"I might have drowned but for you. This fire is quite comfortable I
assure you, most comfortable indeed."
The steam rose in a cloud about the engineer as he turned about, exposing
his clothing to the genial heat.
"I was eating a mighty late supper," said the peddler. "Fact is I'm
noways regular at my meals; coz the tarverns won't board me for what it's
worth. I bunk out of doors these warm nights, and don't feel afraid with
Tige for a companion."
"I should imagine not. That dog is a noble fellow."
"Noble! Well, he's the next thing to human, Mr. Bordine. Somebody
poisoned his mate, so't I have to foot it where once I rode in my
carriage. If your anyways hungry, mister, I can give you grub enough such
as 'tis."
The engineer assured the queer fellow that he had no desire to eat since
it was late when he left home.
"How'd you come in the creek?"
Should he tell the true story to this deformed fellow, who had befriended
him? Could there be any harm in it?
"Speak right out, young man. You've been into a muss of some sort, and I
sympathise with you."
"I am glad to hear you say that.
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