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 dependence 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 favour; 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," he replied, "considering the question in
all its bearings, and assuming that your theory is just, it will be the
safest to conclude that I am not prepared to make so hasty a departure,
and that measures of precaution should be, forthwith, resorted to."

"Being in that mind," returned the deliberate trapper, "I will act for
you as I would for myself; though as time has begun to roll down the
hill with you, I will just advise that you look to your case speedily,
for it may so happen that your name will be heard, when quite as little
prepared to answer to it as now."

With this amicable understanding, the old man drew back again into the
ring, where he stood musing on the course he should now adopt, with the
singular mixture of decision and resignation that proceeded from his
habits and his humility, and which united to form a character, in
which excessive energy, and the most meek submission to the will of
Providence, were oddly enough combined.

CHAPTER XXVIII

The witch, in Smithfield, shall be burned to ashes, And you three
shall be strangled on the gallows.
--Shakspea