The dog barked in a frenzy of rage, and they heard his straining and jerking at his chain.

A clump of cedars brooded to the right of the house; their trunks were whitewashed up to the lowest branches.

The house had a high stoop with wooden steps.
As Warham descended and hallooed, there came a fierce tugging at the front door from the inside.

But the front door was not in the habit of being opened, and stoutly resisted.

The assault grew more strenuous; the door gave way and a tall thin farmer appeared.
"Hello, Zeke," called George.