on that rifle, which he had
been permitted, as an acknowledged friend to resume, and apparently musing, on
the events that were likely to succeed a Council, marked by so many and such
striking ceremonies.
    »Venerable venator, or hunter, or trapper,« said the disconsolate Obed, »I
rejoice greatly in meeting thee, again. I fear that the precious time which had
been allotted me, in order to complete a mighty labor, is drawing to a premature
close, and I would gladly unburthen my mind to one, who if not a pupil of
science, has at least some of the knowledge which civilization imparts to its
meanest subjects. Doubtless many and earnest enquiries will be made after my
fate, by the learned societies of the world, and perhaps expeditions will be
sent into these regions to remove any doubts which may arise on so important a
subject. I esteem myself happy, that a man who speaks the vernacular is present,
to preserve the record of my end. You will say that after a well spent and
glorious life, I died a martyr to science, and a victim to mental darkness. As I
expect to be particularly calm and abstracted in my last moments, if you add a
few details concerning the fortitude and scholastic dignity with which I met my
death, it may serve to encourage future aspirants for similar honour, and
assuredly give offence to no one. And now, friend trapper, as a duty I owe to
human nature, I will conclude by demanding if all hope has deserted me, or if
any means still exist, by which so much valuable information may be rescued from
the grasp of ignorance, and preserved to the pages of Natural History.«
    The old man lent an attentive ear to this melancholy appeal, and,
apparently, he reflected on every side of the important question, before he
would presume to answer.
    »I take it, friend physicianer,« he, at length, gravely replied, »that the
chances of life and death, in your particular case, depend altogether on the
will of Providence, as it may be pleased to manifest it, through the accursed
windings of Indian cunning. For my own part, I see no great difference in the
main end to be gained, inasmuch, as it can matter no one greatly, yourself
excepted, whether you live or die.«
    »Would you account the fall of a corner stone from the foundations of the
edifice of learning, a matter of indifference, to contemporaries, or to
posterity!« interrupted Obed. »Besides, my aged associate,« he