He had already asked Iron Head about the two people's intentions before he came and knew they were looking for him to inquire about "Colander" Ben's whereabouts.
The reason for not bringing it up proactively and instead asking the two first was to give them the lead in the conversation.
Caution was one aspect of it.
The other was because of his own little stratagem.
This back and forth might have added just one or two more sentences.
But compared to informing them about Ben's whereabouts on his own, waiting for these two professionals to request it, and then readily providing it without hiding anything,
it allowed himself, or rather the Gray Badger Gang, to establish an additional layer of connection with these two professionals.
Even if it doesn't reach the level of "favor," the next time something happens, recalling today, their attitude is bound to change somewhat.
If luck is even better, helping them with a small favor, becoming friends is not impossible.
