"There is shelter at any rate if they will take me In," thought Dean. "I will take care not to wander into such a wild region again."
He went up to the door, and knocked with his bare knuckles.
He heard a shuffling noise inside, and an old woman, with gray hair, unconfined and hanging loose like a horse's mane, faced him.
"Who are you?" she inquired abruptly.
"A traveler," answered Dean.
"What do you want?"
"I have lost my way. Can you let me stay here all night?"
"This isn't a tavern," she responded in a surly tone.
"I suppose not, but I am willing to pay for supper and a lodging. I don't see any other house near by, or I would not trouble you."