sheltering themselves under a shed. I had just taken some water to them
when the storm broke. When they saw the big flash and heard the crash,
they knew that something right around the house must have been struck.
They ran through the storm as fast as they could, and got here in time to
put out the flames."

"And Jess and Jimsy and----"

"And that other young fellow? Why, they----"

"Never felt better in their lives," came Jimsy's cheerful voice from the
door, which framed, beside himself, Jess, and the young naval officer.

"The first time I was ever knocked out by lightning," declared the latter,
"and really it's quite invigorating."

Jess glided across the room to Peggy's side and threw her arms about her
neck.

"Oh, Peggy, how brave and good you are!" she exclaimed. "I was dreadfully
frightened, when you came plunging down through that smoke. I was just
trying to make my way through it with a bucket, when you came toppling
down the stairs. I managed to catch you and support you into the kitchen."

"I think some one else is the bravest," smiled Peggy, patting her chum's
shoulder. "I'm so glad that the baby wasn't hurt. Poor little thing, it
looked so cute in its crib. I remember seizing it up and then the smoke
came, and after a few minutes it all got black and----"

"And all's well that ends well," declared Jimsy, capering about. "We've