Forth they started, cautiously slipping downstairs and out into the street, where both darted away at a rapid pace. On the highroad that led to the little town of Prospidnic, the foremost paused, and puffing like an engine the latter caught up to him.
"Ande, remember the Truro champion footrace?"
Ande nodded.
"Well, I believe 'ee could beat the champion; you went so fast I nigh lost sight of you."
"Now, what's your plan?"
Dick paused a moment to gain his breath, and then spoke.
"Do ye remember the cave near the Red River? Well, the ducks from all around gather there. It's public property, being on the free downs. Eggs used to be there in plenty, but some snivelling squire's steward put a door on it and now tries to bag the industry."
"Art sure the squire didn't buy the section?"
"Well, if he 'as, the ducks that gather there are not his, and 'e 'asn't a mortgage on the eggs of futurity infinitum. The squire's steward is the robber of public rights and human freedom, and——"
"Public eggs," said Ande. "Down with the tyrant,—sic semper tyrannis—and up with the eggs."