As time began to press upon
them, and there was great danger of Ishmael's returning, these several
movements were made with singular industry and despatch.
The trapper bestowed such articles as he conceived were necessary to
the comfort of the weaker and more delicate members of the party, in
those pockets from which he had so unceremoniously expelled the
treasures of the unconscious naturalist, and then gave way for
Middleton to place Inez in one of those seats which he had prepared on
the back of the animal for her and her companion.
"Go, child," the old man said, motioning to Ellen to follow the
example of the lady, and turning his head a little anxiously to
examine the waste behind him. "It cannot be long afore the owner of
this place will be coming to look after his household; and he is not a
man to give up his property, however obtained, without complaint!"
"It is true," cried Middleton; "we have wasted moments that are
precious, and have the utmost need of industry."
"Ay, ay, I thought it; and would have said it, captain; but I
remembered how your grand'ther used to love to look upon the face of
her he led away for a wife, in the days of his youth and his
happiness.
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