" It ain’t a superstition, Marse Tom.  Look at that Shekels — look at him, now.  Is he listening, or ain’t he?  Now you see! he’s turned his head away.  It’s because he was caught — caught in the act.  I’ll ask you — could a Christian look any more ashamed than what he looks now? — lay down!  You see? he was going to sneak out.  Don’t tell me, Marse Tom!  If animals don’t talk, I miss my guess. "

― Mark Twain , The Complete Mark Twain Collection