"Fine evening," said Mr. Piper.
"Fine which?"
"Evening."
"Oh, faith, it's fine enough. Andy, where were your blitherin' skylights when you stuck this wick in the stable lanthern?"
He got it alight and closed it. Then he swung off with it, followed by Andy, and the pair disappeared.
"Done 'em that time," said the bailiff to himself. "I doubt but it will be a question of me setting up all night and sleeping in the day."
He made a tour of the premises. He left them, and took a walk on the road down below, enjoying the beauty of the evening. An hour and a half later found him again in the stableyard.
It had just gone ten, and Mr. Piper had scarcely entered the yard than Moriarty, with the lantern in his hand, appeared.
"Why, I thought you were abed," said Moriarty. "Are you frightened the horses will fly away wid themselves, or what is it that ails you?"
"My duty is my duty, and yours is yours," replied the bailiff. "We'll keep 'em apart, if you please, and so be better friends."