Page:Along the Trail (1912).pdf/58

 clutch tensely the hands and bite her lips to keep it all back. For one moment she stood so,—then she threw herself upon the ground beside the boulder, holding tightly to the warm hands and breaking into a wild passion of weeping.

The little girl slid down beside her and put her arms closely and strongly around her. "I love you, dear," she said, softly. "Don't fret,—everything will be all right."

Marjorie kept on sobbing and the little girl sat beside her and held her close and smoothed her hair and said loving things until the sobs had stopped and Marjorie sat up, holding fast to the warm hand. "You'll think I am weak—so very weak," she said, at last; "but I've had such a dreadful time. Please may I tell you?"

"I want you to," said the little girl.

And so Marjorie told it all, between choking sobs and little gasps as the bonds cut and galled her;—and when she had finished, the little girl still held her hand