The storm was rolling up rapidly over the hills, while the play of the
lightning was grand and terrible. And mingled with the roar of thunder
was the sound of the hurrying feet of the rain driven before the
onrushing wind. Suddenly a blinding flash illumined water and land,
followed instantly by a crash that shook the cabin. Old Mammy gave a
shriek of fear, and caught Jean in her arms.

"Oh, oh, oh!" she moaned. "Dis is turrible! We'll all be killed!
We'll all be killed!"

"Hush, hush, Mammy," Jean ordered. "Don't get so excited. This storm
will soon be over, will it not, daddy?"

"Most likely," the Colonel replied. "But come here, dear, I want you
to see this wonderful electric display upon the water."

Freeing herself from the colored woman's embrace, the girl rose,
crossed the room, and stood by her father's side. As she turned her
eyes upon the river, she gave a gasp of astonishment. Between the
shore and the Isle of Vines the lightning was holding high carnival.
For an instant there was intense darkness, followed by a succession of
brilliant, flickering illuminations, bewildering to the senses.
Several times she was forced to turn away her head, but only for a
second, as she was compelled by some strange fascination to look upon
the wonderful spectacle. Flash upon flash, racing gleam upon gleam,
Stygian darkness and crashing thunder intermingled in an appalling
confusion. Jean felt that she could endure the sight no longer. Her
body trembled, and her eyes ached. She was about to go back to Mammy,
when her father laid his hand upon her shoulder.