Hour passed after hour. There was more room now, for already half the
inmates of the place had succumbed. The noises, too, had lessened, for
no longer could the parched lips and throats utter articulate sounds.
Charlie and Tim, strong men as they were, leaned utterly exhausted
against the wall, bathed in perspiration, gasping for air.
"Half the night must be gone, Tim," Charlie said, "and I think, with
God's help, we shall live through it. The numbers are lessening fast,
and every one who goes leaves more air for the rest of us.
"Cheer up, Ada dear, 'twill not be very long till morning."
"I think I shall die soon," the girl gasped. "I shall never see papa
or mamma again. You have been very kind, Captain Marryat, but it is no
use."
"Oh, but it is of use," Charlie said cheerfully. "I don't mean to let
you die at all, but to hand you over to mamma, safe and sound. There,
lay your head against me, dear, and say your prayers, and try and go
off to sleep."
Presently, however, Ada's figure drooped more and more, until her
whole weight leaned upon Charlie's arm.
"She has fainted, Tim," he said. "Help me to raise her well in my
arms, and lay her head on my shoulder.
Pages:
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342