Page:Karl Gjellerup - Minna, A novel - 1913.djvu/89

 still gave a little support. While the owner and the ragged workman kept an eye on the mass of stone in order to give the alarm at the smallest movement, the courageous man struck heavy blows on those places. In the beginning he paused between each blow, ready to jump away, but little by little he became too excited to be cautious. The pickaxe made its way, blow followed blow, and small bits flew about him; he seemed enraged at the stubborn resistance. It looked terribly dangerous; the eyes, which were tired of gazing on this blinding surface and hardly dared to blink, seemed each moment to see movement in the edge of the colossal block. Twice was the alarm given, and after each disappointing pause the attack commenced afresh, more furiously and with growing danger.

Minna was quite pale, and pressed her lips together. I, for my part, my feelings blunted by the long suspense, went a few steps nearer, the better to see the effect of these giant strokes; then she jumped after me, and with an impetuous grip on my arm dragged me back. Simultaneously a shout was heard; I saw a huge glare moving overhead and on the side, and heard a heavy thud. The whole stone mass lay some distance off, and loose blocks fell a few yards from us. My first thought was for the clever workman; he stood safe and sound on the side of the stone monster which he had overcome, and nodded to us with a smile as if to say, "It was a near shave." I supported Minna, who was trembling violently, and made her sit down on a stone.