My grandad told this tale as true:

He (his name the same as mine) had a younger brother who didn't talk. Keeping in mind this is in the 1920's. They all figured his brain just didn't work right and couldn't talk. As the story goes, my great grandmother walked past the smokehouse one day and heard a strange voice. It was the non-talking brother talking to himself. So, she clued in the rest of the family and instructed them not to pass him any food at dinner until he asked properly.

So, at dinner, my great-uncle pointed at the bread and tapped my grandfather on the shoulder. No response. Again, he pointed and tapped. No one paid any attention.

Finally, he spoke: "Pass the damn biscuits, Ed."

First words anyone had heard him speak in public. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Frank,
It's been some time since I read on this thread. My God, man. That engine's given you a run for money, hasn't it?

I'm glad to see you're homing in on the problem. I wish I could make the time to come help. I know I'd learn from it.

...another baseball tournament this weekend... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />