His voice was rich and deep, and pitched low as if he were telling you something he did not want everybody to hear.

He swore constantly, and used nasty language; but he had a way with him which I have seen him use to ministers of the gospel without their seeming to take notice of the improper things he said.
There was something intimate in his treatment of every one he spoke to; and he was in the habit of saying things, especially to women, that had all sorts of double meanings--meanings that you couldn't take offense at without putting yourself on some low level which he could always vow was far from his mind.

And there was a vibration in his low voice which always seemed to mean that he felt much more than he said.
"My name's Gowdy," he said; "all you people going west for your health ?" "I," said the black-bearded man, "am Doctor Bliven; and I'm going west, I'm going west, not only for my health, but for that of the community." "Glad to make your acquaintance," said Gowdy; "and may I crave the acquaintance of our young Argonaut here ?" "Let me present Mr.--" said Doctor Bliven, "Mr .-- Mr.--" "Vandemark," said I.
"Let me present Mr.Vandemark," said the doctor, "a very obliging young man to whom I am already under many obligations, many obligations." Buckner Gowdy took my hand, bringing his body close to me, and looking me in the eyes boldly and in a way which was quite fascinating to me.
"I hope, Mr.Vandemark," said he, "that you and Doctor Bliven are going to settle in the neighborhood to which I am exiled.

Where are you two bound for ?" "I expect to open a drug store and begin the practise of medicine," said the doctor, "at the thriving town of Monterey Centre." "I've got some land in Monterey County," said I; "but I don't know where in the county it is." Doctor Bliven started; and Buckner Gowdy shook my hand again, and then the doctor's.
"A sort of previous neighborhood reunion," said he.

"I expect one of these days to be one of the old residenters of Monterey County myself.