They leisurely tied their horses up, as though they had been in the habit of making weekly visits to the place, and walked round to the veranda.
"Well, Mr.Brownbie, and how are you ?" said the sergeant to the old man.
The head of the family was gracious, and declared himself to be pretty well, considering all things.

He called the sergeant by his name, and asked the men whether they'd take a bit of something to eat.

Joe also was courteous, and, after a little delay in getting a key from his brother, brought out the jar of spirits, which, in the bush, is regarded as the best sign known of thorough good-breeding.
The sergeant said that he didn't mind if he did; and the other man, of course, followed his officer's example.
So far every thing was comfortable, and the constables seemed in no hurry to allude to disagreeable subjects.

They condescended to eat a bit of cold meat before they proceeded to business.

And at last the matter to be discussed was first introduced by one of the Brownbie family.
"I suppose you've heard that there was a scrimmage here last night," said Joe.