“Listen, Bilgewater,” the older man said. “Bridgewater.” “You ain’t heard my story yet. You ain’t the only one what was birthed with a secret. Mine is even sadder than yourn.” The old man looked at each of us in turn. “What’s yer secret, mister?” Huck asked. “Bilgewater, I know I kin trust the child and the nigger, but kin I trust you with my secret?” “It’s Bridgewater, and yes, you kin.” “To the bitter death?” “Yes.” The old man held his breath for a second, then said, “Child, gentleman, nigger, I am the former Dauphin.”
