Page:Hell-Bent fer Heaven (Hughes 1924).pdf/199

Rh

[Smiles and pats her on the back]

Cheer up, Mam! Things ain’t as bad as that yit. As I ’us a-comin’ down the river in that turmoil o’ water I hooked on to a loose beat and fetched it ashore with me. It’s tied out thar now. An’ we’d better not lose much time a-gittin’ in it, fer that dam ’ll bust up in sections. An’ they’s liable to be another wave like the first un.

Is they room in the boat to take anything with us, Sid?

No, nothin’ but ourselves.

[Takes his rifle from the rack]

Well, I’m a-goin’ to take this ole gun if I have to swim!

[ begins snatching a few small things from the table and mantel. takes the shotgun.]

[Goes toward the door]

Come on, Andy. I want you to handle a oar.