He
lifted the girl as he would a child and placed her on this ledge,
bidding her hold to the rail. Then he passed a section of small chain
about a stanchion, allowing the end to hang over. If the rail became
too hot for their hands they could hold by the chain.
As Dan joined Virginia on the ledge the vessel slued around, bringing
the wind full over the bow. With a roaring shout of exultation the
fire bridged the last gap, bursting clear over the stern. It bit at
their hands; they withdrew them, supporting themselves by the swinging
chain.
The girl moaned. Nearer drew the hot breath. She felt Dan's arm
tighten about her waist. It was like a curved bar of steel. Looking
down, she saw the water racing below--she saw a wave leap up--she felt
it touch her foot with its feathery head, gently, beneficently, and yet
traitorously; for how quickly would it quench the lives that it seemed
to tempt from the flames!
"Put your face tight against my chest--put your hands over your nose
and mouth--quick!"
She obeyed upon the word and a thrill, not of pain, shot to Dan's
brain. He could feel her, soft and trembling, against him, and her
warm hair brushed his cheek. With an effort he choked back the
flooding emotion. Was it fair, was it right to her--now? But his arm
unconsciously tightened about her.
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