And I don't read the first chapters, for they tell about my birth and my parentage and my early adventures.

I'll just come down to what happened to me while you was away, because you'll be more anxious to hear about that.

All that's written here is true, jus' the same as if I told it to you, but I've put it into novel language because it seems to come easier to me." And then, in a voice somewhat different from her ordinary tones, as if the "novel language" demanded it, she began to read: "Chapter Five.

The Lonely house and the Faithful friend.

Thus was I left alone.