Far off, in the field, the younger folk were still dancing merrily down their long line of "Thread-the-needle." As we approached, we heard sobbing from one or two women, and loud curses from the men.
"What's amiss ?" said Mr.Halifax, as he came in the midst--and both curses and sobbings were silenced.

All began a confused tale of wrongs.

"Stop, Jacob--I can't make it out." "This lad ha' seen it all.

And he bean't a liar in big things--speak up, Billy." Somehow or other, we extracted the news brought by ragged Billy, who on this day had been left in charge of the five dwellings rented of Lord Luxmore.

During the owners' absence there had been a distraint for rent; every bit of the furniture was carried off; two or three aged and sick folk were left lying on the bare floor--and the poor families here would have to go home to nothing but their four walls.
Again, at repetition of the story, the women wept and the men swore.
"Be quiet," said Mr.Halifax again.