Leslie Ross Part 10

"You must all sit very still, for the boat is rather small to contain so many," said Leslie.

They rowed in the direction of the little market-town, but their progress was slow, as they had constantly to steer wide to prevent being run down by the floating _debris_.

They had not proceeded half way from the house when one of the servants gave a great cry, and, looking round, Leslie perceived a large boat approaching with several men in it; he raised a shout, which was heartily returned by them, as they turned their boat in his direction. What was the astonishment of Mrs Price, as the boat ran alongside of their own, to see that her husband was one of the number.

"Thank G.o.d you are safe," he said, as he clasped wife and child in his arms.

"Yes, and we owe it, under Providence, to Leslie Ross," said Mrs Price.

"My brave boy, I thank you heartily," said the husband, in broken accents.

All were soon conveyed to a place of safety, while the men started again to try and rescue others from their equally perilous positions.

Happily no lives were lost, but the destruction of property was very great; and it was several days ere the water subsided, so as to allow the work of renovation to commence.

Mr and Mrs Price found a refuge in the house of a friend, where Mr Ross speedily joined them, being anxious for the safety of his son, having read and heard accounts of the flood.

"I think," said Mr Ross, smilingly, one evening, "that we may forgive Leslie the punishment for his last 'lark.'"

"Yes, indeed," said the doctor, "I owe him more than ever I shall be able to repay."

"Some debts are sweet to owe," said Mrs Price, kissing Leslie.

"To-morrow we must start for home," said Mr Ross, "for your mamma will be anxious to see you."

My young readers can picture to themselves what a reception Leslie received when he reached home--all who have affectionate and loving parents can.

Leslie's adventures during the flood sobered him somewhat, he became more thoughtful, and the consequence was that he never again indulged in a "lark" without first believing it would have no unhappy results; yet he could never feel sorry for taking out the linchpin from the farmer's cart, although he was sorry that the farmer broke his arm.

Ascot House withstood the fury of the flood, but Dr Price thought it advisable to have his school somewhat further removed from the dangerous stream.

As soon as everything could be satisfactorily arranged, the scholars once more a.s.sembled, among whom Leslie received a most hearty welcome, and was regarded as quite a hero, while the story of the flood and his adventures became one of the legends of Ascot House School.