During the meal that followed, Nigel ventured as far as politeness permitted—indeed a little further, if truth must be told—to inquire into the circumstances and motives of his entertainer in taking up his abode in such a strange place, but he soon found that his eccentric friend was not one who could be "pumped." Without a touch of rudeness, and in the sweetest of voices, he simply assumed an absent manner and changed the subject of discourse, when he did not choose to reply, by drawing attention to some irrelevant matter, or by putting a counter question which led away from the subject. Nigel also found that his host never laughed and rarely smiled, though, when he did so the smile was so slight as merely to indicate a general feeling of urbanity and goodwill, and it was followed instantly by a look of gravity, if not sadness. Altogether the guest was much perplexed about the host at first, and somewhat constrained in consequence, but gradually he began to feel at ease. Another discovery that he soon made was, that the hermit treated Moses not as a servant, but as if he were in all respects an equal and a comrade.
After eating for some time in silence, and having tried to draw out his host without success, Nigel changed his tactics and said—
"You were so kind as to speak of me as your guest, Mr.—— Mr.—— I beg pardon, may I—"
"My name is Van der Kemp," said the hermit quietly.
"Well, Mr. Van der Kemp, I must tell you that I am quite willing to accept the position for which Moses hired me—"
"No, I didn't," contradicted the negro, flatly yet very gently, both in tone and manner, for long residence with the hermit had apparently imbued him with something of his spirit.
"Well, then," said Nigel, "the position for which Moses should have hired some one else. ('K'rect now' whispered Moses.) Of course I do not intend to ask for or accept wages, and also, of course, I accept the position on the understanding that you think me fit for the service. May I ask what that service is to be, and where you think of going to?"
"The service," returned the hermit slowly and with his eyes fixed on the floor as if pondering his reply, "is to accompany me as my attendant and companion, to take notes as occasion may serve, and to paddle a canoe."
At this reply our hero almost laughed, but was prevented from doing so by his host asking abruptly if he understood canoeing.
"Well, yes. At least I can manage what in England is known as the Rob Roy canoe, having possessed one in my boyhood."