"Eh, eh!" cackled the old woman. "Thou wouldst share my gourd? Then drink, for thy tongue is not so pretty as thy face." She held up the gourd to Lewis in both her hands. He took it from her and passed it to the stranger.
The stranger made a grimace, but sipped the water. Then he flung gourd and water to the ground with; half an oath.
"Bah!" he said to Lewis. "It is salt."
"Salt!" cried Lewis. "But she drank of it. I saw her drink."
"Yes," said the stranger; "she's got an alkalified stomach. Let those who hanker after immortality look upon this woman. She will never die."
The old hag laughed.
"Ah, shameless one, eh?" she mumbled. "'Tis the young one should have tasted, but no matter, for the son is the spit of the father."
"Auntie," said Lewis, smiling, "give us of thy shade."
"Willingly, my pretty son, for thou hast smiled."
They dismounted. The stranger and Lewis entered the house.