Remain as at present, the same honest, upright, conscientious, fearless, intelligent, trustworthy guide that you are, and neither my dear father nor myself can ever think of you differently from what we now do."
It was too dark for Mabel to note the workings of the countenance of her listener; but her own sweet face was turned towards him, as she spoke with an energy equal to her frankness, in a way to show how little embarrassed were her thoughts, and how sincere were her words.
Her countenance was a little flushed, it is true; but it was with earnestness and truth of feeling, though no nerve thrilled, no limb trembled, no pulsation quickened.
In short, her manner and appearance were those of a sincere-minded and frank girl, making such a declaration of good-will and regard for one of the other sex as she felt that his services and good qualities merited, without any of the emotion that invariably accompanies the consciousness of an inclination which might lead to softer disclosures.
The Pathfinder was too unpractised, however, to enter into distinctions of this kind, and his humble nature was encouraged by the directness and strength of the words he had just heard.
Unwilling, if not unable, to say any more, he walked away, and stood leaning on his rifle and looking up at the stars for full ten minutes in profound silence.
In the meanwhile the interview on the bastion, to which we have already alluded, took place between Lundie and the Sergeant.
"Have the men's knapsacks been examined?" demanded Major Duncan, after he had cast his eye at a written report, handed to him by the Sergeant, but which it was too dark to read.
"All, your honor; and all are right."
"The ammunition -- arms?"
"All in order, Major Duncan, and fit for any service."
"You have the men named in my own draft, Dunham?"
"Without an exception, sir.
Better men could not be found in the regiment."
"You have need of the best of our men, Sergeant.
This experiment has now been tried three times; always under one of the ensigns, who have flattered me with success, but have as often failed.
After so much preparation and expense, I do not like to abandon the project entirely; but this will be the last effort; and the result will mainly depend on you and on the Pathfinder."
"You may count on us both, Major Duncan.
The duty you have given us is not above our habits and experience, and I think it will be well done.
I know that the Pathfinder will not be wanting."
"On that, indeed, it will be safe to rely.
He is a most extraordinary man, Dunham -- one who long puzzled me; but who, now that I understand him, commands as much of my respect as any general in his majesty's service."
"I was in hopes, sir, that you would come to look at the proposed marriage with Mabel as a thing I ought to wish and forward."
"As for that, Sergeant, time will show," returned Lundie, smiling; though here, too, the obscurity concealed tbe nicer shades of expression; "one woman is sometimes more difficult to manage than a whole regiment of men.
By the way, you know that your would-be son-in-law, the Quartermaster, will be of the party; and I trust you will at least give him an equal chance in the trial for your daughter's smiles."
"If respect for his rank, sir, did not cause me to do this, your honor's wish would be sufficient."
"I thank you, Sergeant.
We have served much together, and ought to value each other in our several stations.
Understand me, however, I ask no more for Davy Muir than a clear field and no favor.
In love, as in war, each man must gain his own victories.
Are you certain that the rations have been properly calculated?"
"I'll answer for it, Major Duncan; but if they were not, we cannot suffer with two such hunters as Pathfinder and the Serpent in company."
"That will never do, Dunham," interrupted Lundie sharply; "and it comes of your American birth and American training.
No thorough soldier ever relies on anything but his commissary for supplies; and I beg that no part of my regiment may be the first to set an example to the contrary."
"You have only to command, Major Duncan, to be obeyed; and yet, if I might presume, sir -- "
"Speak freely, Sergeant; you are talking with a friend."
"I was merely about to say that I find even the Scotch soldiers like venison and birds quite as well as pork, when they are difficult to be had."
"That may be very true; but likes and dislikes have nothing to do with system.
An army can rely on nothing but its commissaries.
The irregularity of the provincials has played the devil with the king's service too often to be winked at any longer."
"General Braddock, your honor, might have been advised by Colonel Washington."
"Out upon your Washington!
You're all provincials together, man, and uphold each other as if you were of a sworn confederacy."
"I believe his majesty has no more loyal subjects than the Americans, your honor."
"In that, Dunham, I'm thinking you're right; and I have been a little too warm, perhaps.
I do not consider you a provincial, however, Sergeant; for though born in America, a better soldier never shouldered a musket."
"And Colonel Washington, your honor?"
"Well! -- and Colonel Washington may be a useful subject too.
He is the American prodigy; and I suppose I may as well give him all the credit you ask.
You have no doubt of the skill of this Jasper Eau-douce?"