A Daughter of Maryland — page 116: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A DAUGHTER OF MARYLAND. 94 ‘‘T have gone as far as I can. My wound will not let— look yonder! unless my eyes deceive me there they come. Flee, Aurian! flee, ere it is too late. I appreciate your sympathy and it gives me courage to die. Don’t risk your precious life needlessly. ’’ Aurian saw plainly a body of horsemen coming over the crest of a distant hill, and from the flying pace they were pursuing she knew they must soon reach them. In her heart she did not believe the hunted man merited such treatment as he was sure to receive at the hands of that wild mob. But what could she do to save him. His only hope lay in flight, and with this idea in her mind came the thought of Maze. On his back might he not escape? No sooner had she come to this conclusion than she sprang to the ground, crying: ‘*Take my horse and flee for your life! He is fresh and fleet; with him you may yet escape. ’’ ‘‘But think of the consequences to you! No—no! I could not accept life on such conditions. Again I implore of you to flee——’’ She stopped him with a wave of her hand. The pursuing horsemen had disappeared from the distant summit, but the clatter of their horses’ hoofs could be heard with a startling distinctess. ‘*Quick, Mr. Southard! into the saddle. Maze is the fleetest horse in this vicinity, except father’s Oak. Do not spare him, and I believe you will yet escape. Never fear for me; I will look out for myself.’’ : It was a critical moment in the life of Carroll Southard. He knew to refuse Aurian Lancier’s proffered assistance meant death to him, and like a drowning man catching at a straw he hobbled to the side of the waiting Maze. With _her help he gained the saddle. ‘‘T wish it was different,’’ she said. ‘‘But you must make it do. God grant that you will escape. Ride! do not delay longer,’’ and with her own”hand she dealt Maze Eomicboo cS co mn