It's such a serious affair that I'm afraid to hurry too fast.

Why, if the boy is innocent, as we both seem to believe, he'd be terribly humiliated if he learned that he had been under suspicion.

I've found out he's quite proud, and that's one reason he hasn't mingled with the young folks much since coming to our town.

He knows there are strange rumors about his grandfather, and that some people are even talking about Mr.Dugdale as if they suspected him of being a notorious crook in hiding." "Listen! what's all that loud talking ahead there mean ?" suddenly exclaimed Thad.
They both stopped short, and held their breath while listening.
"Would you believe it!" cried Thad, "that was certainly Nick Lang's gruff voice I heard just then.

If that chap's around this region, he's come out on purpose to kick up some sort of a shindy.