After some persuasion the boy induced the negro to come nearer. This he did with fear and trembling, and ever with a watchful eye on the playful cub.
“What’s your name?” asked Alex.
“Uncle Zeke,” was the reply.
“Do you live here?” was the next question.
“Ah libs way up de ribber,” was the guarded reply.
“Then you must have come down in a boat?” asked the boy.
“Ah sure did!” answered the negro.
“Well,” Alex said then, “we want to get over to the other side of the river. Will you take us across?”
The negro backed away from the bear again and seemed to be about to take to his heels. He turned back in a moment, however, as if anxious to be friendly with the boy and declared:
“Ah nebber did cotton to no b’ar!”