Ah nebber tried it, fer Massa Donaldson hed no bus'ness ober in dis kintry, but Ah's heerd 'em talk down ter Saint Louee.

Trouble is, sah, we's got started in de wrong place--dar's plenty watah t'other side dis yere bar." "Who told you the best way to find Shrunk ?" His eyes widened and searched my face, evidently still somewhat suspicious of any white man.
"A nigger down Saint Louee way, sah.

Dey done cotched him, an' brought him back afore he even got ter Beardstown." "And you believe you can guide us there ?" "Ah sure can, if whut dat nigger sed wus correct, sah.

Ah done questioned him mighty par'ticlar, an' Ah 'members ebery sign whut he giv' me." He grinned broadly.

"Ah sorter suspicion'd Ah mought need dat informa'ion." "All right, then; it is certainly light enough now--let's push off." We had taken the sand lightly, and were able to pole the boat into deep water with no great difficulty.