He must have heard, somehow, that Mr.Colton wished to buy it." "Yes.

Or, if he didn't hear just that, he heard enough to make him guess the rest.

He is pretty shrewd." "You promised him you wouldn't sell without telling him beforehand.
Shall you tell him of Mr.Colton's offer ?" "If he asks me, I shall, I suppose." "I wonder what he will do then.

Do you suppose he will try to persuade the Selectmen to buy the Lane for the town ?" "I don't know.

I shouldn't wonder." "It will be harder to refuse the town's offer." "Yes.