The men refused; but at the offer of her purse, which was well filled with gold, they consented.

Two of them then pulled at the sled, and number four bound the rope about him, and went down, while number three held the rope.

He went down without difficulty, and reached the stranger.

By this time Minnie had been drawn to the top, and was clasped in the arms of her friends.
But now the strength and the sense which had been so wonderfully maintained gave way utterly; and no sooner did she find herself safe than she fell down unconscious.
They drew her to a sled, and tenderly laid her on the straw, and lovingly and gently they tried to restore her, and call her back to consciousness.

But for a long time their efforts were of no avail.
She lay there a picture of perfect loveliness, as beautiful as a dream--like some child-angel.