To all appearances I was there alone, although close beside me stood a low stool, supporting a tin basin partially filled with water.

As I moved I became conscious of a dull pain in my left shoulder, which I also discovered to be tightly bandaged.

It was late in the day, for the rays of the sun streamed in through the single window, and lay a pool of gold along the center of the floor.
I presume it was not long, yet my thoughts were so busy it seemed as if I must have been lying there undisturbed for some time, before the door opened quietly, and I became aware of another occupant of the room.
Paying no attention to me he crossed to the fireplace, stirred the few smouldering embers into flame, placing upon these some bits of dried wood, and then idly watched as they caught fire.

The newcomer was a negro, gray-haired but still vigorous, evidently a powerful fellow judging from his breadth of shoulder, and possessing a face denoting considerable intelligence.

Finally he straightened up and faced me, his eyes widening with interest as he caught mine fastened upon him, his thick lips instantly parting in a good-natured grin.
"De good Lord be praised!" he ejaculated, in undisguised delight.