"There's only one thing in the room. An old trunk."
"An old trunk?" repeated Ralph rapidly.
"It's all tied up with rope. Smash it open, too. Inside is a tin case, a small flat tin case. That's what I want. Oh! you will get it, won't you?" pleaded the old woman, in a fever of suspense and excitement.
"I shall certainly try," declared Ralph.
"Don't risk your precious life by any delay, dear, dear boy!" cried the old woman hysterically. "I believe I should die of worry if that box was burned up. I promised so sincerely to take care of it. What would Mrs. Davis say if it was lost!"
"Who?" cried Ralph sharply, with a great start.
"Mrs. Davis."
"The woman who lived next door?"
"Yes, yes. She left it with me, about a month ago. She was afraid to keep it with herself. I promised----"
But Ralph was listening no longer. A great conviction filled his mind that at this critical moment, amid fire and peril, a crisis in his life faced him.