Page:Authors daughter v1.djvu/241

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A PEEP AT BULLETIN AND RICHLANDS.
237

"I do not think we can; the wind is too strong, and the risk too great," said Allan.

"Nonsense, Allan. None but the brave deserve the fair; and for the sake of Miss Staunton's tea, you will see how I can encounter all risks;" and Lufton began to clear a spot for his fire, and gathered some dry brushwood to light.

"Don't," said Amy; "if Allan says it is not safe, I am sure it is not."

"If Allan has no pluck that is not to prevent me from having it," said Lufton, persisting in his intention. Now was the time to show Amy that the devotion of a lover like himself was something far beyond the brotherly and cautious kindness she met with from Allan. But when . he had lighted the fire, he found that the young Scotchman had spoken truly. The wind increased in force, and shifted from one quarter to another, and it needed the exertions of the whole party to keep it from Spreading; the danger grew more imminent every moment. Fortunately Isabel Lindsay was not troubled with nerves, and Amy kept hers in tolerable check; but long before the water in the tin vessel, known by the name of a hilly, was near the boiling-point, even Mr. Lufton was convinced that it must be sacrificed to extinguish the fire so foolishly and rashly lighted. The precious water that had