"Come, sir, and see for yourself," said Bent. "I am sorry to say there is no gainsaying the fact." A moment later they had reached the entrance to the stable-yard. "See sir," said Bent pointing to a circular hole which now existed where previously the lock had been. "The rascals cut out the lock, and thus gained an entry to the yard." He picked up the round piece of wood with the lock still attached to it, and showed it to his employer. "One thing is very certain, the man who cut this hole is a master of his trade, and is also the possessor of fine implements." "So it would appear," said Carne grimly. "Now what else is there for me to hear? Is the horse much hurt?" "Not a bit the worse, sir," answered Bent. "They didn’t get in at him, you see. Something must have frightened them before they could complete their task. Step this way, sir, if you please, and examine the door of the box for yourself. I have given strict orders that nothing shall be touched until you have seen it." They crossed the yard together, and approached the box in question. On the woodwork the commencement of a circle similar to that which had been completed on the yard gates could be plainly distinguished, while on the ground below lay four curious-shaped pads, one of which Carne picked up. "What on earth are these things?" he asked innocently. "Their use is easily explained, sir," answered the trainer. "They are intended for tying over the horse’s feet, so that when he is led out of his box his plates may make no noise upon the stones. I’d like to have been behind ’em with a whip when they got him out, that’s all. The double-dyed rascals, to try such a trick upon a horse in my charge!" "I can understand your indignation," said Carne. "It seems to me we have had a very narrow escape." "Narrow escape or no narrow escape, I’d have ’em safely locked up in Merford Police Station by this time," replied Bent vindictively. "And now, sir, let me show you how they got out. As far as I can see they must have imagined they heard somebody coming from the house, otherwise they would have left by the gates instead of by this ladder." He pointed to the ladder, which was still standing where Carne had placed it, and then led him by a side door round to the other side of the wall. Here he pointed to some heavy footmarks upon the turf. Carne examined them closely. "If the size of his boot is any criterion of his build," he said, "he must have been a precious big fellow. Let me see how mine compares with it." He placed his neat shoe in one of the imprints before him, and smiled as he noticed how the other overlapped it. They then made their way to the box, where they found the animal at his breakfast. He lifted his head and glanced round at them, bit at the iron of the manger, and then gave a little playful kick with one of his hind legs.