He turned, put on his heavy coat and left the building. As he did so Dan
slipped out ahead of him, and started up the road as fast as his little
feet would carry him.




Chapter VIII

The Golden Key


"Why, Dan, what's the matter?"

Nellie was sitting before the open fire busily engaged with her needle as
the lad entered the room. He stared at her for an instant, and then a
sheepish grin crossed his face. His clothes were torn, and his hair tossed
in the wildest confusion, while marks of blood spotted his cheeks.

"What in the world have you been doing?" Nellie insisted.

"Nuthin' much," came the slow reply,

"Well, you don't look like it. Have you been fighting?"

"Y'bet!" and Dan smacked his lips. "I swatted him good and hard, that's
what I did."

"Did what?"