 Pursuing the subject, I inquired,

Didnt you ever go to school, Joe, when you were as little as me?

No, Pip.

Why didnt you ever go to school, Joe, when you were as little as me?

Well, Pip, said Joe, taking up the poker, and settling himself to his usual occupation when he was thoughtful, of slowly raking the fire between the lower bars; Ill tell you.