The Prairie Read Free Page B

seem that his search was fruitless; for after a few moments of
indolent and listless examination, he suffered his huge frame to descend
the gentle declivity, in the same sluggish manner that an over fatted
beast would have yielded to the downward pressure.
    His example was silently followed by those who succeeded him, though
not until the young men had manifested much more of interest, if not of
concern in the brief enquiry, which each, in his turn, made on gaining
the same look-out. It was now evident, by the tardy movements both of
beasts and men, that the time of necessary rest was not far distant. The
matted grass of the lower land, presented obstacles which fatigue began
to render formidable, and the whip was becoming necessary to urge
the lingering teams to their labour. At this moment, when, with the
exception of the principal individual, a general lassitude was getting
the mastery of the travellers, and every eye was cast, by a sort of
common impulse, wistfully forward, the whole party was brought to a
halt, by a spectacle, as sudden as it was unexpected.
    The sun had fallen below the crest of the nearest wave of the prairie,
leaving the usual rich and glowing train on its track. In the centre
of this flood of fiery light, a human form appeared, drawn against the
gilded background, as distinctly, and seemingly as palpable, as though
it would come within the grasp of any extended hand. The figure was
colossal; the attitude musing and melancholy, and the situation directly
in the route of the travellers. But imbedded, as it was, in its setting
of garish light, it was impossible to distinguish its just proportions
or true character.
    The effect of such a spectacle was instantaneous and powerful. The man
in front of the emigrants came to a stand, and remained gazing at
the mysterious object, with a dull interest, that soon quickened into
superstitious awe. His sons, so soon as the first emotions of surprise
had a little abated, drew slowly around him, and, as they who governed
the teams gradually followed their example, the whole party was soon
condensed in one, silent, and wondering group. Notwithstanding
the impression of a supernatural agency was very general among the
travellers, the ticking of gun-locks was heard, and one or two of the
bolder youths cast their rifles forward, in readiness for service.
    "Send the boys off to the right," exclaimed the resolute wife and
mother, in a sharp, dissonant voice; "I warrant me, Asa, or Abner will
give some account of the creature!"
    "It may be well enough, to try the rifle," muttered a dull looking
man, whose features, both in outline and expression, bore no small
resemblance to the first speaker, and who loosened the stock of his
piece and brought it dexterously to the front, while delivering this
opinion; "the Pawnee Loups are said to be hunting by hundreds in the
plains; if so, they'll never miss a single man from their tribe."
    "Stay!" exclaimed a soft toned, but alarmed female voice, which was
easily to be traced to the trembling lips of the younger of the two
women; "we are not altogether; it may be a friend!"
    "Who is scouting, now?" demanded the father, scanning, at the same time,
the cluster of his stout sons, with a displeased and sullen eye. "Put by
the piece, put by the piece;" he continued, diverting the other's
aim, with the finger of a giant, and with the air of one it might be
dangerous to deny. "My job is not yet ended; let us finish the little
that remains, in peace."
    The man, who had manifested so hostile an intention, appeared to
understand the other's allusion, and suffered himself to be diverted
from his object. The sons turned their inquiring looks on the girl, who
had so eagerly spoken, to require an explanation; but, as if content
with the respite she had obtained for the stranger, she sunk back, in
her seat, and chose to affect a maidenly silence.
    In the mean time, the hues of the heavens had often changed. In place of
the brightness, which had