Mr.Tredgold, after standing it for some time, created a little consternation by inquiring whether he had got a smut on his nose.
The captain was practically the only talker at tea, but the presence of two attentive listeners prevented him from discovering the fact.

He described his afternoon's ramble at such length that it was getting late by the time they had finished.
"Stay and smoke a pipe," he said, as he sought his accustomed chair.
Mr.Tredgold assented in the usual manner by saying that he ought to be going, and instead of one pipe smoked three or four.

The light failed and the lamp was lit, but he still stayed on until the sound of subdued but argumentative voices beyond the drawn blind apprised them of other visitors.

The thin tones of Mr.Chalk came through the open window, apparently engaged in argument with a bear.

A faint sound of hustling and growling, followed by a gentle bumping against the door, seemed to indicate that he--or perhaps the bear--was having recourse to physical force.
"Come in," cried the captain.
The door opened and Mr.Chalk, somewhat flushed, entered, leading Mr.
Stobell.