Part 7 (2/2)
”I don't know that I smiled at the idea,” he answered, turning away his head. ”If there is any interference or any interposition in human affairs, why should not you be singled out as well as anybody else?”
”Well, you see, it would presuppose, wouldn't it? that I was a person of some value, or of some use in the world?”
”You may be of very great use in the world.”
”Ah! now you flatter me. What can an ordinary girl do?”
”I do not know,” he answered. ”We none of us can tell what lies hidden in the chambers of destiny. You may be----”
”What?”
”I cannot say.”
”But you were going to mention something.”
”Second thoughts are sometimes best,” and he turned his head, and smiled frankly in her face.
”Now you are tantalising,” she said, with a laugh; ”but I will not find fault with you. I cannot forget how much you have risked for my sake.”
”Had we not better try and complete the journey?” he questioned. ”We are not out of the wood yet, and the tide is coming in rapidly.”
She rose slowly to her feet, and steadied herself against the cliff. She was very stiff and cramped, and a good deal bruised.
He followed her example with a hardly suppressed groan.
”Are you hurt?” she asked, looking at him eagerly.
”Not at all,” he answered, gaily. ”A few scratches, but nothing to speak of. Now let me walk in front, and you can lean on my shoulder.”
Neither spoke again for a long time. Rufus picked his way with great caution, and she was too frightened to run any more unnecessary risks.
They were within a dozen feet or so of the beach, and he with his back to the sea was helping her down a slippery bit of rock, when suddenly a stone gave way beneath his foot, and he was precipitated to the bottom.
Feeling himself going he let go her hand, or he would have dragged her with him. With a little cry of alarm she sat down to save herself, while he disappeared from sight.
She was on her feet, however, in an instant, and scrambled quickly down to his side. He was lying on a broad slab of rock with his right leg doubled under him.
”Are you hurt?” she asked, eagerly and excitedly.
”A little,” he answered with a pitiful smile.
She came and knelt by his side, and took his hand in hers. ”Cannot I help you to get up?” she inquired.
”I am not sure,” he said, pulling a very wry face. ”I'm very much afraid I shall have to lie here until you can get a.s.sistance. You see it is my turn now.”
”But what is the matter?” she asked, eagerly.
”I fear my leg is broken,” he said, knitting his brows, as if in pain.
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