"Your steadfastness does you credit, Deputy," and I shrug a bit. Just ain't seen people believin' much different here than in Shooter's Knob. Not in a different way, leastways; few things 'round Excolo I wouldn'ta countenanced folk believin' in before. "Forgive a tired brother his misgivings. A man accumulates more than dust when he travels."

"Nothin' ta forgive," I say mild, 'cause I figure any trouble a man has with his own heart, ain't somethin' ta be treated as a wrong oughtta be forgiven. He'll sort it out, I guess. Good night's sleep does wonders fer that.

"Many thanks for your kindness, Deputy Hollow," Samuel says, holding out his hand and I take it and smile. "You've been a great help, but I don't wish to keep you from your duties."

"Ain't no trouble," I say, though I guess a tired man might want a little time ta himself. Still, I oughtta get back ta the Sheriff's, an' that's on the way, just a coupla minutes. "The Abbey's up Silk Road--that's this one--and ya turn left on Main Street, the wide one with the General Store on it. Abbey's just up on your left. Was thinkin' I'd head back ta the office-- that's the Church of Saint Willigis," I add, interruptin' myself. "Anyways, Sheriff's is right up ahead."