He was unusually reticent, and would only say: "Wall, the only man I heard speak on't, said 'twas different from anything he ever heard." This reminded me of a capital story told me by an old family doctor many years ago.

It was that sort of anecdote now out of fashion with raconteurs--a long preamble, many details, a gradual increase of interest, and a vivid climax, and when told by a sick bed would sometimes weary the patient.

A man not especially well known had given a lecture in a New Hampshire town without rousing much enthusiasm in his audience, and as he rode away on the top of the stage coach next morning he tried to get some sort of opinion from Jim Barker, the driver.

After pumping in vain for a compliment the gentleman inquired: "Did you hear nothing about my lecture from any of the people?
I should like very much to get some idea of how it was received." "Wall, no, stranger, I can't say as I heerd much.

I guess the folks was purty well pleased.