He said yes, and that the man was safe and by this time far away.

Meanwhile, the little town buzzed with unwonted excitement and politics gave place about the grocer's door at evening to animated discussion, which was even more interesting when on Wednesday there was still no news and the town lamented the need to go unshaven.
On Thursday morning Billy was sent with a led horse to meet Penhallow at Westways Crossing.

Penhallow had written that he must go on to a meeting of the directors of the bank at the mills and would not be at home until dinner-time.

The afternoon train brought Mr.Woodburn, who as advised by Grey went at once to Swallow's house, where Mrs.Swallow gave him a note from her husband asking that if he came he would await the lawyer's return.
"Well, Billy, glad to see you," said Penhallow, as he settled himself in the saddle.

"All well at Grey Pine ?" "Yes, sir." The Squire was in high good-humour on having made two good contracts for iron rails.