"Did you not know that, when you crossed the big
river, you left a friend behind you that is always bound to look to
the young and feeble, like yourself."
"Of whom do you speak?"
"The law--'tis bad to have it, but, I sometimes think, it is worse to
be entirely without it. Age and weakness have brought me to feel such
weakness, at times. Yes--yes, the law is needed, when such as have not
the gifts of strength and wisdom are to be taken care of. I hope,
young woman, if you have no father, you have at least a brother."
The maiden felt the tacit reproach conveyed in this covert question,
and for a moment she remained in an embarrassed silence. But catching
a glimpse of the mild and serious features of her companion, as he
continued to gaze on her with a look of interest, she replied, firmly,
and in a manner that left no doubt she comprehended his meaning:
"Heaven forbid that any such as you have seen, should be a brother of
mine, or any thing else near or dear to me! But, tell me, do you then
actually live alone, in this desert district, old man; is there really
none here besides yourself?"
"There are hundreds, nay, thousands of the rightful owners of the
country, roving about the plains; but few of our own colour.
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