'
'And where was Ada?'
'In the schoolroom, reading the direction of the letter.'
'Tell me exactly what happened when you came back.'
'I opened the door, and there was a flash, and a bang, and a smoke,
and Ada tumbled down.'
'I have one more question to ask. When did you touch the powder?'
'Then,' said Phyllis.
'When it had exploded? Take care what you say.'
'Was it naughty? I am very sorry,' said Phyllis, beginning to cry.
'What powder did you touch? I do not understand you, tell me
quietly.'
'I touched the powder-horn. What went off was only a little in a
paper on the table, and there was a great deal more. When the rocket
blew up there was a great noise, and Ada and I both screamed, and
Hannah ran in and took up Ada in her arms. Then I saw a great fire,
and looked, and saw Emily's music-book, and all the papers blazing.
So I thought if it got to the powder it would blow up again, and I
laid hold of the horn and threw it out of the window. That is all I
know, papa, only I hope you are not very angry with me.'
She looked into his face, not knowing how to interpret the unusual
expression she saw there.
'Angry with you!' said he.
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