A little later the hatch was lifted, and the negro boy descended with my supper—a repast consisting of cold meat, biscuit and fruit, and half a bottle of wine.
"Where is the cook?" said I.
"In de cabin, massa."
"He appears to live in the cabin. What is he doing there now, d'ye know?"
"Watching, sah."
"Watching what?"
"Dah lady."
"Oh!" said I, "watching the lady, hey? Is she in her room?"
"No, sah; outside de door ob it. Dey has to watch her," said he, showing his teeth.
"Why, do you know?"