"
"I'm not certain it would much mend the matter, if I were to speak
with my tongue instead of the piece," said Paul, in a tone half
jocular half bitter.
"For the sake of heaven, do not let them hear you!" cried Ellen. "Go,
Paul, go; you can easily quit us now!"
Several shots in quick succession, each sending its dangerous
messenger, still nearer than the preceding discharge, cut short her
speech, no less in prudence than in terror.
"This must end," said the trapper, rising with the dignity of one bent
only on the importance of his object. "I know not what need ye may
have, children, to fear those you should both love and honour, but
something must be done to save your lives. A few hours more or less
can never be missed from the time of one who has already numbered so
many days; therefore I will advance. Here is a clear space around you.
Profit by it as you need, and may God bless and prosper each of you,
as ye deserve!"
Without waiting for any reply, the trapper walked boldly down the
declivity in his front, taking the direction of the encampment,
neither quickening his pace in trepidation, nor suffering it to be
retarded by fear.
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