He gasped a moment or two,
then his eyes closed; he became still and looked as if dead.
Again the supremely dreaded subterranean rumble was heard. Mr. Willoughby
shouted wildly, "Forward, quick! We can't stay here under these
buildings." He and Houghton went on with a rush, the rest following with
loud cries, Miss Ainsley's piercing scream ringing out above all. She did
not even look back at her prostrate suitor.
Mara paid no heed to the passing shock, but with eyes full of anguish
looked upon the white face in her lap.
"Mara," said the deep voice of Bodine after the awful sound had passed.
She started violently and began to tremble.
"Mara, go with the others. I will stay with Mr. Clancy."
She shook her head, but was speechless.
He stood beside her, his face full of deep and perplexed trouble.
At last she said hoarsely, "You go and bring aid. He saved aunty and me,
and I cannot leave him."
At this moment Aun' Sheba came running back, exclaiming: "Good Lawd forgib
me dat I should leab my honey lam'! My narbes all shook out ob jint like
de houses, an' my legs run away wid me, dog gone 'em! Dey's brung me back
howsomeber. Now, Missy Mara, gib him ter me;" and taking him under the
arms she dragged him by the adjacent tall buildings. "Missy," she added,
sinking down with her burden, "go on ter de squar wid Marse Bodine, an'
tell dat ar young Houghton ter come quick, 'fore my legs run away wid me
agin.
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