“Thank you. It is kindly meant,” returned the hermit, looking at the youth with his sad smile. “But it is vain. Hope is dead now.”
They were interrupted at this point by the announcement that supper was ready. At the same time the sun sank, like the hermit’s hope, and disappeared beyond the dark forest.
Chapter Twenty.
Nigel makes a Confidant of Moses—Undertakes a Lonely Watch and sees something Wonderful.
It was not much supper that Nigel Roy ate that night. The excitement resulting from his supposed discovery reduced his appetite seriously, and the intense desire to open a safety-valve in the way of confidential talk with some one induced a nervously absent disposition which at last attracted attention.
“You vant a goot dose of kvinine,” remarked Verkimier, when, having satiated himself, he found time to think of others—not that the professor was selfish by any means, only he was addicted to concentration of mind on all work in hand, inclusive of feeding.
The hermit paid no attention to anything that was said. His recent conversation had given vent to a flood of memories and feelings that had been pent-up for many years.
After supper Nigel resolved to make a confidant of Moses. The negro’s fidelity to and love for his master would ensure his sympathy at least, if not wise counsel.