apparently very busy. Without looking up he said, "Doan be afeard,
Miss Lou, I'se be on de watch. Marse Linkum man right peart dis
mawnin'."

Aun' Jinkey was at her washtub near the door, and the cabin
presented the most innocent aspect imaginable. "Good-morning," said
the girl, affably. "How is your patient?"

"Recovering rapidly, thanks to your kindness and the good friends in
whose care you placed me," answered a hearty voice from the doorway.

Aun' Jinkey made a sort of rush to the door, exclaiming in tones
that were low, yet almost stern, "Marse Linkum man, ef you show
yo'sef--ef you doan stay by dat ar ladder so you git up sud'n, I des
troo wid dis bus'ness! Tain' far ter dem w'at's reskin' dere bodies
en a'most dere souls!"

"You are right, aunty," said Scoville, retreating. "It's wrong for
me to do anything which might bring trouble to you or Chunk; but I
was so eager to thank this other good Samaritan--"

"Well, den, sit by de ladder dar, en Miss Lou kin sit on de do'step.
Den a body kin feel tings ain' comin' ter smash 'fo' dey kin breve."

"Good Samaritan!" repeated Miss Lou, taking her old place in the
doorway where she had so recently wished something would happen;
"you have not fallen among thieves, sir."

"My fear has been that you would think that a thief had fallen among
the good Samaritans. I assure you that I am a Union soldier in good