Doctor Crosby's preference was for the long-drawn-out style, as this example, which I heard him tell several times, shows: A man gave a lecture in a New England town which failed to elicit much applause and this troubled him.

As he left early next morning on the top of the stage-coach, he interviewed the driver, who seemed not anxious to talk.

"Did you hear much said about my lecture last night?
Do you think it pleased the audience ?" "Oh, I guess they were well enough satisfied; some were anyway." "Were there any who expressed dissatisfaction ?" "I would not pry into it, stranger; there wasn't much said against it anyhow." "Now you have aroused my curiosity.

I must beg you to let me know.

Who criticized it, and what did they say?
It might help me to hear it." "Well, Squire Jones was the man; he does not say much one way or other.