"He did not mean to say that he declined the
charge, but merely that he refused all compensation. It is
unnecessary, however, to say more of this; it shall be my office to
see that the debt we owe, is properly discharged, and that all your
necessities shall be anticipated."
"Anan!" said the old man, looking up enquiringly into the other's
face, as if to ask an explanation.
"It shall all be as you wish. Lay the skins with my baggage. We will
bargain for you as for ourselves."
"Thankee, thankee, Captain; you grand'ther was of a free and generous
mind. So much so, in truth, that those just people, the Delawares,
called him the 'Openhand.' I wish, now, I was as I used to be, in
order that I might send in the lady a few delicate martens for her
tippets and overcoats, just to show you that I know how to give
courtesy for courtesy. But do not expect the same, for I am too old to
give a promise! It will all be just as the Lord shall see fit. I can
offer you nothing else, for I haven't liv'd so long in the wilderness,
not to know the scrupulous ways of a gentleman.
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