But Laura had thrust her clothes into Beth's unwilling arms, and was off like a flash to rescue her Easter hat. Beth did not know the way sufficiently well to go on by herself, and so, trembling, she awaited Laura's return. [Illustration: Laura Corner in the treasured Easter hat.] Laura was soon back, pressing the precious hat close to her side. Such treatment was likely to do it great damage, but, in her excitement, Laura did not stop to think of this. Down-stairs a light shone in the parlor. Guided by its friendly beams, Laura led the way there. No one was within. The house was deserted but for the two trembling girls. "Beth, God alone can help us," and Laura's face was almost as white as the Easter hat under her arm. Beth's lip trembled. "He's so far away. I wish mamma were here." "Beth, God will hear us if we pray. Get down on your knees beside me." "I'd rather run out into the street," answered Beth, who always believed in action rather than words. "You're a wicked little girl. My mamma says I must never go on the street without some grown-up person. So get on your knees this minute." Beth meekly obeyed. Laura folded her hands. Beth imitated her. "Begin," said Laura. "Begin what?" and Beth's eyes were wide open from surprise; yes, and from fear, too. "Why, to pray, of course." "I'm not going to. You're the one who wanted to. Why don't you begin yourself?" "I can't. I'm too scared. Go on, Beth, and pray." "I--I don't know what to say. Would 'Now I lay me down to sleep,' do?" "No, silly. We're not laying us down to sleep. It's a fire. God's to keep us from burning to death. So pray." "I--I'm not going to," and Beth jumped to her feet. Laura began crying: "You're very wicked, Beth Davenport, and we'll burn to death, and it'll all be your fault." "We won't burn if you'll come with me into the street. I'm going anyway." "Why, children, what are you doing here?" asked Mrs. Corner, coming into the parlor. Laura rushed to her mamma and threw her arms around her neck. "Oh, mamma, we thought you'd forgotten us, and would let us burn to death." "Why, you poor little things. Of course, I hadn't forgotten you. Our house is not on fire. The fire is next door. We've been over there helping, and we thought we would not waken you unless there was danger of this house burning. They're getting the flames under control. Charlie has been working with wet blankets to keep our roof from catching. Now, children, you must go back to bed. Come, I'll go up with you." When the two were again in bed and alone, Beth said; "Laura, you ought to want to make up for calling me wicked." "I guess you aren't wicked, after all, for God didn't let us burn. I'm sorry, Beth." The children kissed. Then, worn out by the thrilling events of the night, slumber claimed them and held them captive until late next day. CHAPTER V Walking on Stilts