[ Krouse laughs a little, dry and papery, and flicks ash off the end of his cigarette with a light flick of his thumb. ]

You don't have to walk the whole way. I'll take you.

[ If he's aiming for not being seen as helpful, he shouldn't be compounding his lousy attempt at being comforting with offering a free ride - but he rationalizes it with the fact it'd be a waste of all his previous effort if Harold gets eaten by something else, or falls into a pit trap (he's seen what some of these people get up to), or winds up laid up for a couple days from overdoing it.

Krouse lifts a hand to ward off protest: ] I need to pick up some things from my place anyway.

[ He could go for an energy drink. He could pretty much always go for caffeine. Makes a decent excuse for many occasions. ]

And thanks. I'll keep it in mind.