Midnight
I well remember how they worked early and late until their fingers were knotted and their backs bowed . They are the noble ones who live in our midst , and though they may have little of this world 's goods , they have great souls and are the real salt of the earth . Never forget that , boy . '' Dan did not know how to reply to these words , but sat very still watching Midnight speeding on her way . The road wound for some distance through a wooded region and over several hills . At length it entered upon a settlement where the land was lean and rocks lifted their frowning heads above the surface . The few houses were poor , standing out grey and gaunt in the midst of this weird barrenness .