But, at each extremity of his
ride, just as the sagacious trapper expected to see him profit by his
advantage and fly, he would turn his horse, and pass over the same
ground, sometimes with the rapidity of the flying deer, and at others
more slowly, and with greater dignity of mien and attitude. Anxious to
ascertain such facts as might have an influence on his future
movements, the old man determined to invite him to a renewal of their
conference. He therefore made a gesture expressive at the same time of
his wish to resume the interrupted discourse, and of his own pacific
intentions. The quick eye of the stranger was not slow to note the
action, but it was not until a sufficient time had passed to allow him
to debate the prudence of the measure in his own mind, that he seemed
willing to trust himself again, so near a party that was so much
superior to himself in physical power, and consequently one that was
able, at any instant, to command his life, or control his personal
liberty. When he did approach nigh enough to converse with facility,
it was with a singular mixture of haughtiness and of distrust.
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