I knew what was troubling him.

A little tin god has a pleasant time of it, no doubt, until the coming of the eighteen carat gold idol.
Captain Jed had been boss of Denboro--self-appointed to that eminent position, but holding it nevertheless--and to be pushed from his perch by a city rival was disagreeable.

If I knew him he would not be dethroned without a fight.

There were likely to be some interesting and lively times in our village.
I could understand Dean's dislike of Colton, but his interest in the Shore Lane was a mystery.

Why should he wish to buy that worthless strip of land?
And what did he mean by asking if I had chances to sell it?
Still pondering over this puzzle, I walked toward the front of the store, past the group waiting for the mail, where the discussion concerning the Coltons was still going on, Thoph Newcomb and Alvin Baker both talking at once.
"You ask Ros," shouted Alvin, pounding the counter beside him.