The next house proved to be situated on the edge of the woods. It occupied a lonely location, and seemed in rather a dilapidated state. Everything about it bore an aspect of neglect.
Scott jumped from the carriage, and went to the door.
It was opened, after he had knocked two or three times, by a careworn woman of middle age. Her face was lined, and she wore a look of depression and discouragement.
"What's your will?" she asked.
"Our horse has fallen lame, and we would like to stop here overnight, and let the horse rest. I see you have a barn."
"I don't know," said the woman, slowly. "We don't keep a hotel."
"I am quite aware of that, and we must apologize for intruding. We shall give you some trouble, but we are willing to pay for it. If five dollars will compensate you we will be glad to pay that sum for supper, lodging and breakfast for ourselves, and accommodation for our horse."
The woman seemed surprised by the liberality of the offer. In such a household five dollars was a good deal of money.
"You can come in," she said, "and I will get you some supper. My man will soon be home, and if he is willing you can stay all night."
"I hope he will soon be back, as we would like to know what to depend upon."