Webb at once became interested in the boy, and said:
Sit down, and tell us all about your father and mother, and how they came to get drowned.
Walter began where his recollections commenced, and gave a history of his family; where they came from; their living on the Callicoon; the water-spout; the breaking of the beaver dam; his parents being hurled into the mad, wild Callicoon, and closed his narrative with the description of his encounter with the bear and panther.
Webb, though of a rough exterior, had a kind and sympathizing heart.
I believe you, boy, I believe every word you say, and promise you a protector until a better one is provided. When did you have anything to eat last?
Nothing, sir, since yesterday morning.
Here Sambo, (addressing the black,) said Webb, get this boy something to eat.
That I will, in right quick time, too, replied the black. If dat dere little kid eat as fast as he run, he git on de outside of a bear in no time. Golly, Massa, he jump twenty—thirty—forty feet in no time. He took me for de debble. O golly! golly! I wonder if I look like his satanic majesty? I suppose so; ha! ha! ha! Well, come dis way, buck; I’ll stuff dat skin of yours so full dat it bust; Golly, no dinner, no supper, no breakfast. I kinder guess dat his belly feels kinder lank.
Stop that jargon, said Webb. The boy can’t live on nigger talk. Take him to the kitchen.