They proved to be shepherds and very kindly took me to their hut, which was not far from the water.

They had the queerest way of keeping fire I ever saw.

It was made of straw, the embers banked in such a way that there appeared to be only a black mass; but when they blew on the mass, a red glow would blush from it, throwing out considerable heat.

Over this fire, they cooked a little soup for me.

I remained in the hut until morning, stretching out on the floor for a little rest, while they stood about, speaking their mountain patois which I could not understand.