“A short distance below, the road descended a hill and crossed a stream, ordinarily wide and shallow, but now, doubtless, swollen and scarcely fordable. My fears were more than realized, for to my dismay, I soon found myself up to the armpits in the water. The screams had ceased, and I could hear nothing to guide me. Suddenly, through the lurid gleaming of the storm, I saw the carriage, which seemed to be entangled with something, while the horses, rearing and plunging, madly strove to free themselves from the harness. With some difficulty I swam to it; the lateral pressure of the water almost bearing me under by its velocity. I found that the carriage had taken against a prostrate tree, and that the struggles of the horses would soon precipitate it over on its side. Fortunately, I had my hunting-knife with me, and swimming round, contrived to cut the traces and liberate the horses, but not without receiving a severe kick on my right shoulder. Forcing open the door, I found a female form within, but whether alive or dead, in the uncertain light I could not tell. The water was nearly up to the seat, and rising with great rapidity. Bearing the body up, I hesitated what to do. With a bruised limb, and supporting a lifeless form, it would be madness to attempt to swim. Feeling about, I discovered that the front panel was a large one, and forcing it out, dragged the wet and dripping figure through, and placed her on the driver’s seat, while I loudly called for help. Almost simultaneous with my own, I heard voices shouting along the road, and guided by my call, assistance was soon procured, and the lady (who had fainted) rescued from her perilous position. “Mr. Stephens, a respectable merchant, was, with his wife, returning from the springs, and had reached the village soon after the storm set in. He had just alighted, and was holding forth his hand to assist Mrs. S. to descend, when the horses, blinded by a flash of lightning and terrified by the peal which succeeded it, ran off at full speed, and the driver in his effort to recover the reins, fell to the ground. “Mr. S. expressed so much gratitude for my efforts, and so frequently proffered his services to aid me if he could, that, melted by his tones of kindness, I confided to him the secret of my flight and all my future plans. He listened with deep attention, and endeavored at first to persuade me to return to my guardian, but finding my repugnance insuperable, he suggested a mode of enfranchisement at the bare mention of which my heart fairly leaped for joy. He proposed that I should enter the navy, a profession, he remarked, which, although little esteemed by the country, would, he felt sure, if an opportunity offered, gain for itself a high and imperishable renown. Informing my guardian of the course intended to be pursued, he exerted his influence, and in a short time procured me an appointment.