Then, out of the night that covered us, suddenly sprang a kitchen full of light and a family at supper, kind German folk, the old people, the younger married couple, and the grandchildren, and a big dog vociferously taking care of them.

A lighted glimpse, a few hearty words of direction, and we were out in the night again; for though, indeed, this was Dutch Hollow, its simple microcosm did not include an hotel.

For that we must walk on another half-mile or so.

O those country half-miles! So on we went again, and soon a lighted stoop flashed on our right.

At last! I mounted the steps of a veranda, and, before knocking, looked in at the window.