“We would like to get a little water first, if you please,” said Jerry. “Surely so good an old man as you will not refuse us that.”
This way of talking evidently struck the hermit’s fancy, for there was a rustle of bushes, and the hermit of the island stepped into view.
All of the boys stared at him in blank amazement. He was a reddish-black individual, with snow white hair and long flowing beard.
Blumpo grew so frightened that he immediately fell on his knees.
“De voodoo doctor, suah!” he muttered.
Like many other ignorant people, he was very superstitious and believed in charms and voodooism.
“We are sorry to have disturbed you in your lonely retreat,” began Harry. “But we——”
“Say no more, my boy. Get the water you need and depart.”
“We will.”
Harry and Jerry turned toward the spring and quietly filled up the big tin can they had brought along.