“This is the side entrance,” said the Senator, and taking the girls firmly by the arm, ushered them up the steps of the nearest house.
He did not even have to knock. Somebody must have been on watch, for the door swung open instantly.
Neither Nancy nor Jennie saw the person who opened the door. It was very dark in the hall.
“How is our patient?” asked Mr. Montgomery, rather loudly, as they stepped in.
“Not very well—not very well,” said a wheezy voice. “You can go right up to that room, sir—the sitting room. Ahem! You’ll have to see the doctor before you can speak with Mr.—Mr.——”
“Mr. Gordon,” said the Senator, briskly. “All right, girls. Hurry upstairs.”
Nancy and Jennie were quite confused. They did just as they were urged to do by Senator Montgomery. At the top of the flight he pushed open a door and the chums went into the room. The curtains were drawn. One feeble gas jet was burning. It was a fusty-smelling, cluttered room, furnished with odds and ends of old furniture and hangings.
“I’ll be with you directly,” said Mr. Montgomery, and closed the door.
“Oh!” squealed Jennie.