It was a night of terror; no one thought of retiring, and few but young children closed an eye.
Every preparation was made for taking to the water at a moment's warning; those who had life preservers—and all our party were supplied with them—brought them out and secured them to their persons; boats were made ready to launch, and those who retained sufficient presence of mind and forethought, selected, and kept close at hand, such valuables as it seemed possible they might be able to carry about them.
The Travillas kept together, Mr. Dinsmore with them, and young Leland also.
He was to them only an ordinary friend, but one of them he would have died to save, and almost he would have done it for the others for her sake.
Poor Molly had never felt her helplessness more than now; fastened to her chair as with bands of steel, there was less hope of escape for her than for others.
Her thoughts flew to Dick in that first moment of terror, to Dick who loved her better than any other earthly thing. Alas, he was far away; but there was One near, her Elder Brother, who would never leave nor forsake her. With that thought she grew calm and strong to wait and to endure.
But her uncle did not forget her; with his own hands he fastened a life preserver about her.
"My poor helpless child," he said low and tenderly, "do not fear that you will be forgotten should there be any chance for rescue."
"Thank you, dear, kind uncle," she said with tears in her eyes, "but leave me to the last, my life is worth so much less than theirs," glancing toward her cousins; "there would be only Dick to mourn its loss——"
"No, no, Molly, we all love you!" he interrupted.