all hut with deep eaves, the gable end turned towards
us. It was raised on posts several feet from the ground. A ladder led
to a platform or verandah, which projected from the wall of the gable,
in which was a small door.

"Here you are welcome to stow your goods and rest for the night," said
the stranger. "No human being but myself has ever entered it; for I
seek not the society of my fellow-men, either savage or civilised,
so-called. To-morrow, if the weather clears, you will, I conclude,
proceed on your way; or if you insist on remaining, I must seek another
home. Let that be understood, before I make you further welcome. Now,
enter, and such accommodation as my hut affords shall be yours."

There was something in the tone of the speaker which, though his dress
was rough and strange, made us feel that he was a man of education.

"We cordially thank you, sir," answered John, "and accept your
hospitality on the terms you propose; but as a portion of our goods
still remain near the river, we would ask you to give us another torch
to enable us to fetch them before the rain comes done."

"I will myself accompany you," he answered, "when I have introduced the
young people to my abode."

Saying this, he stepped up the ladder, and assisted Ellen and Maria to
reach the platform. He then led the way in, and lighted a lamp which
stood--we could see through the open door--on a table near it.

"I am sorry I have no better accommodation to offer you," he said,
looking at Ellen; "but such as it is, you are welcome to it."

He came down with another torch in his hand, and proceeded with rapid
strides back to the river. We had some difficulty in following him.
Again he took up a heavy load; and we, dividing the remainder of the
goods between us, followed him towards the hut. Ascending the ladder as
we reached it, he desired us to hand up the goods, which he carried
within. As soon as we were on the platform, he drew up the ladder.

"I always secure myself thus in my fortress at night," he remarked; "and
as I have taken means of preventing any snakes crawling up the posts on
which it stands, I can sleep more securely than many do in the so-called
civilised portion of the globe."

On entering the house, we found that it was larger than we had supposed
from its appearance outside. It was divided into two rooms. The outer
was fitted up, in somewhat rustic style, as a sitting-room, while we
concluded that the inner on