Probably they only wanted to make sure that he had really departed to forget all about him.

But if not, he had his plan ready.
"Are you travelling to-day ?" he asked the innkeeper.
"Just as far as the station to see about some oil-cake I'm expectin'.
What's in your wee kist?
Ye came here wi' nothing but the bag on your back." "Ay, the kist is no' mine.

It's my auntie's.

She's a kind body, and nothing would serve but she must pack a box for me to take back.

Let me see.