the sea; or, if they
knew, they did not consider this, because the hills were a great way
off. But, whether they were far or near, this circle of hills was the
cause of the waters rising to a great height in the Levels, when once
the defences that had kept out the sea and the rivers were broken down.
As the hills prevented the overflowing waters from running off on three
sides, it was clear that the waters must rise to the level of the sea
and the rivers from which they flowed in. They had not reached this
height when the children lay down to rest, though Ailwin was so sure
that the worst was over; and the danger increased as they slept; slept
too soundly even to dream of accidents.

The first disturbance was from the child. Oliver became aware, through
his sleep, that little George was moving about and laughing. Oliver
murmured, "Be quiet, George. Lie still, dear," and the child was quiet
for a minute. Presently, however, he moved again, and something like a
dabbling in water was heard, while, at the same moment, Oliver found his
feet cold. He roused himself with a start, felt that his bed was wet,
and turning out, was up to the ankles in water. By the light of the
embers, he saw that the floor was a pond, with some shoes floating on
it. His call woke Ailwin and Mildred at once. Roger did not stir,
though there was a good deal of bustle and noise.

Mildred's bed was so high above the floor as to be still quite dry.
Oliver told her to stay there till he should settle what was to be done
next: and he took up the child to put him with Mildred, asking her to
strip off his drenched clothes, and keep him warm. All the apparel that
had been taken off was luckily on the top of a chest, far above the
water. Oliver handed this to his sister, bidding her dress herself, as
well as the child. He then carefully put the fire together, to make as
much light as possible, and then told Ailwin that they must bestir
themselves, as the fire would presently be drowned out.

Ailwin was quite ready to bestir herself; but she had no idea beyond
mounting on chests, chairs, and drawers; unless, indeed, she thought of
the beam which crossed the ceiling, to which she was seen to cas