"No, Owen, no. We must keep apart. We must, we must indeed. Oh, oh, it would have been better that I had died! You must harden your face and heart against me--that is the only way to help me now." "Never shall I harden my heart against you. Whatever comes I shall be your loyal friend." "Oh, the cruelty of my fate--to wrong two such men!" "Bress de Lawd! I'se fown you;" and Aun' Sheba stood before them, panting and abounding in grateful ejaculations. "Aun' Sheba!" cried Mara, throwing herself into the arms of her old nurse. "To think that you should come to me through all these dangers!" "Wot else I do, honey lam? You tink you kin be in trouble an' I ain't dar? Marse Clancy, my 'specs. Once I tinks you a far-wedder frien', but I takes it back. Lawd, Lawd! is de ole missus dun gone?" "No, Aun' Sheba," said Clancy. "Help us revive her, and then help me carry her to a place of greater safety. You come like an angel of light." "I'se rudder hebby an' brack fer'n angel, but, like de angels, we'se all got ter do a heap ob totin' ter-night." CHAPTER XLI SCENES NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN When George Houghton reached his father's room he heard Jube fairly howling in the darkness, and the old man groaning heavily. "Father," cried the young man, "you are not hurt?" "Oh, George, thank God, you have again escaped! This is an earthquake, isn't it?" "It must be, and I must take you out to some open space at once. Jube, shut up, and keep your senses. If you don't help me I'll break your bones." Groping about he found a match and lighted a candle. "Oh, George, you are hurt. Your face is covered with blood!" cried Mr. Houghton. "Slight cuts only. Come, father, there may be another shock, and it will not be safe to dress you here. Let me wrap you in blankets, and then Jube and I will carry you to Marion Square. I will come back for your clothes." This they proceeded to do, Mr. Houghton meanwhile protesting, "No, George, you shall not come back." Then he asked a moment or two later, "Why do you take me out at the side door?" "It will be safer," George replied, not wishing to explain that the pillared and massive portico was in ruins. As they passed the front of the house, however, Jube groaned, "Oh, Lawd! de porch dun smashed!" "This is awful, my boy!" ejaculated Mr. Houghton. "Oh, this dreadful city! this dreadful city!" "The worst is over, I think. Brace up, Jube. If you are so anxious to save your life, step lively." "Jes hear de people holler," cried Jube, trembling so he could scarcely keep his hold, and he gave a loud, sympathetic yell himself. "Stop that," said George sternly. "Oh, Dr. Devoe, I am so glad to see you," he added, as the physician came running up. "You are a godsend." "I was passing near," explained the physician, "and, being a bachelor, can think of my patients first. Jube, if you yell again I'll cuff you. Be a man now and we'll all soon be safe."