t's hand, the treacherous moss slipped from under Maimie's
feet, and with a piercing shriek she went rolling down the sloping
mountain-side, dragging her escort with her. Like a flash of light
Ranald dropped madame's arm, and seizing the top of a tall birch that
grew up from the lower ledge, with a trick learned as a boy in the
Glengarry woods, he swung himself clear over the edge, and dropping
lightly on the mossy bank below, threw himself in front of the rolling
bodies, and seizing them held fast. In another moment leaving the
lieutenant to shift for himself, Ranald was on his knees beside Maimie,
who lay upon the moss, white and still. "Some water, for God's sake!"
he cried, hoarsely, to De Lacy, who stood dazed beside him, and then,
before the lieutenant could move, Ranald lifted Maimie in his arms, as
if she had been an infant, and bore her down to the river's edge, and
laid her on the grassy bank. Then, taking up a double handful of water,
he dashed it in her face. With a little sigh she opened her eyes, and
letting them rest upon his face, said, gently, "Oh, Ranald, I am so glad
you--I am so sorry I have been so bad to you." She could say no more,
but from her closed eyes two great tears made their way down her pale
cheeks.

"Oh, Maimie, Maimie," said Ranald, in a broken voice, "tell me you are
not hurt."

Again she opened her eyes and said, "No, I am not hurt, but you will
take me home; you will not leave me!" Her fingers closed upon his hand.

With a quick, strong clasp, he replied: "I will not leave you."

In a few minutes she was able to sit up, and soon they were all about
her, exclaiming and lamenting.

"What a silly girl I am," she said, with a little tremulous laugh, "and
what a fright I must have given you all!"

"Don't rise, my dear," said Madame De Lacy, "until you feel quite
strong."

"Oh, I am quite right," said Maimie, confidently; "I am sure I am not
hurt in the least."

"Oh, I am so thankful!" cried Kate.

"It is the Lord's mercy," said Ranald, in a voice of deep emotion.

"Are you quite sure you are not hurt?" said Harry, anxiously.

"Yes, I really think I am all right, but what a fright I must look!"

"Thank God!" said Harry fervently; "I guess you're improving," at which
they all laughed.

"Now I think we must get home," said Madame De Lacy. "Do you think you
can walk, Maimie?"

"Oh, yes," cried Maimie, and taking Ranald's hand, she tried to stand
up, but immediately sank back