Galusha crossed the bridge and approached along the path. The stranger heard his step and turned.
“Good-afternoon,” said Galusha.
The man nodded and returned the greeting.
“Nice view from here,” he observed. Galusha agreed that the view was very nice, indeed. He passed on and turned to climb the bluff. Then the stranger called to him.
“Excuse me,” he said. “But may I ask you a question or two? Don't want to keep you if you are in a hurry, though.”
Galusha declared himself to be not in the least hurried. The man walked toward him.
“Are you acquainted about here?” he asked.
“Why—why—ah—yes, to some extent. Yes.”
“I mean do you know the lay of the land in this vicinity?”
“Why—ah—yes, I think so. Fairly well.”