His boots were soaked with water and mud.

His clothes began to steam.
"When I looked at dad I was surprised.

He seemed cool and bright, with the self-contained force usual for him when something critical is about to happen.
"'Ahuh! So you come back,' he said.
"'Yes, I'm home,' replied Jack.
"'Wal, it took you quite a spell to get hyar.' "'Do you want me to stay ?' "This question from Jack seemed to stump dad.

He stared.

Jack had appeared suddenly, and his manner was different from that with which he used to face dad.