“Wrench it open, then,” said the doctor; and after a few sharp cracks the rotten old door gave way, and swung upon its rusty hinges, when a strange sight met the eyes of those who pressed forward into the further loft.
Chapter Forty Five.
A Startling Discovery.
The rough loft had been turned into a kind of dwelling-place, for there was a bed close under the tiles, composed of hay, upon which, neatly spread, were a couple of blankets. On the other side were a plate, a knife, a piece of bread, and a jam-pot, while in the centre were some rough boxes and an old cage, on the top of which sat the ragged squirrel.
“There,” said Peter triumphantly, as he pointed to the squirrel.
The doctor was looking eagerly round in search of the dweller in this dismal loft, but there was no one visible.
“Found him, sir?” came from below.
“No, not yet,” replied the doctor. “Here, Peter, go up that other place.”