CHAPTER XVI.
JESSICA GETS HER WISH
Ninian Sharp had closed his eyes against a catastrophe which, seemingly, nothing less than a miracle could prevent. When he opened them again the miracle had been performed.
Love had lent to Jessica a strength and swiftness almost incredible even to her active body, and she had crossed the steep, slated roof just in time to clasp Ned’s feet and to drag him backward with her as she rolled down upon the broader portion. Yet even here was imminent danger, for the lad was struggling, in his sudden awakening, and the pair were slipping hopelessly toward the eaves.
But now was the reporter’s chance and the test of his athletic training. He threw himself prone upon the slippery slates, worming his lean person over them till he caught the girl’s frock, and bidding her “hold fast!” drew both the children slowly toward the scuttle. When his feet had found the edge of this the danger was past; and they were presently down upon the hall floor, laughing and sobbing together in one excited group. That is, the sister was sobbing and Ninian was laughing in a nervous way that had grown upon him with his illness, and that told to Aunt Sally’s keen ear how really frail he still was.
But Master Ned, the cause of all this emotion, looked calmly upon the stranger, and demanded:
“Where’s that printing press you promised, hey? I can say five, ten letters now, and I can spell cat backwards!”
“Is it possible? Before such erudition I bow my humble head!” laughed the visitor, grateful for any, even nonsensical, words that would relieve the tension of the moment.
But here Aunt Sally caught up the boy and looked him over anxiously; then joyfully declared: