Mason. I knows you by sight, and I'se right glad to find you hyar. You
see, I'se that tuckered out I'm fit to drap."

The perspiration was standing in great drops on his face as he sank
panting upon a step of the piazza.

"'Scuse me," he said, "but 'pears like I can't stan' another minit, what
with bein' up all night with Miss Dory, an' gwine 'crost the lake twiste
for nothin', 'case I didn't find him."

By this time Mr. Mason had recognized the negro as one he had seen
occasionally around the hotel selling vegetables and eggs, and who he
had heard the people say was worth his weight in gold.

"How d'ye, Jake," he said, pleasantly. "I didn't know you at first. Why
have you been across the lake twice this morning?"

Jake's face clouded as he drew his big black hand across his eyes.

"Miss Dory done died at sun up," he replied. "You know Miss Dory, in
course."

Mr. Mason was obliged to confess his ignorance with regard to Miss Dory,
and asked who she was.

Jake looked disgusted. Not to know Miss Dory was something inexcusable.

"Why, she's Miss Dory," he said, "an' ole Miss is her granny. We live up
in the palmetto clearing, back in de woods, an' I take keer of 'em."