"Running with a musical box pretty near the size of a piano, not to mention other articles of furniture," he said.
"The box wur big, but not very heavy," explained Kezia. "It stood upon legs, four of 'em, but a man could lift it off and carry it."
"And the legs would follow after?" suggested the policeman, who believed in making people laugh; but he failed on this occasion.
"They would have to walk back for the legs," Kezia explained.
"How many men did you say there were?"
"Two, but I wouldn't swear to nothing," replied the tactful Bessie.
"If policeman wur to go along the lane he might catch up wi' them," suggested Kezia.
The officer declined, pointing out that it would be a physical impossibility for two men to carry such bulky articles all the way to Black Anchor, and a moral impossibility to do so and escape detection. Then he sought for information concerning the ownership of the purloined property.
"'Tis mine," came the simultaneous answer.
"That wants a lawyer," said the policeman, beginning to show the acumen which was winning him promotion; and when the position had been explained he continued, "Maybe Mrs. Drake left a like paper for Miss Yard?"