"My business is of a different nature, sir."
"Just so! if I can help you, I will. I am Colonel Enoch Tarbox, well-known hereabouts."
"Thank you for your offer. If you will allow me, I will ask you one or two questions."
"Go ahead, young man; I'm ready to give you any information in my power."
"I am in search of a family named Ransom, who lived here some years ago."
"John Ransom?"
"Yes, sir."
"You won't find him; he's dead."
"So I have heard. Did you know him or his wife?"
"I've drank with John Ransom many a time at this very bar. He was rather fond of a social glass."