“Then I will take Bridget.”
Bridget was the kitchen drudge. She was rather a stupid girl, who stood in fear of her employer.
They went to the barn together. Mr. Snowdon went up the ladder, whip in hand, Bridget holding the ladder. He mounted the opposite scaffold, and prepared to cross to the other, when Bernard, who had been aroused by the sound of voices, made his appearance, cap in hand, and asked composedly: “What are you after, Mr. Snowdon?”
“I’m after you, Bernard Brooks,” answered Mr. Snowdon grimly.
CHAPTER IV. A ROAD SIDE ACQUAINTANCE.
The position was critical. Bernard was tall and muscular for his age, but of course he was not a match for the teacher.
He was, however, cool and collected, and not at all nervous. He maintained his ground till Mr. Snowdon, with slow and cautious steps, had crossed the narrow bridge, and then ran to the back part of the loft.
The schoolmaster followed him as well as he could, but in his impetuosity he lost his balance and fell on the hay.