Pete and Joe were hurrying out of the house toward the group. All
the dogs congregated, some of them climbing over the fence to
investigate the colt, which was skittish under the ordeal. Even the
turkey-gobbler, strutting on the outskirts of the assemblage, had an
attentive aspect, as if he, too, relished the gossip.

Mrs. Griggs's pink calico sunbonnet surmounted the cap with the
explanatory ruffle. She carried a fan of turkey feathers, and with
appropriate gesticulation, it aided in expounding to Mrs. Dicey the
astonishing news that Nate had found a gold mine on vacant land, and
had entered the tract. They intended to send specimens to the State
Assayer, and they were all getting ready to begin work at once.

Another surprise to Birt! The ignorant mountain boy had never heard
of the Assayer. But indeed Nate had only learned of the existence
of the office and its uses during that memorable trip to Sparta.

The prideful Mrs. Griggs from her elevation, literal and
metaphorical, supplemented all this by the creditable statements
that Nate had turned twenty-one, had cast his vote, and had a right
to a choice at the Cross-roads.

Then she chirruped to the rawboned sorrel mare, and jogged off down
the road, followed by the frisky colt, whose long, slender legs when
in motion seemed so fragile that it was startling to witness the
temerity with which he kicked up his frolicsome heels. The dogs,
with that odd canine affectation of having just perceived the
intruders, pursued them with sudden asperity, barking and snapping,
and at last came trotting nimbly home, wagging their tails and with
a dutiful mien.