“‘Perhaps’!” echoed the youth, with that perplexed look which so frequently crossed his features when the wizard’s words puzzled him. “I thought that torngaks knew everything, and never needed to say ‘perhaps.’”
“You think too much,” said Ujarak testily.
“Was it not yesterday,” returned the pupil humbly, “that you told me to think well before speaking?”
“True, O simple one! but there are times to think and times not to think. Your misfortune is that you always do both at the wrong time, and never do either at the right time.”
“I wish,” returned Ippegoo, with a sigh, “that it were always the time not to think. How much pleasanter it would be!”
“Well, it is time to listen just now,” said the wizard, “so give me your attention. I shall this night harness my dogs, and carry off Nunaga by force. And you must harness your dogs in another sledge, and follow me.”
“But—but—my mother!” murmured the youth.
“Must be left behind,” said the wizard, with tremendous decision and a dark frown; but he had under-estimated his tool, who replied with decision quite equal to his own—
“That must not be.”
Although taken much by surprise, Ujarak managed to dissemble.