it will break the levee, which is only a temporary one."
"I wouldn't want to live out in this country," commented Blake. "This flood is likely to occur every year."
"Oh, I guess they're used to it, somewhat," spoke Mr. Ringold. "But this is the worst they ever had. I'm really alarmed for our friends."
"I've been alarmed all along," went on C. C. "That is, of course there may be a chance for them," he said, quickly, for he had made up his mind, at least while on this voyage, to try to look on the bright side of things.
"I sincerely hope there will be a chance," murmured Mr. Ringold. "I would feel very badly, indeed, if I thought they were lost while making pictures for me."
For some time that evening the rescuers sat about in the small cabin, talking over the situation. For some reason, though no one could account for it, there was a feeling of gloom in the hearts of all. Perhaps the fact that no word had come from New York induced it. But, certain it is, that no one felt very cheerful.
They were moored near shore, and just above where the temporary levee, to protect the village, began. Below, above, and in front of them, swirled the dreary waste of waters. The Mississippi had spread itself out to more than twice
