she had brought with her round Maud,
and then, turning to Leslie, seized one of the oars, saying, "I can
row."

"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 God 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