"Certainly. Catch hold."

"Oh, I say, doctor, let me shoot!" cried Mark excitedly.

"No, no, my boy; don't interfere," said his father. "No, doctor, don't
give up to him," for the latter was drawing back. "Now, all of you,"
cried Sir James, setting the example, "pick up a stone each, and we will
throw till we drive the reptile out."

His orders were obeyed, and for the next five minutes as the doctor
stood ready to fire, stone after stone, big and little, were hurled at
the foot of the wall, but with no further effect than producing a slight
rustling sound, as if the creature had plenty of room in the hollow
which formed its lair.

"I think I can do it, Sir James," said Buck.

"How, my lad?"

"I will get up on the wall, sir, and drop one of them big stones right
down over him."

"Good! Do."

"Wish I had thought of that," said Dean. "I should just like that job."

"Never mind; let Buck try. Send down a big one!" cried Mark.

"I just will, sir," said the man, and climbing quickly up to the top of
the wall he edged his way along the stones till he found what he
considered a suitable block, loosened it, but not without considerable
effort, for it was hard to move, and then turned it over and over till
he forced it to the edge of the crumbling wall.

"That about right, sir?" he cried.

"No; two feet farther along. That's right! Now then, all ready?"

"Yes, sir."

"Give it a gentle push then, when you get the word from me. I want it
to fall close in there."

"Right, sir."

There was a moment's silence in the midst of an excitement which was
great for so trifling an incident, and then Sir James said sharply,
"Heave!"

Down came the stone, and it seemed to the boys as if it occupied seconds
of time to pass through the air, and crash down upon the loose rubbish
below. A little dust arose, but not sufficient to hide the occupant of
the ruined foundations. Then silence again, and the two boys uttered a
jeering laugh.

"Out crept a mouse," said the doctor good-humouredly; "but where is it?"

"He's in there, sir," said Dan, "for I just ketched sight of him. But
I'm sure he warn't a mouse."

"Shall I throw down another stone, sir?" cried Buck, from the top of the
wall.

"'Tain't no good, mate," shouted Dan. "Let me go and stir him out, sir,
with the shovel. He's down some hole, with his tail hanging out. Mebbe
I can give him a chop and make him wriggle out back'ards so as to give
you plenty