out, and down
the stairs, three long flights. Not more than a block away she
had noticed a grocery. Groceries have telephones. She would run
down there, and call up the hospital! At the outer door she
paused an instant for one troubled look at her short skirt; but
time was precious, and quickly she was speeding down the sidewalk.

"Hoh! Look at her!" jeered a big boy from across the street.

She did not even glance his way.

"Have you a telephone?" was her breathless inquiry of a man at
the entrance of the little shop.

A jerk of his fat thumb towards the dim interior was his only
answer.

"Please, may I use it?"

He nodded indifferently, and then she was hurrying in the
direction indicated.

The instrument was on the wall, and Polly on tiptoe could not
reach the mouthpiece. Looking around for a possible foot-stool,
she spied a small box, which might have been used before for a
similar service, and pulling it into position she found that it
brought her to the proper height. With a trembling hand she
lifted the receiver from its hook. She was familiar with the
hospital number, and gave it without hesitation.

"Put in your nickel!" came distinctly to her ear.

Polly started in dismay. This was a pay station!

"I--have n't any!" she faltered pathetically, and the merciless
snap of the wire told her that her last hope had been cut off.

She pushed the box back where she had found it, and walked slowly
out of the shop. Her feet still lagged when she turned towards
the tenement. What mattered it if Aunt Jane should return and
find her absent? What mattered anything now? Then came a sudden
daring temptation. The road was free--and she was there! Why not
keep on to the hospital? She looked down--her skirts were inches
above her knees! If only Aunt Jane had not insisted that she wear
Sophia's petticoats, to match the length of the borrowed dress!
Could she brave the crowded streets in such attire? One thought
of those she loved best brought instant decision. She could dare
anything for their sakes. With a shrinking, fast-beating heart.
She turned, and went quickly forward.

She had not gone far, when ahead, whirling towards her, seemed a
familiar object. Could it be? There were other dark green
automobiles--but it was!--it was Dr. Dudley!

Polly dashed into the road,--perilously near the track of the
approaching car,--wildly waving her hands. It stopped almost
at her feet, and then s