Joshua had run into the house to get a spade when Rusty, like a
shot, bolted for the house, took the window at a leap and all
covered with earth landed before Joshua and Aunt Tabby.

"See!--he went down there--now he's here!" cried Aunt Tabby,
pointing at the fireplace, then looking at the window.

Rusty was running back and forth from Joshua to the window.

"Follow him!" cried Aunt Tabby.

Rusty led the way back again to the garden, to the cave-in.

"Elaine!" gasped Aunt Tabby.

By this time Joshua was digging furiously. Rusty, too, seemed to
understand. He threw back the earth with his paws, helping with
every ounce of strength in his little body.

At last the spade turned up a bit of cloth.

"Elaine!" Aunt Tabby cried out again.

She was in a sort of little pocket, protected by the fortunate
formation of the earth as it fell, yet almost suffocated, weak but
conscious.

Aunt Tabby rushed up as Joshua laid down the spade and lifted out
Elaine.