"You are too flattering, farmer."
"Not so; but come to supper. My good wife knows how to tickle the palate of my friends, and you are my friends. Where's Zeb, mother?"
"He went out."
"He is a bad fellow; I am sure I shall never tame him. I would he were old enough to join the——"
"Yes; what age is he?"
"Only sixteen."
"He is old enough if he has inclination——"
"A truce to such talk; let us get some supper. By my father's memory, I smell pig's head and cabbage. Good thing, even if it is late at night. Come, friends, and we will talk after."
Zeke led the way into the kitchen and bade his guest be seated.
Scarcely had they commenced eating when a knock at the back door caused the farmer to drop his knife.