Part 18 (1/2)
”We are sorry to have disturbed you in your lonely retreat,” began Harry.
”But we----”
”Say no more, my boy. Get the water you need and depart.”
”We will.”
Harry and Jerry turned toward the spring and quietly filled up the big tin can they had brought along.
The old hermit watched them curiously.
”You look like good boys,” he said. ”I want to ask a favor of you.”
”What?” asked both boys in a breath.
”I wish to end my days here undisturbed. Will you promise not to reveal my dwelling place to your friends?”
”I am willing to say nothing,” said Jerry, promptly.
”So am I,” returned Harry.
The old man looked much relieved.
”And how is it with you?” he went on, turning and walking to where Blumpo had his head bent low on the ground.
”Please, sah, don't charm me, sah! don't cast no spell ober me!” howled Blumpo. ”I ain't dun nuffin' 'deed I ain't. I'se de best boy in Lakeview!
Ain't I, Harry? Ain't dat de truf, Jerry?”
”I will not harm you, so do not be afraid,” said the hermit with a faint smile on his reddish-black face.
”I won't tell a t'ing! not a word, sah, hope ter die if I do!” went on Blumpo, still keeping his face down.
He was afraid that if he looked at the hermit he would be bewitched.
”Blumpo, get up!” said Harry, sharply. ”Don't make a fool of yourself.
This gentleman is not going to hurt you. Stand up and be a man.”
Thus spoken to, the homeless boy arose slowly to his feet. His knees were still trembling, and he needed but little incentive to take to his heels.
”I have not seen a colored or an Indian boy in years,” went on the old hermit. ”If you are an honest boy let me take your hand.”
He advanced, and with his knees knocking together Blumpo put out his hand and looked the old man in the face.
The next instant the hermit gave a leap back in profound astonishment.
”Abraham! As sure as the sun s.h.i.+nes! And I thought he was dead!”
CHAPTER XV.