In all my life I have met no man of scanter amenities.

All that kind of thing was, in his view, I think, a waste of time, a foolish encouragement to men who were likely to be seeking favors.
"Good day," he said, once and for all, as he came in at the open door.
"Baynes, I want to have a talk with you and the boy." I remember how each intake of his breath hissed through his lips as he sat down.

How worn and faded were his clothes and hat, which was still on his head! The lines on his rugged brow and cheeks were deeper than ever.
"Tell me what you know about that murder," he demanded.
"Wal, I had some business over to Plattsburg," my uncle began.

"While I was there I thought I'd go and see Amos.

So I drove out to Beekman's farm.