But , in my private opinion , old Philemon 's eyesight had been playing him tricks again . Before he could ask any questions , the elder stranger drew his attention from the wonderful staff , by speaking to him . `` Was there not , '' asked the stranger , in a remarkably deep tone of voice , `` a lake , in very ancient times , covering the spot where now stands yonder village ? '' `` Not in my day , friend , '' answered Philemon ; `` and yet I am an old man , as you see . There were always the fields and meadows , just as they are now , and the old trees , and the little stream murmuring through the midst of the valley . My father , nor his father before him , ever saw it otherwise , so far as I know ; and doubtless it will still be the same , when old Philemon shall be gone and forgotten ! '' `` That is more than can be safely foretold , '' observed the stranger ; and there was something very stern in his deep voice . He shook his head , too , so that his dark and heavy curls were shaken with the movement , `` Since the inhabitants of yonder village have forgotten the affections and sympathies of their nature , it were better that the lake should be rippling over their dwellings again ! '' The traveller looked so stern , that Philemon was really almost frightened ; the more so , that , at his frown , the twilight seemed suddenly to grow darker , and that , when he shook his head , there was a roll as of thunder in the air . But , in a moment afterwards , the stranger 's face became so kindly and mild , that the old man quite forgot his terror . Nevertheless , he could not help feeling that this elder traveller must be no ordinary personage , although he happened now to be attired so humbly , and to be journeying on foot . Not that Philemon fancied him a prince in disguise , or any character of that sort ; but rather some exceedingly wise man , who went about the world in this poor garb , despising wealth and all worldly objects , and seeking everywhere to add a mite to his wisdom . This idea appeared the more probable , because , when Philemon raised his eyes to the stranger 's face , he seemed to see more thought there , in one look , than he could have studied out in a lifetime . While Baucis was getting the supper , the travellers both began to talk very sociably with Philemon . The younger , indeed , was extremely loquacious , and made such shrewd and witty remarks , that the good old man continually burst out a-laughing , and pronounced him the merriest fellow whom he had seen for many a day . `` Pray , my young friend , '' said he , as they grew familiar together , `` what may I call your name ? '' `` Why , I am very nimble , as you see , '' answered the traveller . `` So , if you call me Quicksilver , the name will fit tolerably well . '' `` Quicksilver ? Quicksilver ? ''
repeated Philemon , looking XXXXX the traveller 's face , to see if he were making fun of him .
While about at before from if in on that to