"Beware, my friend," he said, "of the wounded man. I think him an unmitigated rascal. Get rid of him."
"I will take your advice. I do not like him myself, and as soon as he can travel he shall surely go."
And, after mutual promises to meet again, the two friends parted, and Samuel rode off in hot haste. George watched him until he was quite out of sight.
He then sighed. The departure of Samuel had broken the last link between the charming events of the morning and the more matter-of-fact events of the evening. He now gloomily turned on his heel, and found himself face to face with the three travellers accompanied by Keen-hand.
"You are not going?" he cried.
"No," answered Bright-eye; "on the contrary, if you will allow us, we intend remaining some little time."
"You will give me great satisfaction," continued Clinton, "use my house entirely as your own."
The hunters bowed courteously.
"We have come to meet you," said Oliver, "because, having something to say, we prefer the open air."
"Yes," continued Bright-eye, "though the wounded man whom you have so generously entertained is as yet incapable of listening, your servants—"