It was John Turner.
He evinced no surprise on seeing Barebone, but shook hands with him with a little nod of the head, which somehow indicated that they had business together.
He accepted the chair brought forward by Marvin and warmed his hands at the fire, in no hurry, it would appear, to state the reason for this unceremonious call.

After all, Marvin was his oldest friend and Miriam his ward.

Between old friends, explanations are often better omitted.
"It is many years," he said, at length, "since I heard their talk.

They speak with their tongues and their teeth, but not their lips." "And their throats," put in Marvin, eagerly.

"That is because they are of Teuton descent.