Suddenly Mrs.
Horncastle stopped with a bitter cry and clasped her forehead.

It had just flashed upon her that Mrs.Barker had told her only a few hours before that Sta had been removed with the nurse to the UPPER FLOOR! It was not the forgotten child that Mrs.Barker was returning for, but her diamonds! Mrs.Horncastle called her; she did not reply.

The smoke was already pouring down the staircase.

Mrs.Horncastle hesitated for a moment only, and then, drawing a long breath, dashed up the stairs.

On the first landing she stumbled over something--the prostrate figure of the nurse.