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conversation with a heavily whiskered oldtimer in bib overalls and sloshers. |
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There was no pretense at social exchange. Caleb looked up, acknowledged us, finished his business with the man and walked wearily over to us. |
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"Figured that now that the excitement is over, you and the little lady would be pullin' out." |
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B.C. was standing somewhat behind me; nevertheless I could feel her stiffen at the reference to "little lady." |
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"We've got a few loose ends to tie up before we can say we're done." |
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"I think it's a shame we had to kill that creature before we found out what this was all about," B.C. offered. |
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Caleb nodded. "I was tellin' Mary Beth this mornin' at breakfast that it may take a while before I can eat anything that I know has come out of old man Palmer's meat cooler. Why, I've seen him makin' hamburger on that very block where we got that thing stretched out." |
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"Caleb, there's just a couple of things I still want to get straight." |
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The skipper wasn't any different than the rest of the locals; he took his own sweet time, loading, tamping and relighting his pipe. "Don't know as I can add anything to what you already know, but I'll be more than happy to try." |
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B.C., shoulders slumped and hands |
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