The law refused to receive Abel Fletcher's testimony--he was "only a Quaker." The knocking grew louder, as if the person had no time to hesitate at making a noise.

"Who's there ?" called out my father; and at the answer he opened the front door, first shutting mine.
A minute afterwards I heard some one in my room.

"Phineas, are you here ?--don't be frightened." I was not--as soon as his voice reached me, John's own familiar voice.
"It's something about the tan-yard ?" "Yes; the waters are rising, and I have come to fetch your father; he may save a good deal yet.

I am ready, sir"-- in answer to a loud call.
"Now, Phineas, lie you down again, the night's bitter cold.

Don't stir--you'll promise ?--I'll see after your father." They went out of the house together, and did not return the whole night.
That night, February 5, 1795, was one long remembered at Norton Bury.
Bridges were destroyed--boats carried away--houses inundated, or sapped at their foundations.