human
Wal, said he, in order to change the conversation, which he thought too flattering towards himself,
gpt
I'm not more than four or five miles from my home. I merely rode out for pleasure. I little thought that my excursion would end thus. Where do you live, sir? I don't remember to have seen you before.
human
At the settlement?
gpt
No; I ain't a resident of no place. I'm as you see me--a hunter. I've been at the settlement tho' many a time; in fact, I used to live on that thar spot afore thar war any settlement. It war enough for me to know they war a-comin', so I pulled up stakes and quit. You see, miss, it don't do for a hunter to live among the clearins; besides, I'm a deal happier by myself.
human
No doubt. To a contented mind, such a life as yours must be a happy one.
gpt
That's it, miss; to them as is contented. Do you know I've often and often puzzled over the expressin' o' that idear, and never could hit it; and yet you've gin it in the snapping of a jack-knife.
human
Perhaps you were going to the settlement when you saw me?
gpt
No; exactly t'other way. I war goin' from it. I've been down beyont hyar to meet a friend o' mine. It ain't long ago tho' since I war in the colony, and staid a spell there. Now I'm bound for the big Savanna, that is, arter I've seen you home, and out of danger.
human
Oh, no thank you, that's not at all necessary. I'm used to wander about alone, although this part of the country is a little new to me.
gpt
If you'll allow me, miss, I'll go with pleasure.
human
That I cannot do. All I want to know now is your name?
gpt
Cris Carrol,
human
Then, said she holding out her pretty white hand,
gpt
Cris Carrol, I thank you with my whole heart for what you have done for me. I will remember it to my dying day.