Not only Ella and her father followed, but also the others, those who were the strongest supporting the feeble and injured.
They had gone but little way before Bodine said, "Ella, I must go and see if Mara has escaped. I cannot seek safety myself unless assured that she is safe."
"Oh, papa, it will be almost suicide for you to go through these streets alone."
"Ella, there are some things so much worse than death. If you and cousin were alone I would not leave you, but with a strong helper and a physician in prospect I must go. How could I look Mara in the face again if I made no effort in her behalf? Explain to Mr. Houghton."
He dropped behind, then turned up a side street and carefully yet quickly halted over and around the impediments strewn in the way.
Aware of the danger of delay, George went forward with a rapid stride.
"Can you keep up?" he asked.
"Yes," Ella replied.
"We must get by and beyond these higher buildings. I have the horrible dread that they may fall on you any moment."
"You never seem to think of yourself, Mr. Houghton."
"I must now," he said after a moment or two. "Here is a corner at which we can rest, for there are no high buildings near;" and he sank on the ground with Mrs. Bodine still in his arms.