ow one curly lock that always insisted upon falling over her
eyes.

"Oh, Honora! you are an angel," exclaimed Ethel, "and I have always been
so unfriendly."

Nora appeared not to hear but went on:

"Can you stand, my dear?" she asked.

"No," sobbed the girl, "I guess my leg must be broken. However are we
to reach Camp? Oh, Nora, for God's sake don't leave me. I should die of
fright were you to do so, and the men may be hiding near even now. Don't
go, I beseech. I know I am selfish and I've been unkind to you, but
forgive me, Nora. I'll be your slave after this if only you'll stay with
me. Don't go for help. Just stay here until I die," and the girl fell to
sobbing.

"I'm cold," she murmured--"I'm so chilly, Nora," and she shivered.

Quickly Nora removed her heavy white sweater that she had just put on,
and raising Ethel to a sitting posture she first put in her good arm.
Then she fastened the sweater about the girl's neck.

"There, dear, that will keep you warm, and I'll not be after leaving
you--never fear--not if we stay together all night in these woods. But
I must think how we can manage with you and your injuries. Faith it's
raining and you may catch your death."

"And I have your sweater on, Nora!" exclaimed Ethel. "Oh, how selfish I
am."

"Keep still," replied Nora. "I couldn't wear it now, for I'm going to try
and carry you home."

For a moment Nora gazed tentatively at Ethel. Then suddenly there
appeared a dawn of hope in her strong honest face.

"Miss Ethel, listen," she began. "When a child did ye ever play
pig-a-back? Perhaps I might get you home that way."

"Yes, Nora. Papa always carried me up to bed that way," and the girl
burst into tears.

"Ye mustn't cry," said Nora. "If ye do I shan't be able to carry ye. Now
wipe your pretty eyes and help me carry ye as Papa used to. Forget your
pain and try to be patient, for, Ethel, we must reach camp some way.
Doubtless they are searching for us even now, but this is a side road far
from the main one. They'll never think to look here, nor could they hear
us were we of call. And then those men you spoke of. They may be near.
There's no time to lose. Get on my back and cling for dear life."

Nora had great sense. She realized that until she had thoroughly
frightened Ethel she would not exert herself and forget her pain. Then,
too, if what she had told her were true, the men might really be lying in
wait to capture the supposed wealthy New York girl