swept so near
the spot where the two alarmed girls were stationed that Gertrude felt
the scorching heat, and both were almost suffocated with smoke. An
heroic resolution was now displayed by Gertrude. One of them could be
saved; for Mr. Phillips was within a few rods of the wreck. It should be
Isabel! She had called on her for protection, and it should not be
denied! Moreover, Willie loved Isabel. Willie would weep for her loss,
and that must not be. He would not weep for Gertrude--at least, not
much; and, if one must die, it should be she. "Isabel," said
she--"Isabel, do you hear me? Stand up on your feet; do as I tell you,
and you shall be saved. Do you hear me, Isabel?"

She heard, shuddered; but did not move. Gertrude stooped down, and
wrenching apart the hands which were convulsively clenched, said
sternly, "Isabel, if you do as I tell you, you will be on shore in five
minutes, safe and well; but if you stay there we shall both be burned to
death. For mercy's sake, get up quickly, and listen to me!" Isabel rose,
fixed her eyes upon Gertrude's calm, steadfast face, and said, "What
must I do? I will try."

"Do you see that person swimming this way?"

"Yes."

"He will come to this spot. Hold fast to that piece of rope, and I will
let you gradually down to the water. But, stay!"--and, snatching the
deep blue veil from her own head she tied it round the neck and flung it
over the fair hair of Isabel. Mr. Phillips was within a rod or two.
"Now, Isabel, now!" exclaimed Gertrude, "or you will be too late!"
Isabel took the rope, but shrunk back, appalled at the sight of the
water. One more hot burst of fire gave her renewed courage to brave a
mere seeming danger; and aided by Gertrude, who helped her over the
guards, she allowed herself to be let down to the water's edge. Mr.
Phillips was just in time to receive her, for she was so utterly
exhausted that she could not have clung long to the rope. Gertrude had
no opportunity to follow them with her eye; her own situation was now
all-engrossing. The flames had reached her. She could hardly breathe.
She could hesitate no longer. She seized the piece of rope, and grasping
it with all nor might, leaped over the side of the vessel. How long her
strength would have enabled her thus to cling--how long the guards, as
yet unapproached by the fire, would have continued a sure support for
the cable--there was no opportunity to test; for, just as her feet
touched the cold surface