"Is it a live thing?" asked Davey. And then he asked in a lower tone: "Is it a dead thing?"
"Wait and see," replied Mr. Caduggan imperturbably.
At the attic door he turned and said: "One at a time, please, up these stairs. They ain't none too steady. Need bracin'. Mrs. Blake, you first, ma'am."
Mrs. Blake ran lightly up the wooden steps, then Aunt Hilda, then the children (Julian first, as usual).
It was dim "up-attic" and like the rest of the house, full of objects and full of dust. Mr. Caduggan went to a window and ripped off the dark and rotting window shade.
"There," said he.
Mrs. Blake drew in her breath. So did Aunt Hilda.
