86 MADGE’S MISTAKE,

and thought so hard during the last two
days that I shouldn’t wonder if I find my
hair has turned quite gray when it is
all finished;” and with that I get up and
march off.

“Well, don’t be cross,” says Jack, follow-
ing me; “you really have arranged every-
thing so well that it has all seemed to go as
smooth as silk; but come along now or you
may lose your opportunity. I will keep on
the look-out, if you like, while you do the
work.”

“All right!” I cry, and rushing off I scram-
ble up into the hay-loft and lift the board,
secure the key, and hastily descend again —
too hastily, however, for when I arrive at the
fourth rung of the rickety ladder, my foot
slips, and clutching at it wildly to save my-
self, down we both come to the ground. I
get my feet clear of the ladder, however,
before we are both levelled with the dust,
and jumping up find that I am no worse for
my fall, with the exception of a little super-
fluous dust, which is soon shaken off. J am