river, and soon reached the house of his relatives.

He was ready to start on his return, when suddenly the heavens became
black with clouds, the wind blew with great violence, and the rain fell
in torrents.

It was late in the afternoon, and as his relatives feared to have him
attempt to reach home in such a storm, they persuaded him to remain over
night and wait until daylight before starting for home.

His father suspected the cause of James' delay, and was not over anxious
on his account. He knew that the boy was prudent, and did not fear that
any accident would happen to him during the night.

But he knew that he had taught James to obey his commands in every
particular, and as the boy possessed, a daring and fearless spirit, that
he would attempt to ford the river as soon as it was light enough in the
morning.

He knew, also, that the immense quantity of water that appeared to be
falling, would cause the river to rise to a considerable height by
morning, and make it very dangerous even for a strong man to attempt to
cross it.

The thought of what might befall his child caused Mr. Bishop to pass a
sleepless night; for although he was very strict with his children, he
possessed an affectionate nature and loved them dearly.

The day dawned; the storm had ceased; the wind was still, and nothing
was to be heard but the roar of the river.

The rise of the river was even greater than Mr. Bishop expected, and as
soon as it was light enough, for him to see objects across it, he took
up a position on the bank to watch for the approach of his son.

James arrived on the opposite shore at the same time, and his horse was
beginning to enter the stream.

All his father's feelings were roused into action, for he knew that his
son was in fearful danger. James had already proceeded too far to
return--in fact, to go forward or back was equally dangerous.

His horse had arrived at the deepest part of the river, and was
struggling against the current. The animal was being hurried down the
stream, and apparently making but little progress toward the shore.

James became very much alarmed. Raising his eyes toward the
landing-place, he discovered his father. Almost frantic with fear, he
exclaimed, "O father, father! I shall drown! I shall drown!"

"No," replied his father, in a stern and resolute tone of voice,
dismissing for a moment his feelings of tenderness; "if you do, I will
whip you severely. Cling to your horse! C