They crossed to the other side of the avenue, where they saw some signs that the cabin was inhabited.

Uncovering his lantern, Mr.Pennant threw the light upon the interior.

It contained two beds, and each of them was occupied by two persons.

In one were two silvered heads to be seen, while the other displayed two heads that appeared to belong to women.
"Shut the door, Mike," said the officer, in order to prevent the light from being seen.
"I think I know one of the old men," added the Russian as he returned from the door, "Shall I wake him up ?" "Yes; but don't frighten him," replied Mr.Pennant.
"Uncle Job," said Mike, placing his hand on the shoulder of the sleeper on the side of the bed nearest to him.
The head and hair of the old colored man were peculiar enough to enable the Russian to identify him if he had ever seen him even once before.
His mouth was twisted to one side either naturally or by some injury, and his kinky hair made him look as though he carried a great bale of cotton on the top of his head.

He opened his eyes when Mike shook him gently, and looked at the two men at the side of his bed with a wondering rather than an alarmed expression.
"Who dar ?" inquired the negro.
"Good-morning, Uncle Job," replied Mike, taking the hand of the aged colored person.