The squatter himself eagerly seized the hint
which had been so reluctantly extorted from the trapper, who by some
singular process of reasoning had evidently persuaded himself that it
was his duty to be strictly neutral. A few direct and pertinent
enquiries served to obtain the little additional information that was
necessary, in order to make the contemplated movement, and then
Ishmael, who was, on emergencies, as terrifically energetic, as he was
sluggish in common, set about effecting his object without delay.
Notwithstanding the industry and zeal of all engaged, the task was one
of great labour and difficulty. The loaded vehicles were to be drawn
by hand across a wide distance of plain without track or guide of any
sort, except that which the trapper furnished by communicating his
knowledge of the cardinal points of the compass. In accomplishing this
object, the gigantic strength of the men was taxed to the utmost, nor
were the females or the children spared a heavy proportion of the
toil. While the sons distributed themselves about the heavily loaded
wagons, and drew them by main strength up the neighbouring swell,
their mother and Ellen, surrounded by the amazed group of little ones,
followed slowly in the rear, bending under the weight of such
different articles as were suited to their several strengths.
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