Mrs. Desborough, always apprehensive since Carl was lost, was growing desperate. "Where is Kathleen?" she reiterated.
"Call her," suggested the coughing deputy to his nephew.
"Kathleen!" shouted Oliver. "Do come to your mother."
"Are the doors all shut?" demanded Mr. Desborough in return.
"Yes, yes!" echoed a chorus of voices as Mr. Desborough walked in, carrying what seemed to his wife to be nothing but a big bundle of calico.
Kathleen flew to her side. Mrs. Desborough caught hold of her by both hands.
"Do not look at me, mamma; look at what we've found," said Kathleen excitedly.
"A child," continued Mr. Desborough, speaking as quietly as he could. "Come and look, my dear."
A flash of lightning lit up the darkened room for one brief moment, and left it blacker than before.
"Bring lights," said Mr. Desborough.