The floor was of hard, dry clay; a few live coals remained,
smoking in the open fireplace, while a number of garments, among them
to be recognized my own clothing, dangled from wooden pegs driven into
the chinks of the farther wall. I surveyed the entire circuit of the
room wonderingly, a vague memory of what had lately occurred returning
slowly to mind. 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.
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