Page:Ruth of the U.S.A. (IA ruthofusa00balm).pdf/352

 machine swept back on its orbit of return struck through her pangs of awe at the possible imminence of her annihilation; but through them she sang, and this time the motor roar rose to its loudest and diminished without the shock of another bomb.

One had been dropped, perhaps, and had failed to explode, or the pilot had found himself not quite in the position he had desired. The diminuendo of his motor noise continued only for a few moments, however; it altered to a crescendo, warning of the approach. But now other sounds, closer and within the schloss, seized Ruth's attention.

Her name echoing in the stone halls—"Ruth! Ruth Alden! Where are you?"

Was she mad? Was this a wild fantasy of her excitement, a result of her long terror? Was this her failure to hold her reason at the approach of fate? It seemed to be not merely her name, but Gerry's voice. She could not answer, but she could sing—sing The Star-Spangled Banner

And the rocket's red glare, The bombs bursting in air

Her voice seemed to guide the voices without. "Ruth! Ruth Alden! Are you all right? We're here!"

"Gave proof through the night," she sang, "that the flag was still there"

Now voices—unmistakable voices—answered her; and she cried out to guide them. Gerry called to her, his voice wondrous with triumph and joy. He was there at