Letty ran for basin and towel, and, pointing to the well, modestly retired into the kitchen, while Aunt Liddy watched the vigorous scrubbing that went on in the yard; for the tramp splashed the water about like a Newfoundland dog, and Bran assisted at the brief toilet with hospitable zeal. It seemed as if a different man came out from that simple baptism; for the haggard cheek had a glow upon it, the eyes had lost their hopelessness, and something like courage and self-respect shone in the face that looked in at the door as the stranger gave back basin and towel, saying, with a wave of the old straw hat,-- "I'm heartily obliged, ma'am. Would you kindly tell me how far it is to the next big town?" "Twenty miles. The cars will take you right there, and the deepo ain't fur," answered Aunt Liddy, showing the way. The man glanced at his ragged shoes, then squared his broad shoulders, as if bracing himself for the twenty long hot miles that his weary feet must carry him, since his pockets were empty, and he could not bring himself to ask for any thing but food enough to keep life in him. "Good-by, ma'am, and God bless you." And, slouching the hat over his eyes, he limped away, escorted to the gate by Bran. At the turn of the road he stopped and looked back as wistfully as ever Letty had done along the shadowy road, and as he looked it seemed as if he saw a younger self setting off with courage, hope, and energy upon the journey, which alas! had ended here. His eye went to the old well, as if there had been some healing in its water; then turned to the porch, where he had been fed and comforted, and lingered there as if some kindly memory warmed his solitary heart. Just then a little figure in blue gingham ran out and came fluttering after him, accompanied by Bran, in a state of riotous delight. Rosy and breathless, Letty hurried to him, and, looking up with a face full of the innocent compassion that never can offend, she said, offering a parcel neatly folded up,-- "Aunt Liddy sends you some dinner; and this, so that you needn't walk, unless you like, you are so lame." As if more touched than he cared to show, the man took the food, but gently put away the little roll of greenbacks, saying quickly,-- "Thank you for this; but I can't take your money." "We ain't rich, but we love to help folks. So you needn't be proud about it." And Letty looked ruffled at his refusal. "I'll take something else, if you don't mind," said the tramp, pulling off his hat, with a sudden smile that made his face look young and comely. "What is it?" And Letty looked up so innocently that it was impossible to resist the impulse of a grateful heart. His answer was to stoop and kiss the blooming cheek, that instantly grew scarlet with girlish shame and anger as she turned to fly. Catching her by the hand, he said penitently,-- "I couldn't help it, you're so good to me. Don't begrudge me a kiss for luck. I need it, God knows!"