human
But--am I--the fact is, Dick, I feel a little sore that you should say ye had a likin' for me, an' then tell me I must be off, an' never look near ye again.
gpt
That's wot I never did say, boy, returned Dick, smiling.
human
Ye may come _alone_ to see me as often as ye like while ye remain in these parts. An' if it please ye, yer at liberty to come an' live wi' me. There's room in the mountains for both of us. The cave can hold three if need be.
gpt
It can't be done, Dick. I can't forsake my mother.
human
No more ye should, lad, no more ye should, said Dick, nodding approvingly;
gpt
Done! cried March, springing up as well as his bruised muscles would permit him, and seizing his friend enthusiastically by the hand.
human
I'll stop with you and send home word by my comrades that I'll be back in summer. That's capital!
gpt
Well, so it is a good plan, said Dick somewhat gravely;
human
How d'ye know that?
gpt
Well, ye see, the Wild Man o' the West knows that you're in them parts; he has seed you, an' knows where ye are, an' he met yer comrades, the trappers, no later than yesterday, an' told 'em they'd find ye in the valley I spoke of just now; so we must be up an' away to meet 'em.
human
But how came _you_ to know this?
gpt
Why, the Wild Man an' me's oncommon intimate, d'ye see? In fact, I may say we're jist inseparable companions, an' so I come to know it that way. But make haste. We've no time to lose.
human
Good-bye, Mary, cried March with a cheerful smile, as he hurried out of the cave after his eccentric companion.
gpt
I'll be back before long, depend on't.
human
I say, Dick, observed March as they rode along,
gpt
Well, as I can't help doin' it, I s'pose I may say yes at once.
human
Can't help it, Dick! What mean you? I wish ye'd talk sense.
gpt
Hist! exclaimed the hunter, pulling up suddenly under the shelter of a cliff.
human
Yonder come yer friends, sooner than I expected. I'll leave ye here. They've not seed us yit, an' that wood 'll hide me till I git away. Now, March, he added solemnly,