ork of copying it, while Patty
was to pay for the silks, linen, etc. Then, jointly, they were to give it
to Miss Kate for an engagement present. In case the servant should be out
Sallie had given Patty her latch key.

"This is Sophronia's day out, and mother is going to a bridge party.
I have an engagement, so here's the key. When you leave the flat, put
it on the hall stand. Sophronia and mother will be back before I am,
and they will let me in. I'll leave the centerpiece on the piano."

The apartment was on the seventh story and commanded a wonderful view
of the city. After looking at the centerpiece and studying the different
stitches the girls went to a window and looked out.

"Have you put the key on the hall stand?" asked Mattie.

"Yes," replied Patty. "I put it there when I first came in."

Suddenly Mattie exclaimed:

"I smell smoke."

They looked around. The odor was plainly perceptible.

"Let's go into the kitchen," said Patty.

Together they ran through the pantry and opened the kitchen door. The
smoke was very thick.

"Why, Mattie, the house is afire!" said Patty Sands. "Let's get out
quickly."

They opened the hall door, closing it tightly after them. They had
far better have stayed in the apartment and have descended by the
fire escape, but they thought of it too late. The hall door had locked
behind them. The outer halls were black with smoke. People were rushing
wildly up and down. The entrance leading to the roof was locked. The
elevator boy called "last trip," and opened the iron doors. Frightened
women and little children crowded in with servants and elderly people.

"Room for one more," yelled the boy, "quick, for God's sake!"

"You go, Mattie," said Patty.

"You go." Then Mattie Hastings lifted Patty Sands up bodily and fairly
threw her into the crowded elevator.

"If the cable holds I'll come back, Miss," cried the boy half choked with
smoke.

Through the smoke Mattie peered at the cable. Through the shaft she saw
the angry flames shooting upward. The sparks were flying. The elevator
had made its last trip and she realized it. She turned to the hall window
and looked down upon the crowd. A ladder was raised. Someone had seen
her.

"Thank God!" she said, "I may yet be saved."

The smoke was now black and the flames came nearer and nearer to the
brave girl, who so unselfishly had given her place to her friend. She
leaned out of the window. She watched the fireman ascending. Then