The captain took out his pocketbook, and wrote a few
lines with his pencil; then folding the paper, he handed it to
his sister.
"Frances," he said, "you have this night proved yourself to be an
incomparable woman. As you love me, give that unopened to Dunwoodie, and
remember that two hours may save my life."
"I will--I will; but why delay? Why not fly, and improve these precious
moments?"
"Your sister says well, Captain Wharton," exclaimed Harvey, who had
reentered unseen; "we must go at once. Here is food to eat, as
we travel."
"But who is to see this fair creature in safety?" cried the captain. "I
can never desert my sister in such a place as this."
"Leave me! leave me!" said Frances. "I can descend as I came up. Do not
doubt me; you know not my courage nor my strength."
"I have not known you, dear girl, it is true; but now, as I learn your
value, can I quit you here? Never, never!"
"Captain Wharton," said Birch, throwing open the door, "you can trifle
with your own lives, if you have many to spare; I have but one, and must
nurse it. Do I go alone, or not?"
"Go, go, dear Henry," said Frances, embracing him; "go; remember our
father; remember Sarah." She waited not for his answer, but gently
forced him through the door, and closed it with her own hands.
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