She took out her knitting again.
"How long have you lived in this house, Billy ?" "Since Mr.Fleming built." "H'm." Miss Cornelia pondered.

"And this is the first time you have been disturbed ?" "Last two days only." Billy would have made an ideal witness in a courtroom.

He restricted himself so precisely to answering what was asked of him in as few words as possible.
Miss Cornelia ripped out a row in her knitting.

She took a deep breath.
"What about that face Lizzie said you saw last night at the window ?" she asked in a steady voice.
Billy grinned, as if slightly embarrassed.

"Just face--that's all." "A--man's face ?" He shrugged again.
"Don't know--maybe.