But Hunch again checked Bill's enthusiasm by pointing to the Milky Way, dim through the moonlight, and remarking:
"Jerushy! What a lot uv crazy fiddlers' girls must be out ridin' ternight."
Benner's face at first expressed contempt, but it softened to compassion as he said:
"'Tain't yer fault, Hunch. Yer ain't got it in yer head."
But Bill thought Hunch had it in his head, and resolved never to mention the sound-softener nor use high-sounding phrases before him. Becoming more practical, he invited his guests indoors, curious to know the object of their visit, yet too courteous to inquire. Benner did not keep him long in ignorance.
"The McAnay boys is gone ter hunt Gill, but they'll never find him, an' me an' Hunch is goin' ter find the boys an' help 'em git Gill. Then they'll bring him back an' make him marry Lizzī right."
"How can you help find him?" Bill asked gently and not incredulously.
"By my ears. He can't fool 'em if they'd ever hear him laugh er speak, but he might fool the boys' eyes."
"That's so," Bill assented. "But how are you and Hunch goin' to keep up with the big McAnays? They wouldn't want to be bothered with you."
He was considering the plan practically.