That I am the man I say, you need not doubt; for why should I go to my grave with so cheap a lie in my mouth ?" "I do not hesitate to believe; I only marvel that it should be so! But why do I find you, venerable and excellent friend of my parents, in these wastes, so far from the comforts and safety of the lower country ?" "I have come into these plains to escape the sound of the axe; for here surely the chopper can never follow! But I may put the like question to yourself.

Are you of the party which the States have sent into their new purchase, to look after the natur' of the bargain they have made ?" "I am not.

Lewis is making his way up the river, some hundreds of miles from this.

I come on a private adventure." "Though it is no cause of wonder, that a man whose strength and eyes have failed him as a hunter, should be seen nigh the haunts of the beaver, using a trap instead of a rifle, it is strange that one so young and prosperous, and bearing the commission of the Great Father, should be moving among the prairies, without even a camp-colourman to do his biddings!" "You would think my reasons sufficient did you know them, as know them you shall if you are disposed to listen to my story.

I think you all honest, and men who would rather aid than betray one bent on a worthy object." "Come, then, and tell us at your leisure," said the trapper, seating himself, and beckoning to the youth to follow his example.