Page 335 - The snake's pass

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THE CATASTROPHE. 323
not fail to be seen by anyone entering the room. "We
then hurried out, and up the lane to Joyce's.
As we drew near we were surprised to find a light in
Joyce's window also. I got to the windward side of
Dick, and shouted to him :
" A light here also ! there must be something strange
going on." We hurried as fast as we could up to the
house. As we drew close the door was opened, and
through a momentary lull we heard the voice of Miss
Joyce, Norah's aunt:
"
" Is that you, Norah ?
" No ! " I answered.
" Oh Thank God
! is it you, Mr. Arthur ? ye've
come ! I'm in such terror about Phelim an' Norah.
They're both out in the shtorm, an' I'm nigh disthracted
about them."
By this time we were in the house, and could hear
each other speak, although not too well even here, for
again the whole force of the gale struck the front of the
house, and the noise was great.
"
" Where is Norah ? Is she not here ?
"Oh no God help us Wirrastru ! wirrastru ! " The
! !
poor woman was in such a state of agitation and abject
terror that it was with some difficulty we could learn
from her enough to understand what had occurred. The
suspense of trying to get her to speak intelligibly was
agonizing, for now every moment was precious ; but we
could not do anything or make any effort whatever until
we had learned all that had occurred. At last, how-