[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
Page 65
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
attention; seldom failing to cast an inquiring look at the little neglected
tent, which with its proper wagon, still remained, as before, solitary and
apparently forgotten. The summons of Ishmael to his gloomy associate, had
however, as it would now seem, this hitherto neglected portion of his effects
for its object.
First casting a cautious and suspicious glance on every side of him, the
squatter and his companion advanced to the little wagon, and caused it to
enter within the folds of the cloth, much in the same manner that it had been
extricated the preceding evening. They both then disappeared behind the
drapery, and many moments of suspense succeeded, during which the old man,
secretly urged by a burning desire to know the meaning of so much mystery,
insensibly drew nigher to the place, until he stood within a few yards of the
proscribed spot. The agitation of the cloth betrayed the nature of the
occupation of those whom it concealed, though their work was conducted in the
most rigid silence. It would appear that long practice had made each of the
two acquainted with his particular duty, for neither sign nor direction of any
sort was necessary from Ishmael, in order to apprise his surly associate of
the manner in which he was to proceed. In less time than has been consumed in
relating it, the interior portion of the arrangement was completed, when the
men re-appeared without the tent. Too busy with his occupation to heed the
presence of the trapper, Ishmael began to release the folds of the cloth from
the ground, and to dispose of them in such a manner around the vehicle as to
form a sweeping train to the new form the little pavilion had now assumed. The
arched roof trembled with the occasional movement of the light vehicle, which,
it was now apparent, once more supported its secret burden. Just as the work
was ended the scowling eye of Ishmael s assistant caught a glimpse of the
figure of the attentive observer of their movements. Dropping the shaft, which
he had already lifted from the ground preparatory to occupying the place that
was usually filled by an animal less reasoning and perhaps less dangerous than
himself, he bluntly exclaimed--
I am a fool, as you often say! But look for yourself: if that man is not an
enemy, I will disgrace father and mother, call myself an Indian, and go hunt
with the Siouxes!
The cloud as it is about to discharge the subtle lightning is not more dark
nor threatening, than was the look with which Ishmael greeted the intruder. He
turned his head on every side of him, as if seeking some engine sufficiently
terrible to annihilate the offending trapper at a blow; and then, possibly
recollecting the further occasion he might have for his counsel, he forced
himself to say, with an appearance of moderation that nearly choked him--
Stranger, I did believe this prying into the concerns of others was the
business of women in the towns and settlements, and not the manner in which
men, who are used to live where each has room for himself, deal with the
secrets of their neighbours. To what lawyer or sheriff do you calculate to
sell your news?
I hold but little discourse except with one; and then chiefly of my own
affairs, returned the old man, without the least observable apprehension, and
pointing imposingly upward; a judge; and judge of all. Little does he need
knowledge from my hands, and but little will your wish to keep any thing
secret from him profit you, even in this desert.
The mounting tempers of his unnurtured listeners were rebuked by the simple,
solemn manner of the trapper. Ishmael stood sullen and thoughtful; while his
companion stole a furtive and involuntary glance at the placid sky, which
spread so wide and blue above his head, as if he expected to see the Almighty
eye itself beaming from the heavenly vault. But impressions of a serious
Page 66
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
character are seldom lasting on minds long indulged in forgetfulness. The
hesitation of the squatter was consequently of very short duration. The
language, however, as well as the firm and collected air of the speaker, were
the means of preventing much subsequent abuse, if not violence.
It would be shewing more of the kindness of a friend and comrade, Ishmael
returned, in a tone sufficiently sullen to betray his humour, though it was no
longer threatening, had your shoulder been put to the wheel of one of yonder
wagons, instead of edging itself in here, where none are wanted but such as
are invited.
I can put the little strength that is left me, returned the trapper, to
this, as well as to another of your loads.
Do you take us for boys! exclaimed Ishmael, laughing, half in ferocity and
half in derision, applying his powerful strength at the same time to the
little vehicle, which rolled over the grass with as much seeming facility as
though it were drawn by its usual team.
The trapper paused, and followed the departing wagon with his eye, marvelling
greatly as to the nature of its concealed contents, until it had also gained
the summit of the eminence, and in its turn disappeared behind the swell of
the land. Then he turned to gaze at the desolation of the scene around him.
The absence of human forms would have scarce created a sensation in the bosom
of one so long accustomed to solitude, had not the site of the deserted camp
furnished such strong memorials of its recent visiters, and as the old man was
quick to detect, of their waste also. He cast his eye upwards, with a
significant shake of the head, at the vacant spot in the heavens, which had so
lately been filled by the branches of those trees that now lay stripped of
their verdure, worthless and deserted logs, at his feet.
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]