ing."

The constable's reply sent a pang through Waller, and brought him down
to zero.

"But you haven't been out on the roof?"

"No," said the sergeant mockingly, "nor we haven't been up the chimney.
My lads are neither sweeps nor tilers. Think he's flown up there?"

"No," said the constable with asperity; "but I think you haven't half
searched. Maybe he's hiding somewhere up in the ivy."

"Ho!" said the sergeant sharply. "Like a cock-sparrow or a rat, eh? I
tell you I have searched the place, and I have done."

"And I tell you you haven't half searched," cried the constable. "You
must get ladders and go all over the roof. I daresay he's hiding in the
ivy."

"Beg pardon, sergeant," said one of the men. "Didn't the good gentleman
say something about some lunch?"

"To be sure I did," said Waller, "and it will be ready in the kitchen by
now."

"Thank you, sir," said the sergeant grumpily. "I suppose we shall be
obliged to have a look at the roof from outside. I don't want to be
reported to my captain for not having done my duty. But look here, Mr
Constable," and to Waller's great relief the man turned his back upon
him and faced Gusset, while the boy felt as if he was turning white, and
his hands grew moist. "You gave information," continued the sergeant,
"and it seems to me that this is more your job than mine. How are we to
get up on the roof?"

"Ladder, of course," cried Gusset eagerly. "They have got long ones
here that they use for the apples and stacks. You must get up out at
the back."

"Oh, oh, oh!" groaned Waller to himself. "I should like to have you out
at the back!"

"Oh, very well," said the sergeant. "Out with you, my lads, and let's
get it over," and, as the men marched out, following the constable, who
seemed quite at home in the geography of the house, the sergeant stopped
to speak to Waller.

"There, sir, you see I can't help myself, so don't blame me."

"No," said Waller; and, in spite of his efforts, his voice sounded very
strange. But the man had turned away, and did not heed.

Gusset led the way into the big, open yard at the back, and, acting
under his directions, the soldiers followed to a low shed, beneath which
one of the long, thin, tapering ladders with straddling legs, used in
country places, hung upon two great iron pegs against the wall.

"There you are," said Gusset. "Bring it out! Quick!"

"Here, I say," snarled one of the men he addressed, "who are