Hour
succeeded hour, and mile after mile was passed, without bringing
either the signs of an honourable reception, or the more simple
assurances of a friendly welcome. At length the cavalcade, at whose
head rode Middleton and Paul, descended from the elevated plain, on
which they had long been journeying, to a luxuriant bottom, that
brought them to the level of the village of the Loups. The sun was
beginning to fall, and a sheet of golden light was spread over the
placid plain, lending to its even surface those glorious tints and
hues, that, the human imagination is apt to conceive, forms the
embellishment of still more imposing scenes. The verdure of the year
yet remained, and herds of horses and mules were grazing peacefully in
the vast natural pasture, under the keeping of vigilant Pawnee boys.
Paul pointed out among them, the well-known form of Asinus, sleek,
fat, and luxuriating in the fulness of content, as he stood with
reclining ears and closed eye-lids, seemingly musing on the exquisite
nature of his present indolent enjoyment.
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