In a moment Benedicta and Mrs. Daybill with the extinguisher were racing across to the Study, while Polly rushed to rescue Little Duke who was still on the veranda. To her horror she found him limp and unconscious, a shivered, blackened floor telling the story. Inside she tried remedy after remedy, to the accompaniment of shrieking, panic-stricken children, and a tumultuous heart full of sickening fear.
Benedicta and the nurse returned with Timmy and Jeffy and reported the fire out.
Mrs. Daybill took Polly’s place by Little Duke. The boy though still breathing was unconscious.
“I think he will come out all right in a few minutes,” she assured Polly; yet the moments passed and he remained the same.
Meanwhile the storm lingered, but the thunderbolts seemed not quite so near.
Polly stood over the child holding his wrist. “I’m going to Overlook for a doctor!” she announced, darting toward the kitchen.
“Indeed, you are not!” vetoed Benedicta. “If anybody goes, that’s me!”
“No, no!” cried Polly. “I—”
“Teeters and tongs!” broke in the housekeeper, “I’m goin’!” And pushing the girl gently back she dashed off, her dress leaving a trail of drops on the polished floor.
“Oh, don’t go!” pleaded Mrs. Daybill, as a heavy crash overhead and a dazzling glare through the room told that the storm was still with them.