But there was no time to stand and think; so I put away the watch in a drawer, under my clothes, and ran to the little slip-room. The first thing was to carry down some of the bedding, and the wash-handstand set. I could manage those, and the wash-handstand itself, which was light. Then I took the pillows and blankets, and rolled down the thin top mattress, the other having to wait for help; and next I began taking the iron bed to pieces. I was used to all these things, only I never had been strong at lifting. Presently I could hear Rupert's voice calling from below. "Kitty!" says he, "your mother says you'll want help." "I've got to get this bed down, and I can't do it all alone," I said. "No, I should think not—a little thing like you!" he says, clumping up the stairs. "Yes, the bed has to go down. There's a Miss Russell badly hurt—been ill before, I believe—and the shock made her ill again. I don't know more; only they daren't move her more than need be; so your mother's offered to take her in here. Dear me, you've done a lot already!" And he stood still to look. "How ever came you to think of that shawl, Kitty?" "Why, I had it in my arms," I said. "Come, you'd better be sharp, Rupert. How soon is Miss Russell to be here?" "As soon as the room's ready. They're in a hurry, I can tell you. I couldn't get away sooner, for everybody was wanted to clear the line." "Is it done now?" I asked, as he got up a great bundle of the iron pieces of the bed, and let them fall with a tremendous clatter. "Oh, Rupert!" I said, putting my hands to my ears. "Couldn't help it," said he. "Yes, it's all done. Express off directly." "And everybody going on?" "Except those that meant to stay, and Miss Russell and her brother. Wish he was going too!" I heard Rupert mutter; and I asked— "Is that the brother who was with her in the waiting-room—tall and nice-looking?" I'm afraid I said this to tease Rupert. "That's the young puppy," he said gruffly; and he marched out of the room. "Where is he going to sleep?" I asked, following Rupert with more pieces of the bed. "Don't know and don't care! Not here!" said Rupert, still more gruffly. When we got downstairs, he went up again, but he wouldn't let me go too. He said I was tired, and I had better stay where I was. In a few minutes he was putting the bedstead together in the corner I chose. Then he brought the mattress, and to save time, I let him help me make the bed, though he was clumsy enough at it. He looked glum too, and as if his mind wasn't on what he had to do. "Nobody else hurt except Miss Russell?" I asked presently. "Nothing to speak of, except the stoker, and he's able to go on. It's a wonder there wasn't a lot killed. Your father looks bad still. I say, you spoke up bold for him, Kitty!" "Why shouldn't I?" I asked. "I don't know. I didn't suppose it was in, you," says he. "And they liked you all the better for it too. I could see that."