at little liquid alcohol stove, mother. I was pressing some
lace with a hot iron, and it upset, the burning alcohol flying over the
curtain, which flashed up instantly. Some must have splattered on my
dress, for though I sprang back it seemed to be on fire in several
places. But it is all over, and there has been no great damage done.
Dick, this is the second time you seem to have come like magic when I
needed you most. First Benjy's life was in danger, and now my own," and
the impulsive girl seized his hand and squeezed it, nor did the boy care
just then how vigorously she showed her gratitude.

The servants now came running up, looking frightened; and remembering
his message Dick handed his note to the agitated lady.

When she had read it she asked him to wait down in the drawing room for
a short time, for her mind was still so distracted by what she had gone
through that she could hardly remember what it was her husband wished
her to do in case he sent a messenger out to the home place.

Here Dick was presently joined by Bessie, who had donned another frock
in place of the one ruined by the various holes burned by the flaming
alcohol.

It had been a mercy that as it happened she was wearing a dress made of
a material not readily inflammable, or the result might have been much
more serious. And when Bessie joined him she brought with her some soft
linen and a salve particularly good for burns, which Dick was not sorry
to see, for by this time he was conscious of a stinging sensation about
his hands that proved he had suffered considerably from the fire at the
time he so swiftly tore down the burning curtains and shade to trample
them underfoot.

"Let me look at your hands, Dick," said the girl, with solicitude in her
voice. He held them out rather shyly, for they were somewhat blackened,
as well as inflamed. Immediately she showed the utmost concern.

"You poor fellow, you are burned twice as badly as myself, and you the
innocent party in the bargain. Just let me go and get a basin of water
and a towel. I'm to be the doctor for the present. You must do what you
are told, sir."

He laughed, for after the excitement was over he found that it was
mighty nice to be looked upon as a hero, though he did not think he
deserved all this fuss being made over him, just for stepping on a few
little burning rags; why, he had been burned worse than that once when
with some boys in the woods, and nobody bothered about it unti