Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 31: what you’re looking at

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

“T WONDER IF YOU ARE THAT MAN.” 93 be unable to walk only for the assistance she gives, putting an arm around him. In this moment of peril, when life and death hang in the balance, all prudish thoughts are put aside—he risked everything for her —why should she hesitate to do what little is now possible for him? Thus they move along, foot by foot—each yard passed over takes them farther from the fierce heat of the burning forest, and their parched faces begin to catch the first breath of cool air coming from a new quarter. How bracing it is, how refreshing. Even Bob, utterly worn out as he is, seems to drink in a new lease of life with each draught, and is able to continue his shambling with more vigor. ‘’That change of wind saved us,’’ he says, aloud, for the din of the great conflagration still makes conversation a difficulty. ‘‘T have my own ideas about that,’’ she replies, with meaning in her voice. ‘We are far enough away—let us rest here a short time. Then, perhaps, I shall be able to walk. Oh, I surely will be.’’ ‘“See, yonder, is a brook—what relief its waters will be to our parched throats. A little farther, Bob Pemberton, and we will halt.’’ He advances with new energy, and takes out a little folding drinking cup from his pocket. Bending over the gurgling stream he finds the water cool and clear—evidently it comes from a place where the fire has not raged. E@MAIE OOOKS (C@ in =)