I found that the road was being mended, and by the fire lay a watchman in a big tub.

Just as I came up he was eating his supper.

He was a great, rough man, but I looked in his face and thought it seemed good, so I asked him if he'd let me rest a little.

Of course he was surprised at seeing me there, for it must have been midnight, and when he asked me about myself I told him the truth, because he spoke in a kind way.

Then he stopped eating and gave me what was left; it was a bit of fat bacon and some cold potatoes; but how good it was, and how good _he_ was! To this moment I can see that man's face.