Presently he stopped to listen to the voices of Dwight and David, who were out before the house.
“Grandmother,” said he, “is that the boys?”
“Yes,” said she, “I believe it is.”
Then Caleb went on rocking, and the voices died away.
Presently, they came nearer again. The boys seemed to be passing down in front of the house, with a wheelbarrow, towards the water.
“Grandmother,” said Caleb, stopping again, “what do you suppose the boys are doing?”
“I don't know,” said she, “should not you like to go and see? You can play with them half an hour before dinner, if you please.”
Caleb did not answer, but began to rock again. He did not seem inclined to go.
Soon after he heard a splash, as of stones thrown into the water. Caleb started up and said,
“Grandmother, what can they be doing?”