-What ye want, maw?- The woman hushed her moaning and turned her face, upon which the shadow was already fallen, toward the boy. -I'm er goin'-mighty fast, -Dicky,- she said, in a voice that was scarcely audible. -Whar's yer paw?- Bending closer to the face upon the pillow, the lad pointed with trembling finger toward the other end of the cabin and whispered, while his eyes grew big with fear, -Sh-, he's full ergin. Bin down ter th' stillhouse all evenin'-Don't stir him, maw, er we'll git licked some more. Tell me what ye want.- But his only answer was that broken prayer as the sufferer turned to the wail again. -O Lord, take ker o'-- A stick of wood in the fire-place burned in two and fell with a soft thud on the ashes; a lean hound crept stealthily to the boy's side and thrust a cold muzzle against his ragged jacket; in the cupboard a mouse rustled over the rude dishes and among the scanty handful of provisions. Then, cursing foully in his sleep, the drunkard stirred uneasily and the dog slunk beneath the bed, while the boy stood shaking with fear until all was still again.