“What time shall we begin then?”
“Not a minute later than six, sir.”
And punctually to that hour Tom stole down the garden and found David, who began to chuckle softly—
“Got yer stick, Master Tom?”
“Yes; got yours?”
“No, sir, I’ve got something better. Feel this.”
“A rope?”
“Yes, sir, and a noose in it, as runs easy.”
“To tie him?”
“To lash-show him, sir. We’ll go down to the bottom where he’s most likely to come over, and then I’ll catch him and hold him, and you shall let him have it.”