"I know I ought to be ashamed of myself," said Crockett, as he looked down and realized what a plight he was in, "but it was always a weakness of mine to be joking when I hadn't oughter. If I ain't too impertinent, may I ax your name?"
"Katrina Duncan."
"Where is your father and mother?"
"I have none."
"What! you don't live here all alone?"
"Oh, no! I live with my uncle and aunt."
"Where might they be just now?"
"My aunt has gone to the village."
"That is a dozen miles away."
"The creek runs near the house, and she used the canoe. She can easily get back by nightfall."