I've got a place in the thick timber t' do my cookin'-- all I want t' do--in the middle of the night Sometimes I come here an' spend a day in the garret if I'm caught in a storm or if I happen to stay a little too late in the valley.

Once in a great while I meet a man somewhere in the open but he always gits away quick as he can.

Guess they think I'm a ghost--dunno what I think o' them.' Our host went on talking as if he were glad to tell the secrets of his heart to some creature of his own kind.

I have often wondered at his frankness; but there was a fatherly tenderness, I remember in the voice of Uncle Eb, and I judge it tempted his confidence.

Probably the love of companionship can never be so dead in a man but that the voice of kindness may call it back to life again.
'I'll bring you a bite t' eat before morning,' he said, presently, as he rose to go, 'leet me feel o' your han', mister.' Uncle Eb gave him his hand and thanked him.
'Feels good.