II

Later, I reverted to that speech of the child’s, that intelligent, illuminating speech that seemed to prove that there was indeed a powerful, thoughtful mind behind those profoundly speculative eyes.

“That time he spoke, Stott,” I said, “was he alone?”

“Ah!” assented Stott. “In the garden, practisin’ walkin’ all by ’imself.”

“Was that the only time?”

“Only time I’ve ’eard ’im.”

“Was it lately?”

“’Bout six weeks ago.”

“And he has never made a sound otherwise, cried, laughed?”

“’Ardly. ’E gives a sort o’ grunt sometimes, when e’ wants anything—and points.”