seize the child with his other hand and lift her up. gently, quietly, he drew near, for if the child was alive and should be startled by him—just a quick movement—even at the last moment she would be lost.
she lay motionless there. martin bent over the child and laid his broad, strong hand on her. at the same moment she was about to turn around quickly and would have fallen down beyond recovery, but martin's hand lay firmly on her. she could turn her head. a pair of big, wondering eyes looked up at the man.
"god be praised and thanked!" said martin, taking a deep breath. "say the same, little 