did."

"But you stole it all the same," said Sam, who felt now that he had a
handle to take hold of.

"Oh, did I? So are you," snarled Pete. "You've come to steal
something, or you wouldn't be here in the dark."

"Never you mind about that," said Sam quickly. "Look here; you tell me
the way to get in, and I'll give you another shilling."

Pete thrust his dirty face close to Sam's.

"Give us hold then."

"No; you show me the way first."

"Shee-arn't! Give us the shillin' first."

"I don't believe you know a way."

"Oh, don't I! You give me the shillin', and you'll see."

Sam hesitated, but there was no time to lose. It seemed to be his only
policy to make friends with this young ruffian, and he finally took a
shilling out of his pocket, the action being grasped at once by the lad
in spite of the darkness.

"No games," said Sam. "If I give you the shilling, will you tell me
fairly?"

"Course I will."

"There; now tell me."

Pete took the shilling handed, made believe to spit upon it, and thrust
it into his pocket.

"Winders is fastened up tight now."

"What, those up higher too?"

"Yes; all on 'em."

"Then how am I to get in?"

Pete laughed softly, and Sam grew angry.

"I thought so," he whispered. "You don't know."

"Oh, don't I just?" said Pete, with his sniggering laugh. "I said I'd
tell yer, and I will."

"Quick then. How?"

"There's a kind o' door up atop as opens right over and lies on its
back. It's got a bolt to it, but you can shove yer hand under when yer
gets up inside them little palings and push it back. Then yer can open
the door and get in."

"How do you know?" said Sam sharply.

"How do I know? 'Cause I've done it."

"But up there? How did you get up?"

"Ladder," said the lad laconically.

"What, is there a ladder here?"

"No," said Pete.

"Bah!" ejaculated Sam. "What's the good of telling me that, then?"

Pete chuckled now with satisfaction, as if he enjoyed his companion's
trouble.

"I know where there's a ladder," he said.

"One we could get?"

"You couldn't. I could."

"Get it for me, then, there's a good fellow."

"Ha, ha! Oh, I say; arn't you getting jolly civil!"

"Hush!" whispered Sam excitedly. "Don't make that noise. Some one will
hear."

"Yah! There's no one to hear! The old man's gone out, and old Mother
Fidler's fast asleep, and snoring by this time."

"But there's he," whispered Sam.

"What, young Tom Blount? Yah!