The janitor’s passkey grating in the lock of the private hall door started something that none of them expected. A startling bark echoed in the rooms which were supposed to be empty.
“Whatever is that?” gasped the janitor.
“It’s Prince! It’s her dog!” shouted Uncle Joe.
“The child is here!” cried Amanda Parlow, and she was the first to enter the apartment.
Prince bounded wildly to meet her. He leaped and barked. A cry sounded from a room beyond. Miss Amanda and Uncle Joe rushed in.
Sleepily, her face flushed, rubbing her blue eyes wide open, Carolyn May sat up in bed.
“Oh, Uncle Joe! Oh, Miss Amanda!” she said. “I—I was just dreaming my own papa and mamma had come home and found me here.”
“My dear! My dear!” sobbed Amanda Parlow, dropping to her knees beside the bed.
“You’re a great young one!” growled Uncle Joe, blowing his nose suspiciously. “You’ve nigh about scared ev’rybody to death. Your Aunty Rose is almost crazy.”
“Oh—I’m—sorry,” stammered Carolyn May. “But—you—see—Uncle Joe! you and Miss Amanda are going to be happy now. Aunty Rose says ‘two is comp’ny.’ So you wouldn’t have room for me.”