"
The stranger profited by the intelligence. He sprang eagerly forward,
and at the next instant stood at the side of Ellen Wade. After
assuring himself of the identity of the latter, by a hasty but keen
glance, he turned his attention, with a quickness and impatience, that
proved the interest he took in the result, to a similar examination of
her companion.
"From what cloud have you fallen, my good old man?" he said in a
careless, off-hand, heedless manner that seemed too natural to be
assumed: "or do you actually live, hereaway, in the prairies?"
"I have been long on earth, and never I hope nigher to heaven, than I
am at this moment," returned the trapper; "my dwelling, if dwelling I
may be said to have, is not far distant. Now may I take the liberty
with you, that you are so willing to take with others? Whence do you
come, and where is your home?"
"Softly, softly; when I have done with my catechism, it will be time
to begin with yours. What sport is this, you follow by moonlight? You
are not dodging the buffaloes at such an hour!"
"I am, as you see, going from an encampment of travellers, which lies
over yonder swell in the land, to my own wigwam; in doing so, I wrong
no man.
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