Part 17 (2/2)
”Of course.”
”I'll be hanged if I will!” was the response, as Habakkuk stepped back; ”a chap hain't got but one life, and if I should lose that, what good would I ever be to myself or any one else? You wouldn't be able to become my bride.”
”But it will be dangerous to stay here, and if you go out and be careful it may be the means of saving us all.”
”I tell you, dear Maggie, I would do so if it wasn't because I know I would become dizzy; it would be sure to come on me; I feel it coming on me now--there! catch me--hold me--”
He staggered toward her, throwing out his arms, and trying to measure the distance so as to fling his grasp about her, but she stepped back, and he went to the ground.
”Keep away from me!” she said, disdainfully; ”if there is any creature in this world which I despise, it is that person who speaks a falsehood to escape duty.”
”You'll be sorry for this some day, dear Maggie.”
She stamped her foot so angrily, and her father showed such a disposition to interfere, that he checked himself.
”I don't see why I ain't de gemman after all dat's to do dis thing,”
said Gravity.
Habakkuk McEwen slapped him on his broad shoulder.
”The idee exactly! one reason why I thought best to decline--though I didn't say so--was through the fear of hurting your feelings, Gravity--”
”Dat needn't trouble you; you kin go now, and I won't feel slighted.”
”You've an advantage over us all, for you're so black that wherever you go you will carry the darkness with you, and the Injins will see nothing but so much shadow gliding along.”
”Dat may all be, but s'pose dey should take a notion to fling their tomahawks into de shadder, what will become ob _dis_ person?”
”If you are careful, you won't be hurt; if it wasn't for my weakness of dizziness, I would jump at the chance--”
”If I hear anymore such stuff,” interrupted Mr. Brainerd, ”I'll pitch you neck and heels out of here.”
”Then I guess you won't hear any more,” was the prudent thought of Habakkuk.
As the African was so willing to go, it was decided to permit him to make the attempt.
The head of the party based little hope on the venture of his servant, and indeed doubted whether they would ever see him again, but, for that matter, there was little choice between the situation of any one or two of them.
Calling Gravity to him, his employer said:
”You show a great deal more courage and manliness than most of your acquaintances give you credit for. I can only tell you to do your best, as you always do.”
”How shall I got away widout being seed?”
”That's the trouble, but you know this side of the ravine is in deep shadow, and I think if you move slowly up the footpath we followed in coming here, you won't be seen.”
”Dat's jis what I'll do, den--good-bye.” And before any one suspected it, the African was gone.
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