"Our home is gone," sobbed Beth, for at that instant the roof fell. Duke howled as if he, too, knew that something had been lost that never again could be exactly the same. His howls attracted Beth's attention.
"You dear, dear fellow," she cried, the tears flowing faster than ever. "If it hadn't been for you we'd all be dead."
He poked his nose into her outstretched hand, and looked up at her as if he would like to comfort her. At that instant Harvey and Gustus rushed upon the scene.
"Beth, Beth," cried Harvey wildly.
"We're here," she answered.
Tears of thankfulness rushed into the eyes of Harvey and Gustus, and for once they were not ashamed of crying.
"Beth," repeated Harvey, running up to her and seizing her hands. His emotion choked back the words that rose. Never had he been more grateful, and never had he less power of expression.
"Little missy, I done feared yo'd went up in de flames," cried Gustus, and added, "but I had dat dar grain of mustard seed dat made me b'lieve de Lo'd would somehow save yo'."
"Somehow, even when I'm awfully scared, I don't think I'm going to be killed," said Beth.
"I jes' reckon yo' has dat grain of mustard seed I'se tellin' 'bout."