“Oh, what is it? Oh dear! Who is it? Come quick–someone!” Everyone was startled–even the danger of the now almost extinguished fire spreading again could not detract from the import of danger they recognized in Cora’s voice.
Some one seemed to answer her from the stairway.
“Don’t! Please don’t! I did not do it! Let me go! Please do!”
“What is it, Cora?” called Jack, preparing to go to her.
His sister had found a woman in the hallway–a strange woman who seemed much excited. Her pleading tones as she confronted Cora touched the girl’s heart.
“Don’t let them know I am here–not yet!” begged the stranger. “I can explain–everything. Oh, so much depends on this! Please do as I say!”
“All right!” said Cora, making a sudden resolve. “I’ll let you explain.”
“But keep the others back–they are coming!”
“I’ll send them back.” Cora took a few steps toward the door. She could hear some one running across the garage floor.
“It’s all right!” cried Cora. “Go back and fight the fire, boys. I’ll be there in a minute. I want to get that other extinguisher to make certain. But I thought a rat—”