But he was not denied to listen, and Forrester was communicative, as became his frank face and honest impulses.

The brief questions of Ralph obtained copious answers; and, for an hour, the woodman cheered the solitude of his chamber, by the narration of such matters as were most likely to interest his hearer, in respect to the new region where he was, perforce, kept a prisoner.

Of Chestatee, and the people thereof, their employment, and the resources of the neighborhood, Forrester gave a pretty correct account; though he remained prudently silent in regard to the probable parties to that adventure in which his hearer had received his hurt.
From speaking of these subjects, the transition was natural to the cause of uproar going on below stairs.

The sounds of the hubbub penetrated the chamber of the wounded man, and he expressed some curiosity in respect to it.

This was enough for the woodman, who had partially informed himself, by a free conversation with the wagoner who drove the vehicle which brought Ralph to the tavern.