You may direct your discourse to him, but he will merely answer you with monosyllables and exclamations; of if he is far gone in noodleism, he will content himself with shrugging his shoulders, or waving his hand, or peradventure he will nod his head in such a solemn and mysterious manner as will impress you with an idea that he is a perfect Solon. It is only after he opens his mouth you discover he is merely a solan goose.