Though I have seen
so much of the wilderness, it is not to be gainsayed, that my
feelings, as well as my skin, are white. Now it would not be a fitting
spectacle, that yonder Pawnee Loups should look upon the weakness of
an old warrior, if weakness he should happen to show in parting for
ever from those he has reason to love, though he may not set his heart
so strongly on them, as to wish to go into the settlements in their
company."
"Harkee, old trapper," said Paul, clearing his throat with a desperate
effort, as if determined to give his voice a clear exit; "I have just
one bargain to make, since you talk of trading, which is neither more
or less than this. I offer you, as my side of the business, one half
of my shanty, nor do I much care if it be the biggest half; the
sweetest and the purest honey that can be made of the wild locust;
always enough to eat, with now and then a mouthful of venison, or, for
that matter, a morsel of buffaloe's hump, seeing that I intend to push
my acquaintance with the animal, and as good and as tidy cooking as
can come from the hands of one like Ellen Wade, here, who will shortly
be Nelly somebody-else, and altogether such general treatment as a
decent man might be supposed to pay to his best friend, or for that
matter, to his own father; in return for the same, you ar' to give us
at odd moments some of your ancient traditions, perhaps a little
wholesome advice on occasions, in small quantities at a time, and as
much of your agreeable company as you please.
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