not do away with the fact that a careless employee left that explosive
there."

"Do you know, Dorothy," said Tavia in her most serious tone, "the only
thing that has consoled me for asking that baby in there is, that she
told me she was going in for a drink of water, and had she done so she
would, or at least might, have tasted the poison stuff. She was the most
meddlesome child and might have killed herself."

"Certainly her mother would have allowed her to roam about as she
pleased," said Dorothy, "for people told me after the accident that
little Lily had been in almost every seat in the car, while her mother
curled herself up on that sofa. It is a strange thing to me that most
women travelers are more careful of their dogs than of their babies. Did
you notice that blonde with the soft leather bag? Well, she had a poodle
in that bag, it is against the rules, you know, to keep animals in the
passenger cars, but that lady had her bag open on the seat, and every
time a brakeman came through she would pull the string and close the
bag. Then once in a while she would let the dog run around a bit. But
indeed she did not let it get away like Lily's mother let her go."

"And do you really think the railroad people will pay me damages?"

"I am almost sure of it. Aunt Winnie is a very clever business woman,
and if they come while we are here it will be all the better for you.
Just think! Suppose they should offer five hundred dollars!"

"I am too poor to be able to think of five hundred dollars all at once.
I will have to try it on the installment plan. But wouldn't it be jolly
if I did get a good sum," and Tavia's eyes took on a far-away look--