'“You may break it and be hanged!” said Bob, as he stuck his hands into his pockets and walked away.
'“This will do,” cried one of the bailiffs, taking up a big stone as he mounted the ladder, followed by Nick, Hennessy, and the other.
'It took some time to smash the locks, for they were both strong ones, and all the while Nick and his friend were talking together in great glee; but poor Bob stood by himself against a hayrick, looking as melancholy as might be. At last the locks gave way, and down went the door with a bang. The bailiffs stepped in, and then Nick and the other followed. It took them a couple of minutes to satisfy themselves that the loft was quite empty; but when they came back again to the door, what was their surprise to discover that Bob was carrying away the ladder upon his shoulders to a distant part of the yard.
'“Holloa, Major!” cried Basset, “don't forget us up here!”
'“Devil a fear of that,” said Bob; “few that know you ever forget you.”
'“We are quite satisfied, sir,” said Hennessy; “what you said was perfectly correct.”
'“And why didn't you believe it before, Mr. Hennessy? You see what you have brought upon yourself.”
'“You are not going to leave us up here, sir,” cried Hennessy; “will you venture upon false imprisonment?”