He had been "abroad" in his day, too, and this fact invested him with an added dignity in the eyes of his stay-at-home townspeople.
"The Man from Jericho"
Edwin Carlile Litsey
The men had talked of warning Dorris a great many times before, but Tug had always argued that it was unnecessary; that it would only render him nervous and suspicious, whereas he was now contented, and very useful to the townspeople and his young wife.
"The Mystery of the Locks"
Edgar Watson Howe
The townspeople had fled in their night clothes.
"My Home In The Field of Honor"
Frances Wilson Huard