human
Set your steps in mine, said Woodchuck, speaking in a whisper over his shoulder to Lord H----,
gpt
But do you think there is any real danger?
human
There is always danger in a dark wood and a dark eye, answered Woodchuck, with a laugh;
gpt
But you are taking strange precautions where there is no danger, observed Lord H----, who could not banish all doubts of his wild companion:
human
I am just as fearless now as you war then, if you passed through this wood, answered Brooks, in a graver tone;
gpt
Yes, just the waterfall, answered the other, in an indifferent tone.
human
Down half a mile below, Master Walter will find the boat that will take him to Albany. Then you and I can snake up by the side of the river till we have gone as fur as we have a mind to. I shouldn't wonder if we got a shot at somewhat on four, as we run along; a moose, or a painter, or a look-severe, or something of that kind. Pity we haven't got a canoe, or a batteau, or something to put our game in.
gpt
In Heaven's name, what do you call a look-severe?
human
Why, the French folks call it a _loup-cervier_, answered Brooks.
gpt
I guess you never saw one. But he is not as pleasant as a pretty maid in a by-place, is he, Master Walter? He puts himself up into a tree, and there he watches, looking fast asleep, but with the devil that is in him moving every joint of his tail the moment he hears anything come trotting along; and when it is just under him, down he drops upon it plump, like a rifle-shot into a pumpkin.
human
What's alive? Why are you cocking your rifle, Walter?
gpt
Hush! said the lad;
human
More likely a _bee_ar, replied Woodchuck, in the same low tone which the other had used--
gpt
I see, I see. It's not a _bee_ar either; but it's not an Ingian. It's gone--no, there it is agin. Hold hard!--let him climb. It's a painter. Here, Walter, come up in front--you shall have him. The cur smells fresh meat. He'll climb in a minute. There he goes. No, the crittur's on again. We shall lose him if we don't mind. Quick, Walter! spread out there to the right. I will take the left, and we shall drive him to the water, where he must climb. You, major, keep right on a head--mind take the middle trail all along, and look up at the branches, or you may have him on your head. There, he's a bending south. Quick, Walter, quick!