“We soon reached the farm, and hid under the walls of the garden and orchard.
“It was ten o’clock, and the night was cold and dark.
“As we intended to have a fine feast in the woods after our little job of robbery, one of my comrades here got over the wall and crept into the hen-house, and in less than five minutes he passed over to us no less than a dozen chickens, lots of eggs, and, besides all that, strangled two dozen of ducks, and threw them over also.
“One of our party secured all these things, and concealed them in a neighbouring wood until such time as we had performed all we intended to do at the farm-house.
“One hour passed after another, and still we remained concealed under and behind the orchard wall.
“As the village clock struck ten, we clambered over, and the first thing we did was to approach the watch dogs as best we could, and kill them on the spot.
“This difficult little bit of business was accomplished, and all things promised success.
“We next got in at the old parlour window, and began operations.
“While so engaged, the old farmer awoke, and came down stairs, gun in hand.
“We heard him approaching, and remained as silent as mice.