"That's it, mother; and that's who Rover was barking at."
"But how could they get into the barn?"
"They might have a key, and unlock the padlock. Most anything will unlock a padlock. But you must get another shovel, mother."
"We will wait awhile. It may come to light,—might get into that load of hay I sold,—be pitched up out of the floor with the hay. Mr. Richardson, your face seems flushed; does your foot pain you?"
"No, ma'am; it is quite easy now."
The excessive soreness of Richardson's foot was occasioned by his use, or rather abuse of it. But it recovered rapidly as soon as he began to afford it rest, and make the proper applications. After enjoying a good night's sleep, he told Mrs. Clemens he would like the loan of the horse, to ride over to the next town after school at night, call on Perk, and return in the evening. The next morning, when Dan went to feed the pigs, the shovel was lying in the pig's bed, half covered in straw.
"I told you it would come to light, Daniel. You used it to clean the pig-pen, and left it there. The pigs threw it down, and rooted the straw over it."
"I didn't, mother. Haven't cleaned the pig-pen. Mr. Richardson does that; I am afraid of the pigs. Somebody stole it, and brought it back."
"Borrowed it, you mean, my dear. You should never make such accusations."
Dr. Ryan laughed till the tears ran down his cheeks when, some time afterwards, Rich told him the result of his efforts to obtain the leg.