“That goes to the right spot,” said the stranger, after he had gulped down two cups of tea. “Now I’m ready to die without complaining.”
“If it’s all the same to you, I think you’d better get ready to live,” said Obed.
“I’d rather die now than suffer as I have done in the last three days.”
“You won’t have to. We’ve got plenty and to spare.”
“But I have no money. I have been robbed of everything.”
“Robbed! How is that?”
“It’s rather a long story. You may not have patience to hear it.”
“We’ve got time enough, and patience enough, but perhaps you don’t feel strong enough to talk.”
“I didn’t before you relieved my hunger. The food and the tea have put new life into me, as you predicted they would.”
“Then go ahead, stranger. We’re all anxious to hear your story.”