I keep myself as ready to answer to my name as
a soldier at evening roll-call. In my judgment, if your cases are left
to Indian tempers, the policy of the Great Sioux will lead his people
to sacrifice you all; nor do I put much dependence on his seeming love
for me; therefore it becomes a question whether you are ready for such
a journey; and if, being ready, whether this is not as good a time to
start as another. Should my opinion be asked, thus far will I give it
in your favour; that is to say, it is my belief your life has been
innocent enough, touching any great offences that you may have
committed, though honesty compels me to add, that I think all you can
lay claim to, on the score of activity in deeds, will not amount to
any thing worth naming in the great account."
Obed turned a rueful eye on the calm, philosophic countenance of the
other, as he answered with so discouraging a statement of his case,
clearing his throat, as he did so, in order to conceal the desperate
concern which began to beset his faculties, with a vestige of that
pride, which rarely deserts poor human nature, even in the greatest
emergencies.
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