“Oh, Charlie, save me, save me!” she cried, and then and there flung herself into his arms.
“My darling!” he whispered loudly, and catching her up made for the window. As they disappeared through it, Deane softly and swiftly opened the door and disappeared in his turn. Mary and John were left alone. Then Mary’s composure gave way. Sinking into a chair she cried:
“And I am left! Nobody cares for me. What shall I do?”
In an instant John’s strong arm was round her. “I care for you!” he cried, and raising her almost senseless form, he rushed to the window. The ladder was gone!
“Gone!” he shrieked. “Where is it?”
There was no answer. The little crowd had gone too.
“We are lost,” he said.
Mary opened her eyes.
“Lost!” she echoed.
“Lost! Abandoned—by those who loved—ah, no, no, Mary. In the hour of danger—then we see the truth!”