en the two windows stood a cloth loom left just as it had
been used, the warp like a tightly stretched veil of white threads, and
the web of cloth begun.

In one corner were a few bundles of cotton, one of which had been torn
open and the contents placed in a thick layer over the long bench on
which he had slept, and covered with a blue and white homespun
counterpane. The head had been built high with it, and sheets spread
over all. He noticed the blankets which had covered him, and saw that
they were evidently of home manufacture, and that the white spread which
covered them was also of coarse, clean homespun, ornamented in squares
with rude, primitive needlework. He marvelled at the industry here
represented.

As for his toilet, the preparation had been most simple. A shelf placed
on pegs driven between the logs supported a piece of looking-glass; a
splint chair set against the wall served as wash-stand and
towel-rack--the homespun cotton towels neatly folded and hung over the
back; a wooden pail at one side was filled with clear water, over which
hung a dipper of gourd; a white porcelain basin was placed on the chair,
over which a clean towel had been spread, and to complete all, a square
cut from the end of a bar of yellow soap lay beside the basin.

David smiled as he bent himself to the refreshing task of bathing in
water so cold as to be really icy. Indeed, ice had formed over still
pools without during the night, although now fast disappearing under the
glowing morning sun. Above his head, laid upon cross-beams, were bundles
of wool uncarded, and carding-boards hung from nails in the logs. In one
corner was a rudely constructed reel, and from the loom dangled the idle
shuttle filled with fine blue yarn of wool. Thryng thought of the worn
old hands which had so often thrown it, and thinking of them he hastened
his toilet that he might go in and do what he could to help the patient.
It was small enough return for the kindness shown him. He feared to
offer money for his lodgment, at least until he could find a way.

At last, full of new vigor and very hungry, he issued from his
sleeping-room, sadly in need of a shave, but biding his time, satisfied
if only breakfast might be forthcoming. He had no need to knock, for the
house door stood open, flooding the place with sunlight and frosty air.
The huge pile of logs was blazing on the hearth as if it had never
ceased since the night before, and the flames leaped hot