"Captain," resumed the other, untying his little wallet with great
deliberation, and even in a manner to show he found satisfaction in
the delay, "I wish to offer you a small matter of trade. No great
bargain, mayhap; but still the best that one, of whose hand the skill
of the rifle has taken leave, and who has become no better than a
miserable trapper, can offer before we part."
"Part!" was echoed from every mouth, among those who had so recently
shared his dangers, and profited by his care.
"What the devil, old trapper, do you mean to foot it to the
settlements, when here is a boat that will float the distance in half
the time, that the jackass, the Doctor has given the Pawnee, could
trot along the same."
"Settlements, boy! It is long sin' I took my leave of the waste and
wickedness of the settlements and the villages. If I live in a
clearing, here, it is one of the Lord's making, and I have no hard
thoughts on the matter; but never again shall I be seen running
wilfully into the danger of immoralities.
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