His example was silently followed by those who succeeded him, though
not until the young men had manifested much more of interest, if not
of concern in the brief enquiry, which each, in his turn, made on
gaining the same look-out. It was now evident, by the tardy movements
both of beasts and men, that the time of necessary rest was not far
distant. The matted grass of the lower land, presented obstacles which
fatigue began to render formidable, and the whip was becoming
necessary to urge the lingering teams to their labour. At this moment,
when, with the exception of the principal individual, a general
lassitude was getting the mastery of the travellers, and every eye was
cast, by a sort of common impulse, wistfully forward, the whole party
was brought to a halt, by a spectacle, as sudden as it was unexpected.
The sun had fallen below the crest of the nearest wave of the prairie,
leaving the usual rich and glowing train on its track. In the centre
of this flood of fiery light, a human form appeared, drawn against the
gilded background, as distinctly, and seemingly as palpable, as though
it would come within the grasp of any extended hand.
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