It was just too wide to go through the door, but the boys did not take long to turn it on its side. They had succeeded in almost clearing the back and tallest end, when the banisters proved an insuperable barrier to further progress.
"We must take it down," said John.
"I'm stuck. I say, John, did you ever happen to mistake your fingers for the painted legs?"
"Not that I know of. Look, what a precious mark you've made on the door that side."
"Where?"
"There! just where you say your fingers grazed it."
"It'll come off," said Hugh, applying his pocket-handkerchief, having first conveyed it to his tongue; but it didn't, and Hugh shrugged his shoulders.
"Lesson No. 1. Don't knock your fingers," he said.
"Lesson No. 2," remarked John. "Do you know how to take down these precious things?"
"Lesson No. 3. Shall learn."