Change the narrative style by using indirect speeches. "I am sorry, your axe is lost," said the stranger. "Will you know it if you see it? I found an axe in the road. It may be yours. Is this the axe that you have lost?" he asked, holding out a gold axe. "No," answered the woodman, "That is not my axe. All the money I ever earned would not buy such an axe as that."