“Why should these red-skins possess what I so deeply long for; and only for their short temporary enjoyment? I would be fair with them; but they wrap themselves up in their selfish obstinacy, and scorn my offers.”
How selfish others appear to a selfish man!
“Why should they continue to restrain me? If gold is worth anything, surely it should repay them for what can be only a mere fancy. I shall try Oluski once again, and if he refuse—”
Here the speaker paused.
For some time he stood in contemplation, his eye roving over the distant view.
As it again lighted upon the settlement a smile, not a pleasant one, curled his lip.
“Well, there is time yet,” said he, as if concluding an argument with himself. “I will once more try the golden bribe. I will use caution; but here will I build my house, come what may.”
This natural conclusion, to an egotistic mind, appeared satisfactory.
It seemed to soothe him, for he strode down the hill with a springy, elastic step, more like that of a young man than one over whose head had passed sixty eventful years.