light the lamp."

"I haven't any matches," said Bob.

"What a pity!" said David. "Can't you wake Uncle Moses? Your room
is next to his."

At this Bob went to the wall between his room and that of Uncle
Moses, and began to pound with all his might. Uncle Moses did not
respond, but there came a response from another quarter. It was
from the thing in the parlor. Once more the fearful uproar began.
Crash! went the chairs. Bang! went the tables. A rapid racket of
hard footfalls succeeded, mingled with the smash of the furniture.

Frank closed the door.

"If I only had a light," said he, "I should know what to do. But
what can a fellow do in the dark?"

"I wonder what's the matter with Uncle Moses."

"He? O, he would sleep through anything."

"I wonder if it is a brigand, after all," said Bob.

"I don't know. I still think it may be a
madman."

"I don't like those glaring eyes."

"If I only had a fair chance, and could see," said Frank, fiercely,
"I'd soon find out what is behind those glaring eyes."

Louder grew the din while they were speaking--the rattle, the
bang, the smash, the general confusion of deafening sounds.

"I should like to know," said Frank, coolly, "how much longer this
sort of thing is going to last."

For some time longer the boys kept the door shut, and the noise at
length ceased as suddenly as it had begun. It had now grown much
lighter, for in these southern countries twilight, whether in the
morning or the evening, is but of short duration, and light advances
or retires with a rapidity which is startling to the natives of
more northern latitudes.

This increase of light gave fresh courage to Frank, who, even in
the dark, and in the face of the mystery, had behaved very well;
and he began to arrange a plan of action. His arrangements were
soon completed. He simply drew a jackknife from his pocket, and
opened it.

"Now, Bob," said he, "you follow me."

"All right," said Bob, cheerily.

Frank quietly opened the door, and looked forth, while Bob, in
eager curiosity, looked out the same instant. There was now sufficient
light for them to see every object in the room. A scene of wild
disorder revealed itself. All the furniture was turned topsy-turvy.
The door leading to the gallery was open, and there, before their
eyes, standing on the sofa, was the being that had created such
excitement.

One look was enough.

One cry escaped both the boys:--

"A billy goat! A miserable billy