The light-bearer held it up so that we saw him quite well, and his peculiar appearance suited his surroundings.

He was more an overgrown boy than a man, beardless, with a long swarthy face, black hair and keen black eyes.

He wore heavy boots outside his pantaloons, a blouse and slouch hat, spoke to his companion as one having authority, and with a laugh said to our small gentleman: "Is this where you are ?" but gave no heed to the answer as he waded in and threw off the check lines, saying: "I wonder you did not drown your horses." He next examined the wagon, paying no more attention to Father Olever's explanations than to the water in which he seemed quite at home, and when he had finished his inspection he said: "They must go to the house," and handing the light to the driver he took us up one by one and carried us to the wet bank as easily as a child carries her doll.

He gave some directions to his companion, took the light and said to us: "Come on," and we walked after him out into the limitless blackness, nothing doubting.

We went what seemed a long way, following this brigand-looking stranger, without seeing any sign of life or hearing any sound save the roar of wind and water, but on turning a fence corner, we came in sight of a large two-story house, with a bright light streaming out through many windows, and a wide open door.