A conference took place between the parties, to decide upon the best
means of removing the lady, who was utterly incapable of moving a step,
and scarcely of lifting her form on her rude couch. Uncle Nathan was not
long in devising a method; and, directing Pat to enlarge the aperture
through which the captives were to escape, he went in search of some
canes, with which to construct a litter. Pat applied himself vigorously
to his task, tumbling over the huge stones like playthings, and handling
the shovel with all that dexterity for which the Celtic race is so
distinguished.
A rude litter was constructed, on which were laid the coats of the
party, so as to render it as comfortable as possible to the sufferer.
Uncle Nathan and Dalhousie, with much tenderness, though not without
pain to the invalid, succeeded in getting her through the aperture into
the open air, where she was placed upon the litter.
It was decided to carry her to the house of Mr. Faxon, upon whose active
sympathies they relied for shelter and assistance; and they went with
the more confidence, because Uncle Nathan had heard from Emily the
interest he took in her affairs.
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