Mitchell said to me, "That man from Alabama, one wanted you to ride for him, he come askin' me 'bout you. Came to the stables earlier." I stopped my brushing and peered across the horses at Mitchell. "Did? What he want?" Mitchell kept on brushing. "Wanted t' know if you were on your own or if you was debted t' Mister Edward." "What'd you tell him?" "Told him I didn't know your business. Told him too, he wanna know your business, he best be talkin' t' you." "My daddy's dead set against my racing that grey or any other horse he doesn't approve of." "Well, s'pose he got his reasons." "Said he doesn't want me hurt." Mitchell grunted. —The Land, Mildred D. Taylor What is the main purpose of this dialogue? to slow down the pace of the text to give detailed information about the stables to show what Paul and Mitchell are thinking to suggest that a new situation is developing