it more true, than that it reduces all to the same views
of the vanity of life.
    Pathfinder, though a man of quaint and peculiar habits and opinions, was
always thoughtful and disposed to view the things around him, with a shade of
philosophy as well as with seriousness. In him, therefore, the scene in the
block house awakened no very novel feelings; but the case was different with
Cap. Rude, opinionated, dogmatical and boisterous, the old sailor was little
accustomed to view even death, with any approach to the gravity that its
importance demands, and, notwithstanding all that had passed, and his real
regard for his brother-in-law, he now entered the room of the dying man, with
much of that callous unconcern which was the fruit of long training in a school,
that, while it gives so many lessons in the sublimest truths, generally wastes
its admonitions on scholars who are little disposed to profit by them.
    The first proof that Cap gave of his not entering as fully as those around
him, into the solemnity of the moment, was by commencing a narration of the
events which had just led to the deaths of Muir and Arrowhead. »Both tripped
their anchors in a hurry, brother Dunham,« he concluded, »and you have the
consolation of knowing that others have gone before you, in the great journey,
and they, too, men, whom you've no particular reason to love; which to me, were
I placed in your situation, would be a source of very great satisfaction. My
mother always said, Master Pathfinder, that dying people's spirits should not be
damped, but that they ought to be encouraged by all proper and prudent means,
and this news will give the poor fellow a great lift, if he feels towards them
savages, any way as I feel myself.«
    June arose, at this intelligence, and stole from the block-house with a
noiseless step. Dunham listened with a vacant stare, for life had already lost
so many of its ties that he had really forgotten Arrowhead, and cared nothing
for Muir; but he inquired, in a feeble voice, for Eau douce. The young man was
immediately summoned, and soon made his appearance. The serjeant gazed at him
kindly, and the expression of his eyes, was that of regret for the injury he had
done him, in thought. The party in the block-house now consisted of Pathfinder,
Cap, Mabel, Jasper, and the dying man. With the exception of the daughter, all
stood around the