Jacques swooped forward and steadied it before it could overturn; but the dodging flame caught the girl's muslin sleeve and set it ablaze in an instant. She uttered a cry and started up with a wild idea of flinging herself into the river, but Jacques was too quick for her. He turned and seized the burning fabric in his great hands, ripping it away from her arm and crushing out the flames with unflinching strength.
"Don't be frightened!" he said. "It's all right. I've got it out."
"And what of you?" she gasped, eyes of horror on his blackened hands.
He smiled at her reassuringly.
"Well done, man!" cried Dick Culver. "It was like you to save her life while we were thinking about it. Are you hurt, Hilary?"
"No," she said, with trembling lips. "But—but—"
She broke off on the verge of tears, and Dick considerately transferred his attention to his friend.
"Let's see the damage, old fellow!"
"It is nothing," said Jacques, still faintly smiling. "Yes, you may see it if you like, if only to prove that I speak the truth."
He thrust out one hand and displayed a scorched and blistered palm.