This, this, and this are
for the ventilation."
"Just so, just so, just so," said the doctor. "And this, of course, is
for the shower-bath? I understand!"
And, extending a firm finger, she gave the knob a forceful push.
Mrs. Porter nodded.
"That is the cold shower," she said. "This is the hot. It is a very
ingenious arrangement, one of Malcolmson's patents. There is a
regulator at the side of the bath which enables the nurse to get just
the correct temperature. I will turn on both, and then----"
It was as Mrs. Porter's hand was extended toward the knob that the
paralysis which terror had put upon Mamie relaxed its grip. She had
stood by without a movement while the cold water splashed down upon the
hidden Steve. Her heart had ached for him, but she had not stirred. But
now, with the prospect of allowing him to be boiled alive before her,
she acted.
It is generally only on the stage that a little child comes to the
rescue of adults at critical moments; but William Bannister was
accorded the opportunity of doing so off it. It happened that at the
moment of Mrs. Porter's entry Mamie had been standing near his cot, and
she had not moved since. The consequence was that she was within easy
reach of him; and, despair giving her what in the circumstances
amounted to a flash of inspiration, she leaned quickly forward, even as
Mrs.
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