I shrank from the hand that touched me and, moving quickly aside, struck a match and peered around.

By its light I could discern the form of a man standing near the edge of the thicket.

Rising to my feet I took down the lantern and lighted it.

There, standing before me, was the grinning mute who had admitted me to the house.

My uncle, who was still kneeling, rose feebly to his feet, his eyes wet with tears.
"Good friend!" said he, taking the lantern from me and handing it to the mute.