A Daughter of Maryland — page 126: what you’re looking at

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

Bail Kia be cose UNN eae ue aids A DAUGHTER OF MARYLAND. 107 changed so the flames and smoke were driven into their faces. It was a herculean task that Esten Berners had to perform, but for the time he seemed invested with two men’s strength. With his right arm about the trembling figure of Major Lancier, he steadied the other so he was enabled’ to cross over the narrow bridge, which trembled and cracked beneath their weight. He had requested Aurian to remain on the flooring until he could return to Mis assist her over the chasm. bi Then as soon as Hsten had placed her father beyond. | further harm from the fire, he hastened back to her rescue. nye But as he sped across the gap the rotten timber broke so ; nearly off that he had to catch upon it to save it from fall- .ing into the depths. At the same moment he felt the support under them falling away ! Then, pulling the timber along so as to bring a bearing beyond the broken part, he was dismayed to find it too short to span the distance. Another crash below them told * that the whole affair was rapidly breaking down. i | ‘‘You must cross over as quickly as you can, Aurian. I ie | will hold this end in my hands, if you think you can walk | ,. »' gafely over. Have good courage and do not look down. Bers 9 Quick, if you value your life.’’ a He had dropped upon his hands and knees on the very edge of the narrow platform, and was holding in his hands 3 ' the end of the timber so it still stretched across the abyss. She realized that it was a dizzy passage for her to make, and that he was staking his own life on her escape. But it was folly for her to remonstrate. She hoped for the best, and with a calmness she could not comprehend afterward she stepped boldly upon the slim bridge, and her-weight F was added to the burden on her deliverer’s arms. Be kde ? | ‘“Never fear but I can hold you,’’ he said. ‘‘Step you quickly and you will pass safely over.’’ | 3 } With his encouraging words she ran lightly the length of NG the timber, but not an instant too soon. Her foot had ) 7 q : . ¥ : - 7 Y SUNT Rare EON Poe nRy oe 1 “eomicbooks.com | * . 4 ’ Md *. Pa\8 7 a as ur ¥ : A f . ait " Nat ei By wit en Me cit a ipa ht 4yR Wh ) ‘ \ A, bat i Ras } ? Bt ‘ \, Ny N LA be yy ax Mon ; * Wh Ayn, di ant Va Pa ni a ae MUD, NICK OM CAR SONG dy, Oe BA ewer ea Re Mae Oa) Pre TELA UR Pa AT a