past her and glided across the room toward the fire. His unexpected
appearance startled the woman crouching there. She straightened
quickly up and stared at the intruder in amazement.

"Who are you?" she demanded. "How dare you come here? Maggie, put
this man out."

But Maggie had disappeared, so the woman was left to face the man alone.

"I won't harm you, madame," he smilingly informed her, as he moved
closer to the fire and stretched put his hands. "I'm as harmless as a
kitten."

"Keep back," the woman ordered. "Don't come so close."

"Oh, I'm all right. Don't you worry about me."

Again the man smiled as he rubbed his hands together.

"I wasn't worrying about you," the woman retorted. "I would like to
see you burn yourself for your impudence."

Her fear had now vanished, and she was angry. She carefully noted the
man's slight figure, and threadbare clothes. But his face was what
attracted her most of all. It was somewhat chubby, and when the mouth
was expanded by the almost incessant smile the cheeks were wrinkled
like corrugated iron. His head was bald, save for a few tufts of hair
above the ears. His bulging eyes twinkled with good humour, causing an
observer to feel that their owner was well satisfied with himself and
the entire world.