We were at last on common ground.
"Partner," said he, "you needn't tell nothin' about it.

I've been right there myself." At once he began to bustle about with great enthusiasm.

He was for taking complete charge of me, and I think, if I had permitted it, would instantly have made a brush-agent of me.

At least he would have carried me along with him in his buggy; but when he suggested it I felt very much, I think, as some old monk must have who had taken a vow to do some particular thing in some particular way.

With great difficulty I convinced him finally that my way was different from his--though he was regally impartial as to what road he took next--and, finally, with some reluctance, he started to climb into his buggy.
A thought, however, struck him suddenly, and he stepped down again, ran around to the box at the back of his buggy, opened it with a mysterious and smiling look at me, and took out a small broom-brush with which he instantly began brushing off my coat and trousers--in the liveliest and most exuberant way.