.
Eh? What is it, sonny?"

Fortunately, Ned, like most sleepwalkers, was wholly unconscious of
his actions while in that abnormal state, and made no comments on
anything save his own reluctance to go to bed while so interesting a
gentleman was in the house; but was finally coaxed to do so by the
promise of Luis sharing his cot as well as his porridge; whereupon
Mrs. Trent kissed him good-night and invited the guest below.

His protestations against another supper, after the excellent one he
had taken at Aleck McLeod's, met with nothing but the hospitable
rejoinder:

"Oh! but you can surely manage a light refreshment, since you've
ridden thirty miles from Marion."

To which the little captain added her entreaties, saying:

"I'm hungry, anyway. I'm always so, I guess, but I couldn't think of
breaking bread before you unless you share it."

Therefore sleepy Wun Lung came with the tray, and was gratified by the
friendly notice of the stranger; and Mrs. Trent made tea in the little
swinging kettle over her alcohol lamp, her daughter declaring that it
always tasted better served in that way. Ninian found that, in spite
of his protestations, the simple refreshments were very acceptable,
and the trio were quietly enjoying their reunion when Jessica suddenly
remembered Ephraim and sprang up to go in search of him, exclaiming:

"Even if Mr. Sharp isn't hungry, dear old 'Forty-niner' is sure to be.
He'll be here soon, maybe, but I won't wait till the kettle is cold.
He's been sleeping at the 'house' ever since he got back and might go
straight to his room, if I don't prevent."

When she had gone Ninian observed upon the remarkable devotion between
the old sharpshooter and his small pupil, and the mother assented; yet
added, as an after-thought:

"I sometimes regret it. Jessica is a child of impulsive, yet absorbing
affections. She can see no flaw in the character of anybody she loves;
and--well, none of us are perfect, and Ephraim grows old."

Still, when he entered, the lady greeted him with cordiality, and
served him promptly; and presently they were all talking eagerly of
the recent events at Sobrante. Of course, Pedro came in for a brief
but loving mention; and to the guest's inquiry as to what had been
done with the fine flock of sheep which the old man had herded, the
mistress replied:

"I have sent them up into the mountains, with the herds of a neighbor,
for the present. Ephraim, here, petitioned for the post