"Shan't I? and who's to hinder me?"
The mother struggled with him, but he hurled her aside. Unable to think of any other expedient, she seized the vessel of boiling broth and swore that she would dash it in his face. He warded it off and staggered back, bellowing like a bull.
Esther rushed up to Irma and hurriedly whispered:
"Come, come! I'll save you, for your father's sake. Come! Away!"
She dragged Irma away with her, and with breathless haste they ran down the hill. Irma was out of breath and wanted to rest. Esther, however, dragged her a little further, until they reached a spring, where they seated themselves. Dipping up some water in her hands, she bathed Irma's brow and her own.
For some time, neither of them spoke a word. At last, Irma asked:
"Do you know the way to the lake?"
"Very well. That's my path, too--the only one left me."
"How? what do you mean?"
"I want to do just what you mean to do, and I suppose I'll have to."