He took out of the basketful of apples
five or six fine ones ; then he placed them
in the rack, and covered them well over
with a quantity of hay. After this he went
softly out, and I heard him lock the stable
door, and take out the key. For my own
part, I had no need to open the door to
gain admittance. I could creep under the
bottom of it, and so was quite independent
of lock and key.
THE STORY OF A OAT. 127



CHAPTER XVI.
THE THIEF DISCOVERED.
IT was the very day after the apples were
stolen that I, who had contrived to
slip into the dining-room, and hide myself
under the table while Betty was laying the
cloth, heard what I am going to relate.
