"The old woman was in the room above," I said, "waiting for her sons; and she begged me to look down here for a rosary she dropped. She must have known the bottom steps were gone. She wanted me to fall; and though I called, she did n't answer, because she 'd probably hobbled off to find her sons and bring them back to rob me. I have n't hurt myself much, but when I found I could n't climb up I was so frightened! I thought no one would ever come—except those horrible gipsies. And when I heard a sound above I was sure they were here. I felt sick and strange, and I suppose I must have fainted."
"I heard you call, just as I got into the upper room. Then, though I answered, everything was still. Jove! I had some bad minutes! But you 're sure you 're all right now?"
"Sure," I answered, sitting up. "Did I call you 'Jack'? If I did, it was only because one can't shriek 'Mister,' and anyway you told me to."
"Now I know you 're all right, or you would n't bother about conventionalities. I wish I had some brandy for you "
"I would n't take it if you had."
"That sounds like you. That's encouraging! Are you strong enough to let me get you up into the light and air?"
"Quite!" I replied briskly, letting him help me to my feet. "But how are we to get up?"
"I 'll show you. It will be easy."
"Let 's look first for the wicked old creature's rosary. If it is n't here, it 's certain she 's a fraud."
