They looked at him curiously, but grudgingly consented to give him breakfast.

There was an old man, and another who was younger, but crippled.

And this cripple was the one who seemed most puzzled by Fred's appearance in the place.

He surveyed him closely and twice Fred caught him whispering, evidently about him.
Then the cripple slipped away and came back, just as Fred was finishing his meal, with a pompous looking, superannuated policeman, recalled to duty since the younger men had all gone to war.

This man asked many questions which Fred answered.
"You are American ?" asked the policeman, finally.