there's five ****s run off to-night up yonder, above the head of the bend.  Is your man white or black?” I didn't answer up prompt.  I tried to, but the words wouldn't come. I tried for a second or two to brace up and out with it, but I warn't man enough--hadn't the **** of a rabbit.  I see I was weakening; so I just give up trying, and up and says: “He's white.” “I reckon we'll go and see for ourselves.” “I wish you would,” says I, “because it's pap that's there, and maybe you'd help me tow the raft ashore where the light is.  He's sick--and so is mam and Mary Ann.” “Oh, the devil! we're in a hurry, boy.  But I s'pose we've got to.  Come, buckle to your paddle, and let's get along.” I buckled to my paddle and they laid to their oars.  When we had made a stroke or two, I says: “Pap'll be mighty much obleeged to you, I can tell you.  Everybody goes away when I want them to help me tow the raft ashore, and I can't do it by myself.” “Well, that's infernal mean.  Odd, too.  Say, b