lost among the spreading mass, as it is disgorged into the Connecticut
here below."

"Shall we throw down an end of the rope for her to catch?" said the
settler, hastening to Woodburn's side.

"I dare not risk her strength to hold on to it; I must go down
myself," said Woodburn, hurriedly knotting the two ends of the cord
round his body. "Now stand by me, my friend. Brace yourself back
firmly on this string-piece; let me down, and the instant I have
secured her in my arms, draw us both up together."

"I can let you down; but to draw you both up--" replied the other,
hesitating at the thought of the hazardous attempt.

"You must try it," eagerly interrupted the intrepid young man, "My
friends will be here in a moment to aid you. There she comes! be
ready! Now!"

Accordingly, sliding over the edge of the bridge, Woodburn was
gradually let down by the strong and steady hands of the settler, till
he was swinging in the air, on a level with that part of the
approaching mass on which stood the half-senseless object of his
perilous adventure. The foremost of the broken ice was now sweeping
swiftly by, just beneath his feet. Another moment, and she will be
there! She evidently sees the preparation for her deliverance; a faint
cry of joy escapes her lips, and her hands are extended towards the
proffered aid. And now, riding high on the billowy column, she is
borne on nearer and nearer towards those who wait, in breathless
silence, for her approach. And now she comes--she is here! She is