“Injins doesn’t always do things in that shtyle. It’s meself that has been a presn’r among ’em afore this, and they didn’t kill me but once. That time I broke me neck, but it was speedily set and mended agin.”
“Will they not slay me?”
“I hardly think so. How would ye like one of these copperskins for a husband?”
The look of detestation and horror which answered this, made the Irishman regret his attempt at a joke.
“Please don’t worry about this matter. It’s the habit of these same gintlemen to ax for a wife afore they take her. But the way that chief views yourself and me, he has taken a strong notion to one of us. P’rhaps he has a bootiful daughter and mither at hum, and he is admirin’ me as a future husband for one of ’em.”
The genial, good-natured air of the Irishman had its effect upon Ruth, who for the time may be said to have forgotten her captivity.
“Why, Teddy, would you like one of those dusky beauties for a life partner?”
“I couldn’t tell very well till I tried, as the man said when he was recommended to die by drowning; but one of ’em might do till I got tired of——. Begorrah! but Miss Ruth, does ye obsarve how that chap keeps his eye upon me? If I’m not as greatly mistook than I ever was in my life, I’ve met him afore.”
Teddy tried to recall the features. The more he looked at him the more certain was he that the two had encountered previously. But he was unable to place him in his memory; and the Indian, observing that he was subject to remark and scrutiny, turned his face away, and henceforth remained out of view as much as possible.
“Oh!” said Ruth, relapsing into her former despondency, “Are we ever to see our friends again?”