Again Marija's head shook. The poor fellow stood
dumfounded. "I don't hear her," he gasped.

"She's been quiet a long time," replied the other.

There was another pause -- broken suddenly by a voice
from the attic: "Hello, there!"

Several of the women ran into the next room, while
Marija sprang toward Jurgis. "Wait here!" she cried,
and the two stood, pale and trembling, listening. In a
few moments it became clear that Madame Haupt was
engaged in descending the ladder, scolding and exhorting
again, while the ladder creaked in protest. In a moment or
two she reached the ground, angry and breathless, and they
heard her coming into the room. Jurgis gave one glance
at her, and then turned white and reeled. She had her
jacket off, like one of the workers on the killing-beds.
Her hands and arms were smeared with blood, and blood
was splashed upon her clothing and her face.

She stood breathing hard, and gazing about her; no
one made a sound.

"I haf done my best," she began suddenly. "I can do
notting more -- dere is no use to try."

Again there was silence.

"It ain't my fault," she said. "You had ought to haf
had a doctor, und not vaited so long -- it vas too late
already ven I come." Once more there was deathlike
stillness. Marija was clutching Jurgis with all the power
of her one well arm.

Then suddenly Madame Haupt turned to Aniele. "You
haf not got someting to drink, hey?" she queried. "Some
brandy?"

Aniele shook her head.

"Herr Gott!" exclaimed Madame Haupt. "Such peo~
ple! Perhaps you vill give me someting to eat den -- I
haf had notting since yesterday morning, und I haf
vorked myself near to death here. If I could haf known
it vas like dis, I vould never haf come for such money as
you gif me."

At this moment she chanced to look round, and saw
Jurgis. She shook her finger at him. "You understand

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v?