A short sentence here, an even shorter reply there.

A short reply ordered him to let the envelope drop from the window.

'He and I are of different opinions, as we have been more than once on our way here,' was the short reply.

With fingers that seemed reluctant to do what they were told, he banged out a short reply.

He made short, quick replies that caused the members of his band to exchange glances among themselves.

I thought you were one with your short reply, but I was terribly wrong.

"No." It was the shortest reply that he could choose.

This time I had a reply, short and gruff.

"I wait no man's pleasure," was his equally short reply.

Someone stole them - they are valuable/ was the short reply.