The Heavy Rain During The Night Had Raised The Water, And The Ground Between The Hole Where They Were Working And The Creek, Had Given Way Imperceptibly UNDERNEATH.

One brother, who was early in the hole at work, fancied that the water at the bottom was gradually rising above his knees; he shouted to his comrades, but unfortunately they had gone, one, one way, one, another, in quest of something, and it was some minutes ere they returned.

Meanwhile the water in the hole was slowly but surely rising, and the slippery sides which were several feet high defied him to extricate himself. His cries for help became louder - he was heard, and his brothers and some neighbours hastened to his assistance. Ropes were procured after some further delay, and thrown to the unhappy man - but it was too late. None dared approach very near, for the ground was like a bog, and might at any moment give way beneath their feet; the water was nearly level with the top of the hole, and all hope of saving him was gone. The brothers had often been warned of the danger they were running.

Shuddering at the thoughts of this awful death we turned away, but no change of scene could dissipate it from our minds - the remembrance of it haunted me for many a night.

Jessie seemed pleased to see us on our return - we had left her behind with Gregory to his great delight - we abstained from mentioning before her the fearful accident we had but witnessed.

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