“There’s nothing to mind now, sir,” cried Tom. “The door is open.”
“Well, I think I’ll risk it this time,” said the Vicar, entering the yard, while Tom stepped back into the observatory.
“What, is he pretending to be frightened?” said Uncle Richard, with a grim smile.
“Yes, uncle; he wanted to know if it was safe.”
By this time the Vicar’s steps were heard upon the lower stairs, and Tom lifted the trap-door, holding it open for their visitor, who, after the usual greetings, sat down to admire the telescope.
“Hah! that begins to look business-like,” he said. “We shall be soon having a look I suppose. Finished?”
“Very nearly,” said Uncle Richard. “It has been a long job.”
“I wanted your advice about one of my difficulties,” said the Vicar, puckering up his face.
“Shall I go down and see to the glass for the new frames, uncle?”
“Oh, no, no, no,” cried the Vicar. “I’ve nothing to say that you need not hear. I’ve just come from old Mother Warboys’ cottage.”