The world are a lonesome place once you get shut of yo'r own dooryard," he said.

Murrell slipped from his saddle and fell into step at Yancy's side as they moved forward.
"They were mightily stirred up at the Cross Roads when I left, wondering what had come of you," he observed.
"When did you quit there ?" asked Yancy.
"About a fortnight ago," said Murrell.

"Every one approves of your action in this matter, Yancy," he went on.
"That's kind of them," responded Yancy, a little dryly.

There was no reason for it, but he was becoming distrustful of Murrell, and uneasy.
"Bladen's hurt himself by the stand he's taken it this matter," Murrell added.
They went forward in silence, Yancy brooding and suspicious.

For the last mile or so their way had led through an unbroken forest, but a sudden turn in the road brought them to the edge of an extensive clearing.