There was a rush to see the denouement. Neither Addison, nor I, witnessed all which took place. The chase had led the principals far around to the rear of a stable and sheds. At length, we saw Halstead and Alfred on the roof of the latter, and heard cries of dismay and distress from others of the runaway party; Enoch was with them, evidently.
Alfred and Halse continued hastily to climb to the ridge-pole of the stable and then walked along on the roof of an ell, till they gained the higher roof of the tavern itself. Presently Enoch came back from the rear and espying the refugees aloft, began to stone them with vigor, till the proprietor came out and ordered all parties to the fracas to desist and leave the premises.
Addison and I now crossed the street and joined Thomas and Kate Edwards, who were standing on the platform of a store opposite, spectators at a distance of what had taken place. After a time Halse came to us, having made a circuit of several buildings from the rear of the Elm House. He had the generally rumpled appearance of a boy who has been roughly handled. Occasionally he nursed and rubbed certain spots upon his person.
"Did he hit ye?" inquired Thomas, good-humoredly.
"Yes, he did," muttered Halse. "The old long-legged loafer! I wish he had all burnt up!"
"Did you put the crackers in his pocket?" asked Catherine, laughing.
"No, I didn't," replied Halse. "But I know who did," he added, with a knowing nod. "And I know who lit the match, too."
"You seem to know quite a good deal about it," commented Catherine.
"He needn't have stoned me!" cried Halse. "He had no proof against me. But I'll pay him out."
"I guess you had better let Enoch alone," said Addison.