The man’s effusive, overdone politeness, the bold, undisguised stare which he gave to Alice, all tended to confuse the girl so that she answered nothing to this speech.
Her father noticing this broke in by saying, “We were just at breakfast when you came up. Will you partake of our fare?”
“Surely I will, and with much pleasure,” answered the stranger; and thereupon as we gave way he entered the shed, and when I had procured him a seat we all four sat down at the table. As he came in Duke rapidly departed from under the table.
The stranger’s appetite appeared to be excellent, judging from the quantity of baked pork and beans and hot corn bread he disposed of, and the gourd of steaming hot coffee he drank.
“How do you happen to be here?” said he at length to Mr. Millward.
“We are castaways,” answered the old man, and added, “When I landed here a few months ago I was helpless, unable to move a limb, in short, paralyzed. But I am recovering, and may say, indeed, that I am now almost myself again.”
“Then you have been here several months,” said the stranger, his eyes fixed on Mr. Millward.
“Yes.”
“Why do you remain here, now that you are well? Or is it that you cannot get away?”
“Can you assist us to get away?” said Mr. Millward, and I was somewhat amused at the delicate diplomacy of this reply.