He was always hoarse, and spoke either in a whisper or a wheeze.

For this, or for some other reason not apparent, he was a silent man, rarely speaking except when addressed by a question, and never making conversation with anybody.

From the time he first started independently in the world, he had been in some public office.

Men with dirty work to do had found him wonderfully serviceable, and, by ways which it would be hard to define to the ordinary mind, he had so managed that every town and county office, in which there was any money, had been by turns in his hands.
"Well, Mr.Buffum, how fare ye ?" said Jim, walking heartily up to him, and shaking his hand, his face glowing with good-nature.
Mr.Buffum's attempt to respond to this address ended in a wheeze and a cough.
"Have ye got room for another boarder to-night?
Faith, I never expected to come to the poor-house, but here I am.

I'll take entertainment for man or beast.