almost there--and--" bump they went against the stone wall at the upper
end of the dock.

"Three cheers, friend!"

"Hip--hip--hip--"

"No matter about giving them. Now we will work along to some steps back of
a barn. Careful!"

When the steps had been reached Will exclaimed, "So far, so good, friend."

"Yes--hic--I'm glad--I've--hic--got you--hic--so far safe--hic."

"Got me? You have my thanks. Well, now, you stay here by these steps until
I come for you. I will fetch a light. Stay here, now."

"I will--hic."

Will felt his way along the base of the wall until he came to the lane.
The stones in the wall were smooth with the slime accumulating there for
years, and it was hard work to get his feet out of the mud, and very hard
then to get them up and over the wall. He succeeded though, and grasping a
rail-fence and mounting it, dropped down into the lane.

"Glad to touch solid ground," thought Will, "though I be in my
stocking-feet."

He hurried to Aunt Stanshy's door, which had been left unlocked for his
admittance, and opening it, stepped upon the entry oil-cloth.