At the end of the meal they were startled by the trampling of hoofs without, followed by loud knocking.

In another moment the door was opened, and Mr.Stanner strode into the room.

Hale rose with a look of indignation.
"I thought, as Mr.Stanner understood that I had no desire for his company elsewhere, he would hardly venture to intrude upon me in my house, and certainly not after--" "Ef you're alluding to the Vigilantes shakin' you and Zeenie up at Hennicker's, you can't make ME responsible for that.

I'm here now on business--you understand--reg'lar business.

Ef you want to see the papers yer ken.