'“Of course,” says Bob, laughing; “nothing easier. So come along now and let me show you the way.”
'When they reached the house, Bob ordered up dinner at once, and behaved as politely as possible, telling them it was early, and they would have plenty of time for everything in the evening. But whether it was that they had no appetite just then, or that they were not over-easy in their minds about Bob himself, they declined everything, and began to set about their work. To it they went with pen and ink, putting down all the chairs and tables, the cracked china, the fire-irons, and at last Bob left them counting over about twenty pairs of old top-boots that stood along the wall of his dressing-room.
'“Ned,” said Bob to his own man, “get two big padlocks and put them on the door of the hayloft as fast as you can.”
'“Sure it is empty, sir,” said Ned. “Barrin' the rats, there's nothing in it.”
'“Don't I know that as well as you?” said Bob; “but can't you do as you are bid? And when you've done it, take the pony and gallop over to the bog, and tell the people to throw the turf out of their carts and gallop up here as fast as they can.”
'He'd scarcely said it when Nick called out, “Now, Major, for the farmyard, if you please.” And so taking Hennessy's arm, Bob walked out, followed by the two big bailiffs, that never left them for a moment. To be sure it was a great sight when they got outside, and saw all the ricks and stacks as thick as they could stand; and so they began counting and putting them down on paper, and the devil a thing they forgot, not even the boneens and the bantams; and at last Nick fixed his eye upon the little door into the loft, upon which now two great big padlocks were hanging.
'“I suppose it 's oats you have up there, Major?” said he.
'“No, indeed,” said Bob, looking a little confused.
'“Maybe seed-potatoes?” said Hennessy.
'“Nor it neither,” said he.