As Mr. Wallingford ceased speaking, Mrs.
Montgomery turned her head quickly and looked out. The sound of
voices had reached her ears. Three men had entered the grounds, and
were passing the window at a short distance.
"Who are they?" asked Mr. Wallingford. Then, answering his own
question, he said, "Oh, I see; Judge Bigelow, Squire Floyd, and
Ralph Dewey, his son-in-law."
The three men, after going a few hundred rods in the direction of
the stream, turned and stood for some minutes looking at the house,
and talking earnestly. Dewey appeared to have the most to say, and
gesticulated quite freely. Then they moved on to that portion of the
stream where the water went gliding down the mimic rapids, and
remained there for a considerable time. It was plain that some
scheme was in their heads, for they took measurement by pacing off
the grounds in various directions; drew together in close conference
at times; then separated, each making some examination for himself;
and again stood in close deliberation. At last, as if satisfied with
their investigations, they returned by way of the mansion, and
passed out without calling.
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