one of the things , he responded at length . it would have been able to lock onto him , and follow him into the school . i have n't seen him in a few weeks . '' i must have been so involved in my digging that i simply did not hear this man approach . he reached over , placing his hand on my knee , and squeezed gently . he was only half listening , letting bruces words wash over him until he said something that might be useful . 