"Some of the tree-tops by the road have been lopped off," replied Jack.
"That isn't all," said Lord Betterson. "Sure as fate, something has happened to Peakslow's buildings."
"That is what I saw!" Vinnie exclaimed. "Something turned over in the air like the roof of a house."
"I thought just now I heard cries in that direction," said Jack. "Hark a moment!"
"There comes somebody," said Rufe, as a girl of twelve years, barefoot, bonnetless, wild with fright, came running up the road. "It's 'Lecty Ann!"
Out of breath, almost out of her wits, the girl ran as far as the door-yard fence, then stopped, as if unable or afraid to go farther, caught hold of the pickets, and, putting her pale face between them, gasped out something which nobody could understand.
"What is it?—what's the matter?" cried Jack, advancing toward her.
"House—blowed down—covered up!" was all she could articulate.
"Who is covered up?"
"Don't know—some of the folks—pa, I guess."