Captain D'Arcy muttered an expletive—
"My papers are in there in my despatch-box! I'd give ten pounds to get them out!"
"Where did you leave them?"
"On the corner shelf by the bookcase."
"I am afraid they are doomed. How trying for you!"
Then calling the servants to follow her, Mrs. Dale went into the opposite house.
But Peggy did not go. She had heard the few words about Captain D'Arcy's papers.
"Peggy," she murmured to herself, "You've got to go and get 'em; set your mind to it!"
And silently she slipped into the house again.
A fireman saw her go, and raised a shout of warning.