“I certainly shall both say and do something.  Johnnie look out for your nose there.  That machine is going and your nose is not insured.  Yes, Doro, this issue of the Bugle will blow a blast both loud and shrill in memory of Mrs. Doug.  You know she loved blowing, never missed a windy day to collect the rent.”

It was useless to argue.  Tavia was bent on doing the “obit.” as Ralph called the obituary assignment.  She went out with Johnnie at her heels.

“She’s the jolly kind,” commented Ralph, as the door closed on the brother and sister.

“Yes, and so few understand her,” Dorothy replied.  “To me she is just the dearest girl in Dalton, but others think differently of her.”

“I’ve known boys like that,” assented the young man.  “They seem to live in a shell, and only poke their real selves out to certain persons, those who love them.”

“I feel more like writing now,” said Dorothy, brightening up, “Johnnie told me father is better—­he was taking some nourishment, the child said, and when the doctor left Johnnie did not have to go to the drug store.  That means, of course, that there is nothing new setting in.  I think Aunt Libby should have kept Joe and Roger from school, but she thought the house would be quieter for father with them away.  Aunt Libby is very nervous lately.”

“I do hope the major will be well soon,” answered Ralph.  “He seemed so strong, but I suppose when sickness takes hold of something worth while the result is equally of consequence.”

For some time the girl and young man worked without further conversation.  Dorothy bent earnestly over her story, while Ralph was busy with the type, setting up the last item of news that would go in the week’s issue of the Bugle.

Suddenly something like a scream aroused them.

“What was that?” asked Dorothy, but without waiting to answer Ralph hurried to the door.  At that moment Tavia staggered into the office.  Her hat was off and her face was very white.

“Oh, what is it, Tavia dear?” Dorothy cried.  “What has happened?”

“I’m so—­so frightened,” gasped the girl.  “Lock the door—­that—­that man—­he may come in!  He is in the hall.”

Ralph was out in the hall instantly.  The girls, clasped in each other’s arms, could hear him running down the stairs.

“Oh, he is so rough and strong—­he may hurt Ralph,” whispered Tavia, too frightened to trust her own voice.

It seemed a long time to the girls, but Ralph was back in the room with them in a very few minutes.

“There was no one in the hall,” he said, “and I looked up and down the street.  No one—­no stranger seemed to be in sight.”

“Well, I was just coming up the stairs, and I couldn’t see from the sun, when some one grabbed me,” Tavia explained.

“Oh, Tavia!” interrupted Dorothy.

“Yes, indeed, a great big horrid man, with a hat over his eyes, and oh, he was dreadful!” and poor Tavia began to tremble again.