Templeton rushed down in great agitation, sprang into the hedge regardless of scratches, unloosed the straps, and hauled Eves out.
"I say, you're not hurt, old man?" he asked, anxiously.
"I'm pretty well pricked, confound the thing!" said Eves. "The wretched cord jammed."
"But the theory's all right."
"Hang the theory! Look here, old man— Hullo, here's old Noakes."
Noakes, accompanied by a thick-set countryman in corduroys and leggings, had come over the crest of the hill just as the accident occurred, and run down almost on Templeton's heels.
"I've cotched 'ee," he cried, panting. "You're my witness, Ted Smail. Cotched in the act, the mischeevious young vipers. I'll have the law of un."
"'I'VE COTCHED 'EE,' HE CRIED."
"My dear sir, I don't think it has anything to do with you," said Templeton. "My friend, as you see——"