Soon I fell asleep and did not wake up until I heard Rezin call out. “Hello. We’re home. Is supper ready?” I looked up and saw a small cabin sitting in the center of a clearing. Smoke drifted from the chimney and a small woman stood in the doorway watching us. She waved then walked back into the house. Jim carried me inside the cabin. “Hey, Ma. We got something for this dog to eat?” I watched the old lady as she looked me over. “Where did you get this mutt? He looks like gator food.” Jim laughed. “He nearly was. See his tail? A gator bit it off. I reckon he just needs some good food and he’ll make a fine-looking dog.” The old lady shook her head as she put some meat scraps in front of me. “I swear, Jim Bowie. You’re always bringing home strays. Well, go wash up. Supper’s ready. Then take off your shirt so I can mend it. I guess you’ve been wrestling alligators again.” * * * The next few years were some of the happiest of my life. Jim and I roamed the swamps together.
