"I tell you, Jim, hit's th' only safe way.

You didn't use t' be so squeamish." Several times the old shepherd was mentioned, and also the stranger whom Wash had seen that evening.

And once, the trembling girl heard Young Matt's name.

At length the guest rose to go, and Mr.Lane walked with him to the gate.

Even after the big man was mounted, the conversation still continued; Wash still urging and Jim still protesting.
When his visitor was gone, Mr.Lane came slowly back to the house.
Extinguishing the light, he seated himself in the open doorway, and filled his pipe.