"That white horse of yours looks sort of ailin' to me, Sim.

I think he needs a rest." And, sure enough, next day the white horse was pronounced unfit and taken back to the stable.

The depot master's dwelling moved, but that is all one could say truthfully concerning its progress.
At the depot the Captain was quieter than usual.

He joked with his assistant less than had been his custom, and for the omission Issy was duly grateful.

Sometimes Captain Sol would sit for minutes without speaking.