CHAPTER X.
THE STORMING OF THE FORT Mr.and Mrs.Cheeseman squeezed together at their partly-open door, were following the course of events with a delighted eagerness which threatened to break all bounds of discretion.

Their grinning faces signalled to Mrs.Bubb as she went by, and she, no less animated, waved a hand to them as if promising richer entertainment.

The next minute she was heard parleying with Miss Sparkes.

Polly received her, as was to be expected, with acrimonious defiance.
"Oh, it's you, is it, Mrs.Bubb! Go and clean up your dirty kitchen.
It'll take you all your time." There needed but this to fire the landlady to extremities.

Her answer rang through the house.