Who can turn down a good story-one that will make us laugh, or be surprised at the end, or maybe cause us to pause and reflect. Our reflection may come from our earlier life in the city or small town or country, or school experiences.

While there are no quizzes, there are questions that will be answered in He Was Just Sittin' There. What did the window washer see? What would bring together an old man, a young girl, and a goat at the county fair? How could an old Army sergeant have served with three generations of men in the same family? How did a secret passage lead to a house where a blinking upstairs light beamed out at night? What was the story of the boy from the mountains who spoke an unknown language?

Do not be shocked at a little irreverence-about the "authentic" history of various medical specialties, such as orthopedic surgery, or the preacher who was seen visiting the race track. It is possible a "children's story" may yield revelations for the adult reader. Tales of school teachers may bring a nostalgic response from one's own experience. The mysterious use of a Carpathian Mountain cavern may stir a sense of justice achieved.

Paul Cline recalls gathering on summer evenings with other kids in front of the neighborhood school to hear a high school boy tell stories in which each of the youngsters played a role. All were rapt listeners of the secret passages, hidden rooms, and creaking doors described by their older friend. Cline carries forward this experience to the present day.