So in such circumstances he learned fast.

Once introduce the human element, however, and his absurdly sensitive self-consciousness asserted itself.

He was, as Jackson expressed it, backed off the skidway.
At dark the old man lit two lamps, which served dimly to gloze the shadows, and thrust logs of wood into the cast-iron stove.

Soon after, the men came in.

They were a queer, mixed lot.