That is, he said you were very much surprised." "That's puttin' it mild enough.

And did he tell you that 'Bije and I hadn't seen each other, or even written, in eighteen years ?" "Yes." "Um-hm.

Well, when you consider _that_, can you wonder I was set all aback?
And the more I think of it, the foggier it gets.

Why, Mr.
Sylvester, it's one of them situations that are impossible, that you can prove fifty ways _can't_ happen.

And yet, it has--it sartinly has.
Now tell me: Are you, or your firm, well acquainted with my brother's affairs ?" "Not well, no.