We had got as far as this, ...

We had got as far as this, when who should walk in but the gentleman himself, who had been drinking his beer in the taproom and had heard the whole conversation. Who was I? What did I want? What did I mean by asking questions? He had a fine flow of language, and his adjectives were very vigorous.
We had got as far as this, when who should walk in but the gentleman himself, who had been drinking his beer in the taproom and had heard the whole conversation. Who was I? What did I want? What did I mean by asking questions? He had a fine flow of language, and his adjectives were very vigorous.

Quotes from the same author

It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.
Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius.
Whenever you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.
It is, I admit, mere imagination; but how often is imagination the mother of truth?
Skill is fine, and genius is splendid, but the right contacts are more valuable than either.