I'm very sorry."
The man laughed. "That's all right," he said. "Asked my question the
wrong way, didn't I? Well, tell me a little about the land, then. Are
the woods the other side of that hill or only on this?"
Galusha informed him concerning the extent of the pine grove. The
stranger asked some questions about the course of the creek above the
bridge, the distance from the main highway, whether the land beyond the
hill was settled or unoccupied. His final question was concerning the
Restabit Inn.
"Any other hotels around here within ten miles?" he asked. When told
there were not, he merely nodded, making no comment.
"Well, I'm much obliged," he said. "I was just loafing around and a
little curious, that's all. Thanks. Hope I haven't kept you too long.
Good-day."
Galusha followed the winding path up the face of the high bluff. When,
having reached its top, he paused to get fresh breath in place of that
he had lost, he looked down and saw his questioner standing where he had
left him and, apparently, still admiring the view.
The following afternoon they saw each other again. This time the
stranger was on the other side of the creek, wandering about at the
edge of the pine grove. He acknowledged Galusha's bow with a wave of the
hand, but he did not come nearer to ask more questions.
That evening, at the supper table, Mr.
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