The hound knows the scent, but
seems to be a little at a loss, too. It is therefore necessary that
you advance, friend bee-hunter, to examine, while I tarry to keep the
dogs from complaining in too loud a voice."
"I!" exclaimed Paul, thrusting his hand into his shaggy locks, like
one who thought it prudent to hesitate before he undertook so
formidable an adventure; "now, heark'ee, old trapper; I've stood in my
thinnest cottons in the midst of many a swarm that has lost its queen-
bee, without winking, and let me tell you, the man who can do that, is
not likely to fear any living son of skirting Ishmael; but as to
meddling with dead men's bones, why it is neither my calling nor my
inclination; so, after thanking you for the favour of your choice, as
they say, when they make a man a corporal in Kentucky, I decline
serving."
The old man turned a disappointed look towards Middleton, who was too
much occupied in solacing Inez to observe his embarrassment, which
was, however, suddenly relieved from a quarter, whence, from previous
circumstances, there was little reason to expect such a demonstration
of fortitude.
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