Most of the blinds were down, and Vincent judged that the inmates could not be numerous.
"You remain here, Dan, and I will go and knock at the door.

It is better that we should not be seen together." Vincent accordingly went forward and knocked at the door.

An old negress opened it.
"We have nothing for tramps," she said.

"De house am pretty well cleared out ob eberything." She was about to shut the door when Vincent put his foot forward and prevented its closing.

"Massa Charles," the negress called out, "bring yo' shot-gun quick; here am tief want to break into the house." "I am neither a thief nor a tramp," Vincent said; "and I do not want anything, except that I should be glad to buy a loaf of bread if you have one that you could spare.