They had scarcely done so when there came an unexpected crash. In trying to raise the heavy ladder both Josiah Crabtree and Snuggers had allowed it to slip, and the end came through the window sash, shattering the window panes into a thousand pieces.
“Phew! That’s the time they did it!” exclaimed Henry Lee. “There will be some glass to pay for when this adventure is over.”
“Well, that wasn’t our fault,” came from Harry Blossom. “They should have been more careful with the ladder.”
“Snuggers, have a care!” roared Josiah Crabtree. “You have broken the window.”
“Twasn’t my fault!” howled the hired man. “Why didn’t you keep her from slippin’?”
“Hold the bottom of the ladder while I go up,” ordered the teacher, ignoring the question. “Be careful now. I don’t want to break my neck.”
“I’m a-holdin’ tight enough,” grumbled the hired man.
With caution Josiah Crabtree started to come up the ladder.
“Here comes the burglar, boys!” shouted Pepper, in an assumed voice. “He has broken the window. He deserves to be shot!”
“Yes, yes! shoot the burglar!” came in a shout. “Shoot him!”