The cardboard boxes had to be dislodged, and then her own key had to be fitted. It turned easily, and Mrs. Cragg, lifting the lid, drew out the two or three letters which she had laid loosely at the top. As she did this, terror sent all the blood from her face. For Cragg's voice sounded outside the room, calling: "Dora! My dear! Where are you?" Mrs. Cragg dared not stir, even to restore the letters. "My dear!" called Cragg again; and then—"Pattie! Pat—tie, where are you?" He rapped at Pattie's door twice, tried to open it, and rapped a third time. Another step then became audible outside, and Mrs. Cragg turned sick with fright. Could it be Pattie already? Somehow Mrs. Cragg's "rights" did not look so clear at that moment. "Ann, where's Mrs. Cragg?" Then it was only the girl, not Pattie. A revulsion of relief swept over Mrs. Cragg. "I don't know, sir. I think she's gone out." "And Miss Dale?" "Miss Pattie's out with Dot." "Does Miss Pattie always leave her door locked?" "No, sir, she don't." "You're sure Mrs. Cragg is out?" "No, sir, I ain't sure. Only, she don't seem to be nowhere." "Well, when she comes in tell her I want to speak to her." The voices ceased, but Mrs. Cragg could not at once recover herself. She thrust the letters into her pocket, shut down the lid, and tried to turn the key. It would not lock so readily as it would unlock, but after several ineffectual struggles it gave way. Mrs. Cragg heard the click of the hasp with delight. She put the keys into her pocket, hastily lifted back the cardboard boxes, stood up, and listened. Steps again. Mrs. Cragg's heart went into her mouth. This time it was Pattie and Dot. No mistake about it. "You'm doing to dive me that dee-ar lickle sodger, Pattie?" "Yes, darling. I'll get my purse, and I'll buy him for you." "He's dot a yed coat on, Pattie." "Such a grand red coat," echoed Pattie. Mrs. Cragg's heart stood still. Pattie turned the handle, and the door refused to open. "Why, it is locked! How funny!" "Ma-ma doned it," Dot said promptly. "Why should ma-ma lock it, Dot? How funny!" repeated Pattie. "Something must be wrong with the door, I think. It seemed all right this morning. Well, never mind. I'll get you the red soldier by-and-by, when I can have my purse. We'll take another little turn now, till ma-ma comes home, and then we'll tell her about the lock. Come, dear." Again the voices ceased. Mrs. Cragg strained her hearing to listen. She heard the front door open and close. Then she slipped out, shutting the door behind her, and fleeing upstairs to her own room. She would not attempt at once to read the letters in her possession, but put them into an under pocket, and hurriedly donned her walking things. On her way to the front door she encountered the girl. "Please, 'm, Mr. Cragg wants to see yer." "Where is he, Ann?" "I dunno. He come all round, hunting for yer." "Oh, well; I can go out that way."