"Oh, my! oh, my!" she wailed, wringing her hands. "How could I forget!"
Ralph pressed closer to her side.
"Is something distressing you?" he asked quickly.
"Oh, yes! yes!" said the woman. "Is the house all on fire? No, there may be time yet. Boy, will you--will you do something for me?"
"Surely, if I can."
"In the house--something I must save."
"What is it? In what part of the house?"
"Not mine. It is a sacred trust. It is something I promised faithfully to look after. Oh, dear! dear! if it should be burned up!"
"Try and be calm, and tell me about it," advised Ralph.
"It is upstairs--in the rear garret room."