Page:Mehalah 1920.djvu/168

158 "Oh, Mehalah! this is dreadful! too dreadful!" "Step in and take the oar," said Elijah impatiently. "We must get off, and house the old woman as soon as possible, or she will be death-struck." The flames were reflected in the water about the boat, it seemed to float in fire. "Take the oar!" ordered Elijah gruffly. Mehalah obeyed mechanically. He thrust the boat off, and cast himself in. No word was spoken for some time. Mehalah's eyes were fixed on her burning home, with despair. Her brain was numb, her heart oppressed. Mrs. Sharland wailed and wept, and uttered loud reproaches against Mehalah, which the girl heard not. She was stunned, and could not take in the situation. The boat shot past the head of the Ray. There stood the low broad bulk of the Burnt Hill. Mehalah roused herself.

Elijah looked over his shoulder and laughed. "Up Salcot Fleet!" he said shortly. "What!" suddenly exclaimed Mehalah, as a pang shot through her heart. "Whither are we going?"

"To Red Hall," answered Elijah.

"I will not go there!" exclaimed the girl in a tone of despair, as she drew her hands sharply from the oar, and the boat swung round. "Take the oar again," ordered Elijah. "Where else can your mother go? You must think of her. She cannot be left to die of cold on the marshes this night." A groan escaped Mehalah's breast. She resumed the oar. "Hold hard!" shouted Elijah after a row of half an hour. He sprang into the water, and drew the boat ashore. "Give your mother a hand and help her to land," he said peremptorily. Mehalah obeyed without a word. Rebow caught the girl by both hands as she stepped on shore. "Welcome, Glory! welcome to Red Hall! The New Year sees you under the roof where you shall rule as mistress; your destiny is mightier than your will."