When the two men approached the humble cabin, which Sam explained was Aunt Katie's abode, there were no lights to be seen, and consequently, when the black woman whispered to the guide, Noel was unable to distinguish her face.
The whispering between the two continued several minutes, and then Sam once more turned to Noel, who had been bidden to enter the cabin and seat himself on a rude bench near the rear door, and said, "Is yo' all hongry."
"Yes, I'm hungry," whispered Noel. "But never mind that. What I want is to find some place where I shall be safe; that is, if you 're not going to take me with you to—"
Noel abruptly ceased when he felt the grip of his companion on his arm and was aware that he must not speak aloud concerning any of the men or places he was seeking.
"Aunt Katie will feed yo' all an' then show yo' whar yo' kin stay 'til mo'nin'. Yo' do des' what she done tells yo' toe do."
"I shall," whispered Noel; for his confidence in his dusky friends had now been fully restored. He could not explain the change in his feelings, but it had been manifest by the very tones of Aunt Katie's voice that she was one upon whom he might depend.
"Yas, suh," continued Sam. "Maybe I'll done see yo' all some time soon."
Unaware of the direction in which Sam had departed, Noel's attention and efforts were soon devoted to the corn-bread and molasses which his sable hostess speedily provided.
Watchful as Noel was, his hunger nevertheless was so keen and he was so busily engaged in the task of disposing of Aunt Katie's viands, that the occasional chuckle of the black woman was wonderfully comforting. She seldom spoke, but the young soldier was aware that his hostess was a woman of ample proportions and capable of exerting herself physically if occasion should require in a manner that would portend no good for her enemies.
"Yo' all come 'long wid me and I'll take yo' toe de gues' room," said Aunt Katie calmly, when her visitor's hunger had been appeased.