A leak started in the roof and water dripped to the floor, where it spread on the carpet and made a black spot. “It is one of our ink rains!” said the Princess. Gran’ma ran to the kitchen and got a large tub which she placed where it would catch the ink and save the carpet. “Thank you very much for doing that!” said a voice from the other side of the room. “I feel sure anyone kind enough to do and act like that would not harm a poor Little Old Lady!” “Indeed we wouldn’t harm you!” Gran’pa said. “But where are you hiding?” “Up here!” said the Little Old Lady, as she looked out from behind a picture which covered a window. “There is a door behind the cabinet there, and if you press the little button at the side you will see a stairway! Perhaps you would be more comfortable up here!” [Illustration] “Shall we go up?” asked Gran’ma. “Yes, let’s go up and see her,” the children replied. So Johnny hunted until he found the tiny button, and the cabinet swung out from the wall, disclosing the thoroughly scoured stairway. When they were all on the inside the cabinet swung back into place, and the little doorway was hidden. They went up the stairs and came into a very pretty little room with soft chairs and couches standing about. “Make yourselves comfortable,” said the Little Old Lady, “while I get you a bite to eat and a cup of tea!” From the coziness of the little room the storm could hardly be heard, and the visitors were happy, watching the Little Old Lady as she worked. She wore a tiny little poke bonnet and a tight waist with an enormous overskirt of flowered material. Two cheery eyes full of twinkles looked out through shiny eyeglasses, and a stray white curl peeped out from beneath the back of her bonnet. “When I heard you come running up the path, I hid,” the Little Old Lady said when the tea was ready, “for no one would suspect that I had a room up here and nothing would disturb me in my retreat.” When all had eaten and Gran’ma had cleaned up the crumbs and started to wash the dishes, they were all startled by a loud thumping down stairs. “Sh!” whispered the Little Old Lady. “Sit still while I take a peek!” She turned out the light and went to the picture and peeped through. Then she closed the picture window and turned on the light. “Sh!” she whispered again. “Didn’t I hear you talking of a wicked man? Come and see if it is he; but remember, do not make the slightest noise or he will discover us!” When all had peeped through the picture window, and the kind old lady had closed it again the Princess said, “It is indeed the wicked Strange Man who put me in the jar!” “It is old Jingles, the Magician!” whispered the others. Yes, it was old Jingles, the Magician, but he was a very sorry sight. His clothes were covered with black mud and the ink rain had soaked through his hat and had run down over his face so that it was as black as coal.