Ishmael stood sullen and
thoughtful; while his companion stole a furtive and involuntary glance
at the placid sky, which spread so wide and blue above his head, as if
he expected to see the Almighty eye itself beaming from the heavenly
vault. But impressions of a serious character are seldom lasting on
minds long indulged in forgetfulness. The hesitation of the squatter
was consequently of short duration. The language, however, as well as
the firm and collected air of the speaker, were the means of
preventing much subsequent abuse, if not violence.
"It would be showing more of the kindness of a friend and comrade,"
Ishmael returned, in a tone sufficiently sullen to betray his humour,
though it was no longer threatening, "had your shoulder been put to
the wheel of one of yonder wagons, instead of edging itself in here,
where none are wanted but such as are invited."
"I can put the little strength that is left me," returned the trapper,
"to this, as well as to another of your loads."
"Do you take us for boys!" exclaimed Ishmael, laughing, half in
ferocity and half in derision, applying his powerful strength at the
same time to the little vehicle, which rolled over the grass with as
much seeming facility as if it were drawn by its usual team.
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