"You get the trunks, and I'll take care of the finances." When the concierge had retired the girls began to stuff newspapers into the cracks of the windows of their sitting room, where the fine ash was sifting in and forming little drifts several inches in thickness.

Also the atmosphere of the room was filled with impalpable particles of dust, which rendered breathing oppressive and unpleasant.
Uncle John watched them for a time, and his brow clouded.
"See here, girls," he exclaimed; "let's hold a council of war.

Do you suppose we are in any real danger ?" They grouped around him with eager interest.
"It's something new to be in danger, and rather exciting, don't you think ?" said Beth.

"But perhaps we're as safe as we would be at home." "Once," said Louise, slowly, "there was a great eruption of Vesuvius which destroyed the cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii.

Many of the inhabitants were buried alive.