[The Cliff Climbers by Captain Mayne Reid]@TWC D-Link bookThe Cliff Climbers CHAPTER FOUR 2/5
Moreover, the effort which Karl was making to look hopeful and cheerful was evidently constrained; and only the more convinced his companions that neither hope nor joy was in his breast. To Karl's consolatory words his brother made no rejoinder.
Ossaroo, however, gave vent to his thoughts by an ambiguous shake of the head, and a brief speech characteristic of that belief in fatalism peculiar to his race. "Ah, sahibs," said he, addressing himself to both, "if the Great Sahib in the sky will we go out from here, we go--if He no will, we no go-- nivvamore." Ossaroo's speech, however compatible with a true faith, did not contribute much towards cheering the spirits of the party; and for another long interval all remained silent. Caspar and Ossaroo appeared completely prostrated by the new disappointment.
Karl, on the other hand, seemed less disposed to view things despairingly; and as he sate, was evidently engaged in active thought. After awhile his companions observed this; though neither made any attempt to rouse him from his reverie.
They guessed, that, whatever was passing in his mind would soon be communicated to them. They were right in this conjecture: for in a few minutes Karl terminated the silence by addressing them. "Come!" said he, speaking in a tone of encouragement, "we are wrong in so soon yielding to despair.
Let us not give up, till we are beaten at all points.
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