Something was on Sim's mind.

He had forgotten to tell his new housekeeper how to make safe the door! He wondered whether she had gone to bed or whether she was sitting there in the dark--an added darkness all around her.

He was sure that if he told her how to fasten the door she would sleep better.
Timidly, he got up out of his own comfortless couch, and groped for the electric flash-light which sometimes may be seen in places such as his to-day.

He tiptoed along the path through the willows, across the yard, and knocked timidly at the door.

He heard no answer.