I shall be for making short work with you, when our day comes.' And touching his hat, he walked rapidly away.
The Squire straightened his shoulders, and looked round to see whether they had been overheard.

But the labourers carrying the hurdles, and Gregson burdened with the coil of wire, had not been listening.

They stood now in a group close to the main gate waiting for their leader.

The Squire walked up to them, picking his way among various articles of furniture, a cradle, some bedding, a trunk or two, which lay scattered in the road in front of the white casemented lodge.

The wife of old Perley, the lodge-keeper, was standing on her doorstep.
'Well, no offence, Muster Mannering, but Perley and me's going over to my sister's at Wood End to-night, afore the milingtary come.' The black-browed elderly woman spoke respectfully but firmly.
'What silly nonsense have you got into your heads ?' shouted the Squire.