but cared little, for their excellence was
unquestionable.

During the meal that followed, Nigel ventured as far as politeness
permitted--indeed a little further, if truth must be told--to inquire
into the circumstances and motives of his entertainer in taking up his
abode in such a strange place, but he soon found that his eccentric
friend was not one who could be "pumped." Without a touch of rudeness,
and in the sweetest of voices, he simply assumed an absent manner and
changed the subject of discourse, when he did not choose to reply, by
drawing attention to some irrelevant matter, or by putting a counter
question which led away from the subject. Nigel also found that his host
never laughed and rarely smiled, though, when he did so the smile was so
slight as merely to indicate a general feeling of urbanity and goodwill,
and it was followed instantly by a look of gravity, if not sadness.
Altogether the guest was much perplexed about the host at first, and
somewhat constrained in consequence, but gradually he began to feel at
ease. Another discovery that he soon made was, that the hermit treated
Moses not as a servant, but as if he were in all respects an equal and a
comrade.

After eating for some time in silence, and having tried to draw out his
host without success, Nigel changed his tactics and said--

"You were so kind as to speak of me as your guest, Mr.---- Mr.---- I beg
pardon, may I--"

"My name is Van der Kemp," said the hermit quietly.

"Well, Mr. Van der Kemp, I must tell you that I am quite willing to
accept the position for which Moses hired me--"

"No, I didn't," contradicted the negro, flatly yet very gently, both in
tone and manner, for long residence with the hermit had apparently
imbued him with something of his spirit.

"Well, then," said Nigel, "the position for which Moses _should have_
hired some one else. ('K'rect _now_' whispered Moses.) Of course I do
not intend to ask for or accept wages, and also, of course, I accept the
position on the understanding that you think me fit for the service. May
I ask what that service is to be, and where you think of going to?"

"The service," returned the hermit slowly and with his eyes fixed on the
floor as if pondering his reply, "is to accompany me as my attendant and
companion, to take notes as occasion may serve, and to paddle a canoe."

At this reply our hero almost laughed, but was prevented from doing so
by his host asking abruptly if he un