The boots were covered with wet mud.

Probably he had crossed the river very recently.
"Wal, when will you have the hosses fetched over ?" he asked, deliberately.

"Creech'll want to know." "Just as soon as the boat's mended," replied Bostil.

"I'll put Shugrue on the job to-morrow." "Thanks, Bostil.

Sure, thet'll be all right.