The young people remained for an hour or more at the hut, conversing with the Solitary, to whom their presence appeared to give great pleasure; and, before parting, Pownal exchanged some words apart with Esther, having for their object the promotion of her guest's and her own comfort. The kind heart of the squaw needed no incentives to conceal and protect Holden, but Pownal felt he had no right to encroach upon her slender means, and such arrangements were made as would more than compensate her. As the sleigh started from the door, Anne said to Pownal, with some tenderness in the tone of her voice: "You need not tell me, Mr. Pownal, the name of one of the strange Paladins last night. How will Faith thank and admire you. But, O, let me beg you to be prudent, lest you fall into the power of these bad men." It would have better suited the feelings of Pownal, had Anne uttered her own thanks more directly. His inexperience and distrust of himself did not comprehend that it was in reality the way in which the modest girl expressed the admiration that swelled her heart. CHAPTER XX. Impelled with steps unceasing to pursue Some fleeting good that mocks me with the view; That, like the circle, bounding earth and skies, Allures from far, and, as I follow, flies. GOLDSMITH. Whenever Tom Gladding and Primus put their heads together, it was pretty certain that there was some mischief afoot, and a few words of the conversation, which we overhear, as they walk down the street in company, leave no doubt on the subject. "You see, Prime," said Gladding, "the foolish fellow ain't cured yet." "Let us insult ober his case," said Primus. "I thought he'd got enough; but, he's as parvarse as the nine lives of a cat. Why, there was the whack at the island, and, then, the jam on the ice, and, last, the scare in the snowstorm; a fellow's unreasonable to want more, and, yet, the darn'd crittur's holding out his platter." "What you want to put in, Missa Gladding?" "Some of the same mess. I don't care about hurting him; but, I should like to cure him of his parsecuting ways." "Well, you is a good cook. What you up to dis time?" said the General, grinning at the idea of more tricks. "Colored people is celebrated for their contrivances; so, scratch your wool, and give us the benefit of your genius." "De sheep hab no gumption," said Primus, looking grave at this allusion to his hair. "I tell you what I want you to do," said Tom, taking no notice of Primus' gravity, and certain that the old fellow was unable to resist the temptation to a frolic; "but, don't let's stand here all day talking. Folks may suspicion something; so, push along, and I'll give you my idees." They must have pleased the General, for, soon, his face began to brighten, and his eyes to glisten; and he parted from his companion, apparently, with the best understanding, and in the highest good humor possible.