"But who has put the poor little boy in here--in the pitch black
darkness?"

By the light of the lantern she saw Nikolai staring at her in wild
terror.

"I thought it was the devil, I did. Yes, for he does knock on the wall."

"Oh, you'd frighten any one out of their senses, boy, with those ugly
words!"

"Mrs. Holman says so;" and with a quick, inquiring glance up at Maren he
added, "but do you think she only says it so that I shan't touch her
sugar?"

"Is that what you are here for?"

"I haven't taken anything from her, but I will, if she says it whether I
do or not! It was only that Monday when I put my tongue down into the
bag and licked when I'd gone for half a pound. But now I'll crunch it so
that she'll only have the empty bag left! I'll take! I'll steal!" he
added and ground his teeth. "Don't--don't go!" he sobbed, catching hold
of her dress, "for when it's dark again, he'll come and take me!"

What was Maren to do? She stood hesitating and considering; she dare not
let the boy out.

She might try and beg him off from Mrs. Holman.