Who was the old man?

[alatar]

It's over...though oddly expressed.

Originally Posted by Gandalf the White in Fangorn

He <Saruman> was so eager to lay his hands on his prey that he could not wait at home, and he came forth to meet and to spy on his messengers. But he came too late, for once, and the battle was over and beyond his help before he reached these parts. He did not remain here long. I look into his mind and I see his doubt. He has no woodcraft. He believes that the horsemen slew and burned all upon the field of battle; but he does not know whether the Orcs were bringing any prisoners or not.

And later:

'You certainly did not see me,' answered Gandalf, 'therefore I must guess that you saw Saruman.'

What's odd is the two statements seem to be at odds, as the first seems definitive while the second a guess.