“Why didn’t you put it in the old place, and not give me all this fright?”
“You know,” I said solemnly.
“I—er—er—know—er—er—” he drawled tragically. “Dear me, how grand we are!” he added, with a forced laugh. “No, I don’t know.”
“Then come up there with me, and I’ll show you,” I said fiercely.
“Oh, sir—no, sir—please, sir—don’t, sir—I, sir— Oh, sir—I won’t do so any more, sir. Don’t take me up there, sir, and punch my head, sir.”
“Don’t play the fool, but come along with me.”
“Why, Frank, old chap, you aren’t serious, are you? What’s the matter?”
“Come up into the loft and see,” I replied, as sternly as I could, but feeling so miserable that I could hardly keep my voice from quivering.
“Oh, all right! I’m ready,” he said rather stiffly now. “I’ve done nothing to offend you that I know of. Come on.”
We moved toward the yard, but before we reached the gateway, without speaking now, our names were shouted, and, stopping and looking round, I saw Mr Hasnip and Mr Rebble coming after us, the former beckoning.