“Yes; Lionel came up in time to escort it. I was hardly in the costume for that part of the business. Well, he is quite welcome to the honour and glory. So long as you are all safe, I care for nothing else.” A carriage presently drew up at the door, and one of May’s brothers came in, saying that the streets were getting quiet, and she could drive back safely now. Miss Adene and May were now the only guests left in the Cossarts’ drawing-room, and they bade a very warm adieu to their entertainers, drawn together by that common bond of sympathy which an experience such as had just been passed through quickly establishes. “You must come and see us very soon,” said May to Sheila, “and tell us how Effie is. I’m afraid she will feel the shock.” Sheila kissed her and Miss Adene affectionately, promised to ride over as soon as she could, and soon afterwards started off on foot with Oscar for Cossart Place, he having leave from his uncle to remain there over the Sunday if he were invited. “For I don’t think any of you will be much good to-morrow,” said he, with a hand on Oscar’s shoulder. “It has been a bit of a shock to us all. Take a day off, and come back like a giant refreshed on Monday. Let us have word of poor little Effie. I hope it won’t throw her into a fever.” Brother and sister went off contentedly together, and they could not but take a look into the open space round the Town Hall before starting out into the country. The crowd was still large about it, but it was known now that no serious harm had been done to the building, and that there had been no loss of life, though a few persons had been injured, and many were suffering from the effects of fright and burns. As they passed by the fire-station they saw the grimy face of the man who had come with the escape, and he, recognising them, put up his hand in salute, and said— “The young lady none the worse, sir?” “Not a bit,” answered Sheila, answering for herself; “you came and took us away before there was any real danger. Who was it told you about us up at the windows?” “Mr. Benson, miss—Mr. Lionel, I should say. We might not have known about it but for him. We thought as everybody had come down and were getting out by the doors.” “Was it not Mr. Cyril Cossart who first gave the alarm?” The man grinned and shook his head.