A Silver Brand — page 147: what you’re looking at

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

= ozs . + ‘ m Ang ~y": ~- , i gS -} & n A SILVER BRAND. 139 need the help of Heaven. I shall be saved or I shall go mad at last with the deadly sickness of disappointment.”’ She hurried down to the lower apartment, secured a small bundle which had lain in readiness ever since her first knowledge of the eronaut’s vicinity, caught up pencil and paper from the table, and the white scarf, and flew back again to the roof, catching a sob. of ecstatic delight, | to find thatit was still in view and coming on steadily ae the same course which had brought it over the house efore. “They will not see it, these faithful creatures who are saying their prayers for me. And ‘Hans is away in town Now may Heaven be praised for that. I take it as a good omen of my escape. Merciful Ruler of earth and sky, hear me! Loving and compassionate Saviour, lend thine aid! Holy Mother, succor and save !” These exclamations were uttered in a tone scarcely above her breath, but with a_ passionate intensity of pathetic supplication impossible to describe. Her hands were clasped, her face upturned, those gleaming eyes fastened upon the rapidly nearing balloon in agonized suspense. It came nearer, steadily nearer, and once seemed to shift its course to make sure of not being carried beyond. Lady Pauline stood like a statue, but .the friendly breeze fluttered the white scarf clutched in the rigid fingers, and in a moment after She saw an answering flag waving from the balloon. Then a great sob shook her delicate frame, and the long-pent tears flooded her white cheeks. “ Heaven has heard at last,” she murmured. “I shall be saved. JI know I shall be saved.” a4 And it was with no emotion of surprise or doubt that she beheld the strange roamer of the air vibrating at length over her very head, and the eronaut’s wondering face peering down over the car. He made a gesture to draw her attention and the next instant a light package lowered by a fine cord dropped at her feet. | She opened it eagerly and read : ‘“You appealed to me as if for help when I came before. What do you wish? How can I serve you?” How swiftly the eager fingers traced the reply, and tak- ing pattern by his caution tied it about the small stone, and how steadily she held her hands to throw it upward. The balloon was too near to miss. Indeed, either might CS) (e(o) ‘i‘Ecomicbhoo