Did what I say lack energy, he might go to sleep in his chair; he had done this more than once when I failed of interest.

Also, if what I told were wholly true and wanting in ripple of romantic error, even though my friend did me the compliment of wakefulness, he would make no comment.

Neither was he likely to be provoked to any recital of counter experiences.

At last, however, he gave forth the observation which I quote above and I saw that I had brought him out.

I became at once wordless and, lighting a cigar, leaned back to listen.
"As I observes," he resumed, following a considerable pause which I was jealous to guard against word or question of my own; "I tells this tale to Colonel Sterett, Old Man Enright, an' the others one time when we're restin' from them Wolfville labours of ours an' renooin' our strength with nosepaint in the Red Light bar.