It is easy for characters in modern novels to seem more vivid than figures in the classics but, even so, Huckleberry Finn appeared to be more alive than Don Quixote and Julian Sorel, as naturally near to his own mind as we are to ours. It is to be repeated. In the attractive grip of this talent, one is ready to forgive the author of ''Huckleberry Finn'' for every influence he has so promiscuously absorbed. He has made such fertile use of his borrowings. One could even cheer his appearance on our jaded literary scene if not for the single transgression that goes too far.
Influence is mental, but theft is physical.
Then we set out the lines. Next we slid into the river and had a swim . Not a sound anywheres . It is the finest compliment I can offer. We use an unspoken standard of relative judgment on picking up a classic.