The scaffolding pulled apart slowly, falling forward through the drop. [Page 238]
Neale had taught Tess, and even Dot, how to use their strength to better advantage than most little girls. Tess was sure of her own safety in this emergency, and she allowed her body to bend forward almost double, as the two frightened little butterflies slipped from the falling scaffolding.
For a dreadful moment or two, their entire weight hung from Tess Kenway's clutching hands. Her shoulders felt as though they were being dislocated; but she gritted her teeth and held on.
And then two of the men caught the little, fluttering butterflies by their ankles.
"Let 'em come!" yelled one of the men.
Tess loosed her grasp as the scaffolding crashed to the stage. The last to be lowered, Swiftwing came down, so frightened she could not think for a moment where she was.
"Oh, Tess, darling!" gasped Agnes.
"Sister's brave little girl!" murmured Ruth.
"I—I didn't spoil the tableau, did I?" Tess asked.
"Spoil it? My goodness, Tess Kenway," shouted Neale O'Neil, who, likewise, had run to her, "you made the biggest hit of the whole show! If you could do that at every performance The Carnation Countess would certain sure be a big success!"