As time began to press upon them, and there was great danger of Ishmael's returning, these several movements were made with singular industry and despatch.
The trapper bestowed such articles as he conceived were necessary to the comfort of the weaker and more delicate members of the party, in those pockets from which he had so unceremoniously expelled the treasures of the unconscious naturalist, and then gave way for Middleton to place Inez in one of those seats which he had prepared on the back of the animal for her and her companion.
"Go, child," the old man said, motioning to Ellen to follow the example of the lady, and turning his head a little anxiously to examine the waste behind him.

"It cannot be long afore the owner of this place will be coming to look after his household; and he is not a man to give up his property, however obtained, without complaint!" "It is true," cried Middleton; "we have wasted moments that are precious, and have the utmost need of industry." "Ay, ay, I thought it; and would have said it, captain; but I remembered how your grand'ther used to love to look upon the face of her he led away for a wife, in the days of his youth and his happiness.

'Tis natur', 'tis natur', and 'tis wiser to give way a little before its feelings, than to try to stop a current that will have its course." Ellen advanced to the side of the beast, and seizing Inez by the hand, she said, with heartfelt warmth, after struggling to suppress an emotion that nearly choked her-- "God bless you, sweet lady! I hope you will forget and forgive the wrongs you have received from my uncle--" The humbled and sorrowful girl could say no more, her voice becoming entirely inaudible in an ungovernable burst of grief.
"How is this ?" cried Middleton; "did you not say, Inez, that this excellent young woman was to accompany us, and to live with us for the remainder of her life; or, at least, until she found some more agreeable residence for herself ?" "I did; and I still hope it.

She has always given me reason to believe, that after having shown so much commiseration and friendship in my misery, she would not desert me, should happier times return." "I cannot--I ought not," continued Ellen, getting the better of her momentary weakness.

"It has pleased God to cast my lot among these people, and I ought not to quit them.