There was a brief reply from farther along the bank.

"I have but one, read it, if you will, and satisfy yourself" was the brief reply.

From deep in the woods came two separate, brief replies.

I sensed the effort he put into that brief reply.

I am obliged to give you a brief reply.

Presently Tom's voice was heard, apparently asking eager questions, to which brief replies were given.

Before the end of the watch, Nogura's brief reply came.

There was a reply too brief to be anything but no. 'You sure?'

Before concluding, may I give some brief replies to two specific questions.

Perhaps you will allow him the opportunity for a brief reply later on.