"Yeigh, so it dun, mester," observed old Mitton.
"It does not appear to have been disturbed, at all events," said Nicholas, dismounting and examining it.
"It would seem not," said Nowell—"and yet it certainly is not in its old place."
"Yo are mistaen, mester," observed Jem Device; "ey knoa th' lond weel, an this stoan has stood where it does fo' t' last twenty year. Ha'n't it, neeburs?"
"Yeigh—yeigh," responded several voices.
"Well, let us go on to the next stone," said Potts, looking rather blank.
Accordingly they went forward, the hinds exchanging significant looks, and Roger Nowell and Nicholas carefully examining their respective maps.
"These landmarks exactly tally with my plan," said the squire, as they arrived at the third stone.
"But not with mine," said Nowell; "this stone ought to be two hundred yards to the right. Some trickery has been practised."
"Impossible!" exclaimed the squire; "these ponderous masses could never have been moved. Besides, there are several persons here who know every inch of the ground, and will give you their unbiassed testimony. What say you, my men? Are these the old boundary stones?"