owly towards the foot of
the ladder, where, as the soldier placed his musket against the sill of
one of the lower windows and then began lightly to ascend, Gusset set
his feet very far apart, as if in imitation of the ladder, planted his
fat hands upon his hips, and began to follow the private's movements,
leaning somewhat back the while.

All at once there was a quick movement in the little group round the
foot of the ladder, for, partly moved by the spirit of mischief, as well
as by the intense desire to create a diversion, Waller made a rush.

"Hold hard a minute, soldier!" he shouted. "I know the way best; let me
come first."

As he spoke he literally charged at the constable, who was now leaning
backwards a little out of his perpendicular, and came heavily in contact
with him, forcing the man to make a snatch at one of the rounds to save
himself from falling.

The next moment the top of the ladder began to glide sideways,
describing an arc as it rustled through the ivy. The mounting soldier,
feeling it go, made a jump to alight upon his feet, but, not having time
to properly judge his distance, he came down upon the constable instead,
and there followed a short scuffle, out of which Waller was the first to
gain his feet, to turn savagely upon the heavy, sitting man, and
exclaim, amidst roars of laughter:

"Why did you do that?"

"Yes," shouted the gardener; "I saw him pull it over. Just look here,
Master Waller! Here's my beautiful new ladder snapped in two!"

It was a fact. There lay the pieces; and the soldier, whose face had
flushed with rage, but who was not hurt, now joined in the laughter of
those around, while the constable still sat looking piteously about, as
if for the sympathy that did not come.

The sergeant was the next to speak; as he bent over and held out his
hand.

"Well, you have done it now, master," he said. "I shouldn't have
thought an old chap like you would get playing a trick like that."

"Oh!" groaned Gusset, looking at him piteously. "Help me, please! I
think there's something broke!"

"Not there," said the sergeant cheerily. "You wouldn't break; you are
too soft and inji-rubbery, old chap. Here, you two, set him on his pins
again. I am very sorry. Mr Froy, sir, about this ladder, but you see
it wasn't my men's fault."

"No, of course not," said Waller. "They couldn't help it. Blundering
up against the ladder like that! It looks as if he had been drinking."