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 them Geraghtys. I wouldn't trust them not to have some kind of a trap laid for us."

The little army proceeded in the same order to the second house. Here the search was more successful. Matty Hynes came upon a small pig which was rooting cheerfully in the manure heap before the door.

"You may seize that fellow, anyway," said Matty. "We'll get the rest of the beasts further on."

One of the bailiffs made a grab at the pig and missed it. It was a small and active pig. It ran to the far end of the manure heap and then stopped and looked at the bailiff.

"Catch it, can't you?" said Matty Hynes.

Both the bailiffs tried, but the pig escaped again. It was accustomed to being chased by the Geraghty children, and thoroughly understood the game. It grunted with delight as it eluded the bailiffs. Mr. Benson, Lieutenant Eckersley, and the police grinned.

"You may leave him alone," said Matty Hynes. "I wouldn't be bothered taking the like of him. I'll go on till I find where they have the cattle hid."

The third and largest house was Thomas Geraghty's. A voice issued from the door as the party approached it.

"Mind yourselves now," said Matty Hynes. "They'll be out for blood this day."

The police grasped their carbines. Mr. Benson straightened himself. Lieutenant Eckersley lit a