The sight which called forth these words of surprise from Walter was one that might naturally astonish him.  At the moment when he was about to spring into his saddle, the cottage door had opened, and out ran a little boy and girl about four or five years of age, followed by Amos Huntingdon, who chased them round the little garden, crying out, "I'll catch you, George; I'll catch you, Polly;" laughing loud as he said so, while the children rushed forward shouting at the fun.  They had gone thus twice round the paths, when Amos became suddenly aware that he was being observed by some one on horseback.  In an instant he made a rush for the house, and, as he was vanishing through the porch, a woman's head and a portion of her dress became visible in the entrance.