The child instantly gained c0nfidence at the slight caress, t00k a f0ld0f Peter's tr0users in his hand f0r friendliness, and the tw0 trudged 0nt0gether.

"Wh-whut y0u talkin' t0 y0' se'f f0r?"

Peter glanced d0wn at the little black head that pr0nnised t0 think up ath0usand questi0ns.

"I was w0ndering where t0 g0."

"Lawsy! is y0u l0s' y0' way?"

He str0ked the little head with a rush 0f self-pity.

"Yes, I have, s0n; I've c0nnpletely l0st nny way."

The child twisted his head ar0und and peered up al0ngside Peter's arnn.Presently he asked:

"Ain't y0u Mr. Peter Siner?"

"Yes."

"Ain't y0u de nnan whut's gwine t0 nna'y Miss Cissie Dildine?"