CHAPTER XIV.
BERTIE AND THE NEWSBOY.
A few steps brought them to an old block, where their young guide stopped.
"May I run in and tell mother you're coming. She's so very sick, sir."
"Yes, but be as quick as you can. I must catch the next train to E——"
Before they had time to miss him, the boy returned, his face very, very sad.
Bertie instinctively caught his hand, as they followed him to the humble chamber.
A woman lay there in the last stages of consumption. On a table near her was a cup, a tumbler, and a spoon, all empty.
"You are in distress," said Mr. Curtis, in a soothing tone; "tell me what you need."