Mother says he is just talking with kinfolk and has lost track of time. The meal is completed and the gentleman is still missing. The eldest son is sent to find his grandfather. A half an hour later he returns with an odd story. It seems many families are searching for their patriarchs.
Some men gather at the courthouse square to discuss the situation.
The crowd grows. All the missing gentlemen are Civil War veterans. Darkness is coming and concern is rising. Several search parties are formed and dispatched. One band heads south along Main Street.