"There," she said with evident satisfaction, "that part was easy
enough."

"You put the iron right in there," directed Lily, and Tavia promptly
followed the advice.

"Sit on my lap while it heats," Tavia told the child, not thinking it
safe to allow her to move about in the small place with a strange kind
of stove burning.

The child jumped up eager to hear a story. The wood-kind, full of bears
with remarkable appetites, pleased her most, Tavia discovered, and it
was in such a mental delight that the child passed a very happy little
"minute."

"It must be hot--" said Tavia.

She turned and at that very moment a strange flash shot up to the
ceiling!

An explosion! Then such a blinding flame!

With the child still in her arms Tavia made a dash for the door.
Frantically she pulled at it but it would not open! The child screamed
piteously.

"Help! Help!" shouted Tavia, clutching at the knob with one hand, while
she clung to the child with the other.

Instantly Dorothy was on her feet and down at that little door.