“It sounded like it was out by the hill.” That was truthful, and useful as well, since the direction was almost opposite that in which the barn lay.
The Industrialist looked at his guest. “I suppose it would do no harm to walk toward the hill.”
The Astronomer said, “I am ready.”
Red watched them walk away and when he turned he saw Slim peering cautiously out from among the briars of a hedge.
Red waved at him. “Come on.”
Slim stepped out and approached. “Did they say anything about the meat?”
“No. I guess they don’t know about that. They went down to the hill.”
“What for?”
“Search me. They kept asking about the noise I heard. Listen, did the animals eat the meat?”
“Well,” said Slim, cautiously, “they were sort of looking at it and smelling it or something.”