“You’ll have a good bill to pay to the landlord, Mrs. Walsh.”
“I don’t care,” said granny. “I’m goin’ to get at that trollop, and beat her within an inch of her life.”
Another vigorous blow broke the lock, and the door flew open.
Granny rushed in, after the manner of a devouring lion ready to pounce upon her prey. But she stopped short in dismay. Tom was not visible!
Thinking she might be in the closet, the old woman flung open the door: but again she was balked.
“What has ’come of the child?” she exclaimed, in bewilderment.
“She got out of the window,” said the neighbor, who had caught sight of the rope dangling from the open casement.
Granny hastened to the window, and the truth flashed upon her. Her prey had escaped her!
It was a deep disappointment to the vindictive old woman, whose hand itched to exercise itself in punishing Tom.
“She’s a bold un,” said the neighbor, with some admiration of Tom’s pluck.