Page:Moving Picture Boys and the Flood.djvu/86

76 era, and he ground away at the handle, getting a series of fine views.

The woman, sobbing hysterically, and clasping the child in her arms, was lifted into one of the boats, and wrapped in blankets, for it was beginning to rain again.

"Better let me tow you ashore—or near to it," proposed Mr. Ringold.

"Yes, it would help some—it's hard rowing," answered one of the rescuers. So the motor craft was swung about until the three small boats, which had come out to the houses, could be made fast to her, and then she pulled them across the swollen river to the shore.

The boys did not hear the details of how the woman came to be swept away in her house. It was only one of many cases of people being caught in the suddenly rising waters.

Approaching as near shore as was safe, on account of the floating masses of debris, our friends cast off the towing ropes, and proceeded on their way.

"Well, I got some fine pictures, anyhow," declared Joe, as he put away his camera, for it was now raining so hard that no successful views could be made.

They kept on down the mighty Mississippi, turning now and then to avoid obstructions, and