The American Marquis by Nick Carter — page 69: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE AMERICAN MARQUIS. _ 65 When would the hot flames wrap them in its withering arms? — A sudden jar! | It had caught against some yet standing wall. They were floating in a sea of fire. Clinton looked up. In sinking down the roof had also swept forward and had come nearer the roof of the wing, with which it was now almost on a level. A flash of hope shot through Clinton’s heart. Would the ladder reach across? It was a wild thought! With the energetic man, to think and toact were one. One quick, powerful toss of the ladder and both ends rested on firm supports. Firm for how long? Never mind—it was death, anyhow. A fragile, precarious bridge over a yawning chasm of death! Could he accomplish the journey in safety? Clinton asked himself no such question. Life and happiness—with Grace on his bosom he thought of nothing else—lay on the other side. He was half way over, stepping awitly, cautiously from round to round, ‘The roof behind began to sink again. Quick, Clinton, quick! They are safe. Yes, safe upon the other roof, and comparatively out of danger. ‘‘Grace, my own sweet love, life lies before us now. Can you say again, with your own dear lips this time, that you love me?” But Grace was unconscious. The next day there was a flight to the city in borrowed Sal he in order that the burned wardrobes might be re- newe Hach day Clinton saw Grace for but a short time only, passing the remainder of the time in restless pacing of his room or midnight prowling of the streets. He had told his love when death seemed at his elbow; © and now that life was his, his soul was tortured by remorse. When he was with her he forgot ; when he left her fleet- | Eomicbooks €o