Mr. Snowdon in a tone of interest.

"Yes, pa."

"The Lord has delivered him into my hands. I will not neglect the opportunity to chastise him."

"He may wake up when you are getting up."

"I will take you with me to hold the ladder."

"He might stick me with the pitchfork," said Septimus, who was a coward at heart.

"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.