gnamp

Scarcely daring to breathe, little Maude clung to the rough branch of the huge sycamore which though reluctantly it seemed, afforded her blessed sanctuary. Safe now? She couldn't say for sure. He might very well have summoned all of nature to assist in the hunt. She cursed the pounding in her ears with all her might as she struggled to remain completely silent. Her nightgown, still ringing wet with pond-water, whipped and flapped at her legs as a chilly and impatient wind began to rise. The cold penetrated her bare feet with jealousy and spite, evacuating the bark of the lower limb upon which she lay; itself heading for warmer climes. In r