midday
Then there 's -- there 's -- that at the ranch in Mutton Hollow ; but I guess I 'd better not try to tell you about that . I wish Mr. Matthews would , though ; maybe he will . You know so much more than us ; I know most you could help us or tell us about things . '' After the midday meal , while walking about the place , Mr. Howitt found a well worn path ; it led him to the group of pines not far from the house , where five rough head stones marked the five mounds placed side by side . A little apart from these was another mound , alone . Beneath the pines the needles made a carpet , firm and smooth , figured by the wild woodbine that clambered over the graves ; moss had gathered on the head stones , and the wind , in the dark branches above , moaned ceaselessly . About the little plot of ground a rustic fence of poles was built , and the path led to a stile by which one might enter the enclosure .