from the grasp
of the destroyer! Let not the wicked triumph! my God, let not the wicked
triumph! but shield, oh, shield the innocent! Thou art He who canst do
wonders; make known Thy power in the rescue and salvation of the afflicted
child of misfortune from the hands of the spoiler! Not for myself, but for
her, I implore Thee for deliverance! Oh, hear my prayer in her behalf, and
send help in the hour of need!"

Durant listened to this prayer in spite of himself; there was a something
about it which held him spell-bound, fascinated; and he forgot, for the
moment, that his followers were awaiting his orders--everything, in fact,
but the one scene before him, the man on his knees at the stake. And there
was another of those present no less deeply interested, though in a
different way--Ellen, who was in agony at the sight before her. A thought
entered her mind--a wild thought, which only despair could arouse. She saw
the fixed attention of her persecutor, and at the close of Hamilton's
fervent prayer, she sprung from the midst of her enemies, and ere they
comprehended her design, or had time to lift a hand to stay her progress,
rushed through the flames, and fell on her knees by the side of her lover.
In a moment they were in each others' arms, shedding tears on each others'
bosoms.

The spectators of this strange exhibition were struck dumb with wonder, as
they beheld this act of devoted heroism, and looked on in astonishment,
then exchanged glances of bewilderment and consternation. A solemn pause
ensued, as though all were paralyzed by such a deed of self-devotion to
death.

"Tear away the fire! scatter the burning embers!" at length fell from the
lips of Durant, as he aroused himself from the spell that was on him.
"Quick! for your lives! for if they are not rescued, you shall all die!"

His command was obeyed with alacrity, and every one present worked as
though life really depended upon his exertions.

Unobserved by any of the actors in this strange and exciting drama, a dark
cloud had gathered and spread over the face of heaven, black as the
heralding banner of an approaching hurricane, from whose bosom the lurid
lightning leaped forth, and the deep-toned thunder resounded. Presently the
large drops of rain fell peltering on the leaves; then the first heavy dash
of the fitful storm came down, and presently extinguished the fire, which,
by this time, was pretty well scattered over the ground. Walter and Ellen,