She's been sittin' here, cryin', a few minutes, that's all I know; an' she won't say nothin' to nobody.
"Any of you men know anything about it ?" demanded Gabriel, looking at the rest.
A murmur of negation was his only answer.

One or two others, scenting some excitement, even though only that of a distressed woman--common sight, indeed!--lingered near.

The little group was growing.
Gabriel bent and touched the woman's shoulder.
"What's the matter ?" asked he, in a gentle voice.

"If you're in trouble, let me help you." Renewed sobs were her only answer.
"If you'll only tell me what's the matter," Gabriel went on, "I'm sure I can do something for you." "You--you can't!" choked the woman, without raising her head from the corner of the ragged shawl that she was holding over her eyes.

"Nobody can't! Bill, he's gone, and Eddy's gone, and Mr.Micolo says he won't let me in.