human
No, no, cried the man;
gpt
That is precisely what I came to consult you upon, said Lord H----.
human
But let us talk over the matter calmly, my good friend. This is a case where grief, anger, and indignation can do nothing; but where deliberate thought, reason, and policy, even cunning such as their own (for if we could arrive at it, we should be quite justified in using it), may, perhaps, do something to save this poor boy.
gpt
How the devil would you have me calm? exclaimed the man, vehemently; but then, suddenly checking himself, he said,
human
You're right--you're right! I am forgetting my old habits in these smoky holes. Thought, cunning, those are the only things to do with an Indian. It's tarnation hard to outwit him, but it may be done when one knows his tracks well. I can't get my brain to hold steady to-night. This story's upset all my thoughts; and I've got no consideration in me. You must give me a night and a day to think over the matter; and then I'll see what's to be done. By the Lord, Walter shan't die! Poor fellow! what should _he_ die for?--However, I guess it's no use talking in that sort of manner. I must think of what's to be done--that's the business in hand. I'll think as soon as I can, my lord; only you just tell me now all you have done, if you have done anything. As for Prevost, I don't suppose he's had time to do much; for though he is always right in the end, and no man's opinion is worth more, yet, if you touch his heart and his feelings, as you call them, his wits get all in a work, just like mine at this moment. More fool he, and I too!
gpt
We have done something, said Lord H----, in reply.
human
Mr. Prevost set out this morning to see Sir William Johnson.
gpt
I came hither to consult with you, continued Lord H----;
human
I know him--I know him, interposed Woodchuck;
gpt
Well, we have commissioned him, resumed the nobleman,
human
Likely--likely, said the Woodchuck.
gpt
Miss Prevost understands them; they'll not tell the women anything, for fear they should meddle. They've a poor opinion of squaws. But the girl may do a great deal of good, too, if you can get the tidings to her. She's not as cunning as the rest of them; but she has more heart, and soul, and resolution too, than a whole tribe of Indian women. That comes of her mother being a white woman.
human
Her mother a white woman!
gpt
Ay, didn't you know that? interrogated Woodchuck;
human
he continued, rising.
gpt
Now, my lord, this is no use. Give me a few hours to think; to-morrow, at noon, if you will; and then I'll come and tell you what my opinion is.
human
At the post, I suppose?