"How can we explain about your burns ?" "Oh--h," said Anna slowly, as she tried to think of some plan, "I will just say it is an accident--I needn't explain." "But I shall," said Kitty firmly.

"I am not going to have any deceitfulness.

We will all stand together, but you aren't going to suffer for Dan.

Dan wouldn't stand it, and I should be ashamed of him if he did." Anna did not answer, and Kitty thought she had won.

Dan returned with the oil, and from his own drawer produced a generous supply of torn handkerchiefs.
"How did you find out about the fire ?" questioned Kitty, as she bound up the poor hands as skilfully as she knew how.