“Sure of it. He thinks I houghed the poor horses. I know he does, and he expects to find out that I did it by following me about.”
“How do you know he suspects you?”
“Because he is always asking questions about our window being open that night, and about how I found out there was something the matter with the poor beasts. I say, Tom, I hate that fellow.”
“So do I,” said Tom in tones which indicated his loyalty to his friend. “Let’s serve him out!”
“Oh, but you mustn’t! A constable is sworn in.”
“What difference does that make?”
“I don’t know, but he is; and he has a little staff in his pocket with a brass crown upon it, and he says, ‘In the king’s name!’”
“Well, let him if he likes. The king in London can’t know what we do down here in the fen. I say, let’s serve him out!”
“No,” said Dick, “it might get father into trouble. I say, I know what I’ll do if you like.”
“What, take him out in a boat and upset it?”