"It is terrible to lose a valuable animal up here," he said demurely.
After a few desultory polite exchanges Ambrose got up to go.

"I was waiting to say good night to you," he explained.
"You are camping down the river, I believe." "Half a mile below the English mission.

I paddled up." "I'll walk to the edge of the bank with you," said Gaviller politely.
As in nearly all company posts there was a flag-pole in the most conspicuous spot on the river-bank.

It was halfway between Gaviller's house and the store.

At the foot of the pole was a lookout-bench worn smooth by generations of sitters.
Leaving the house after a formal good night to Colina, Ambrose was escorted as far as the bench by John Gaviller.