The elevation of the veranda floor raised him so that he was actually some inches above the head of his interlocutor, and the tall man was deeply grateful for that advantage.

He was, in truth, a little vain of his own height, and to have to look up to anyone irritated him beyond words.

Having established his own superior position, he looked the giant over from head to foot.

He kept one eye steadily on Bull, as though afraid that the big man might dodge out of sight and elude him.
"And what might you have to do with Pete Reeve ?" he asked.

"Mightn't you be a partner of Pete's?
Kind of looks like you was following him sort of eager, friend." While this question was being asked, Bull saw that the line of idlers settled forward in their chairs to hear the answer.