Hans Cornett was a wise old ferryman and fortune teller who could take people anywhere they need to go in the swamp, known for his plain mode of dress and large straw hat. His bursts of oracular insight lead to deep and prolonged conversations with his passengers, and often both Cornett and his passenger walked away from the trip knowing more about the world and themselves. Cornett eventually began to be regarded as a sage, and Volk would seek passage aboard his boat simply to talk to him, a practice he was happy to indulge. After passing of old age, Cornett's spirit remains to provide the guidance and knowledge he did in life, ferrying new generations with his oars of experience and foresight.