"Well, I specs he does," said Hannibal vaguely. "But den dere's so
many in trouble dat I'm afeard some hab to kinder look after
demselves." Then as if a bright thought struck him, he added, "I specs
he sorter lumps 'em jes as Massa Allen did when he said he was sorry
for de people burned up in Chicago. He sent 'em a big lot ob money and
den seemed to forget all about 'em."

Hannibal had never given much attention to religion, and perhaps was
not the best authority that Edith could have consulted. But his
conclusion seemed to secure her consent, for she leaned back wearily
and again closed her eyes, saying:

"Yes, we are mere human atoms, lost sight of in the multitude."

Soon her deep regular breathing showed that she was asleep, and
Hannibal muttered softly:

"Bress de child, dat will do her a heap more good dan askin' dem deep
questions," and he watched beside her like a large faithful
Newfoundland dog.

At last he touched her elbow and said, "We get off at de next landin',
and I guess we mus' be pretty nigh dere."

Edith started up much refreshed and asked, "What sort of an evening is
it?"

"Well, I'se sorry to say it's rainin' hard and berry dark."

To her dismay she also found that it was nearly nine o'clock. The boat