He found mine host of the Fleur de lis
seated in the forecastle of the schooner; and with an
air of the most perfect unconcern discussing a substantial
meal, consisting of dried uncooked venison, raw onions,
and Indian corn bread, the contents of a large bag or
wallet that lay at his feet. No sooner, however, had the
impatient officer communicated his design, asking at the
same time if he might expect his assistance in the
enterprise, than the unfinished meal of the Canadian was
discontinued, the wallet refilled, and the large greasy
clasp-knife with which the portions had been separated,
closed and thrust into a pocket of his blanket coat.
"I shall go to de devils for you, capitaine, if we must,"
he said, as he raised his portly form, not without effort,
from the deck, slapping the shoulder of the officer at
the same time somewhat rudely with his hand. There was
nothing, however, offensively familiar in this action.
It expressed merely the devotedness of heart with which
the man lent himself to the service to which he had
pledged himself, and was rather complimentary than
otherwise to him to whom it was directed.
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