The third night Micky disappeared.

On the next he returned with another man; they had a crate of fowls, and Rolf was told to keep away from "that there little barn." So he did all morning, but he peeped in from the hayloft when a chance came, and saw a beautiful horse.

Next day the "little barn" was open and empty as before.
That night this worthy couple had a jollification with some callers, who were strangers to Rolf.

As he lay awake, listening to the carouse, he overheard many disjointed allusions that he did not understand, and some that he could guess at: "Night work pays better than day work any time," etc.

Then he heard his own name and a voice, "Let's go up and settle it with him now." Whatever their plan, it was clear that the drunken crowd, inspired by the old ruffian, were intent on doing him bodily harm.