I mentioned that I sometimes was a neighbor, and we strode on together. I don'tthink he spoke again, except for a "Well, sir!" or two of genialsurprise at something I exclaimed, and, now and then, "You don't tell me!"which he had a most eloquent way of exclaiming; but he listened visiblyto my own talk, and laughed at everything that I meant for funny.

I never knew anybody who gave one a greater responsiveness; he seemed tobe WITH you every instant; and H0W he made you feel it was the truthfulmystery of Beasley, this silent man who never talked, except (as mycousin exclaimed) to kidren.