reproachfully
added, »the interest that a man has in his own existence, is by no means
trifling, however it may be eclipsed by his devotion to more general and
philanthropic feelings.«
    »What I would say is this,« resumed the trapper, who was far from
understanding all the subtle distinctions, with which his more learned companion
so often saw fit to embellish his discourse. »There is but one birth and one
death to all things, be it hound, or be it deer - be it red-skin, or be it
white. Both are in the hands of the Lord; it being as unlawful for man to strive
to hasten the one, as impossible to prevent the other. But I will not say that
something may not be done to put the last moment aside, for a while at least;
and therefore it is a question that any one has a right to put to his own
wisdom, how far he will go, and how much pain he will suffer, to lengthen out a
time, that may have been too long already. Many a dreary winter and scorching
summer has gone by, since I have turned, to the right hand or to the left, to
add an hour to a life that has already stretched beyond fourscore years. I keep
myself as ready to answer to my name as a soldier, at evening roll-call. In my
judgment, if your cases, are left to Indian tempers, the policy of the Great
Sioux, will lead his people to sacrifice you all, nor do I put much dependance
on his seeming love for me; therefore it becomes a question whether you are
ready for such a journey, and if, being ready, whether this is not as good a
time to start as another. Should my opinion be asked, thus far will I give it in
your favor; that is to say, it is my belief your life has been innocent enough
touching any great offences that you may have committed, though honesty compels
me to add, that I think all you can lay claim to, on the score of activity in
deeds, will not amount to any thing worth naming in the great account.«
    Obed turned a rueful eye on the calm, philosophic countenance of the other,
as he answered with so discouraging a statement of his case, clearing his throat
as he did so, in order to conceal the desperate concern which began to beset his
faculties, with a vestige of that pride which rarely deserts poor human nature,
even in the greatest emergencies.
    »I believe, venerable hunter,«