quake in all its
timbers--a plunge--a black rush of waters. She was hurled beneath the
wheels of the steamer--engulphed in utter darkness. It was her last
struggle with the storm.

CHAPTER VII.

THE UNEXPECTED PASSENGER.

While Ben Benson was landing Ralph Harrington and Lina, he lost sight of
the boat which had so effectually aroused his interest, and when he was
ready to put out again, it was lost in the inequalities of the shore.

Ben put out into the river, bearing towards the opposite bank at first,
but meeting with no signs of his object, he returned again, consuming
time, and thus giving considerable start to Mrs. Harrington's little
craft.

As Ben neared the land again, he saw a gleam of crimson garments through
the evergreens that fringed the rocky shore, and remembering the shawl
which Mabel had on, was overjoyed to know that she had landed, and was
comparatively safe from the storm, which grew more and more assured in
its signs.

With his anxieties thus appeased, Ben rowed his boat more securely to
the nearest point that promised a safe landing, resolved to court the
recognition of his mistress, and when she was weary of her ramble,
convey her safely home again.

When he reached the desired point, Ben could see that the crimson
garments were moving through the undergrowth with a pace more rapid than
any mere rambler would have chosen; but what surprised him was the
course pursued down the river. His mistress, if frightened by the
clouds, would doubtless have turned homeward.

Ben stood up in his boat and waved his tarpaulin with energy.

"Hallo--Madam--Mrs. Harrington, I say, there's thunder and war ahead, I
tell you. Don't go too far. Don't go out of sight. The water's a-getting
roughish now, and the woods won't be safe after the clouds burst!"

Ben sent these words through an impromptu speaking trumpet made with one
hand curved around his mouth. He was well pleased with the effect, for
the red garments began to flutter, and he saw that the wearer was moving
rapidly down the hill towards the point where he lay.

"That's what I call obeying signals at once!" said the honest fellow,
seating himself in the stern of his boat. "But she knows as Ben Benson
wouldn't take the liberty of hurrying her if he hadn't a good reason for
what he's a-doin'--not he!"

And with this complacent reflection, Ben withdrew the tobacco from his
mouth, and sent it far into the water, remembering Mrs. Harrington