—Shakspeare.
It was not long before the trapper pointed1 out the commanding person of Mahtoree, as the leader of the Siouxes. This chief, who had been among the last to obey the vociferous2 summons of Weucha, no sooner reached the spot where his whole party was now gathered, than he threw himself from his horse, and proceeded to examine the marks of the extraordinary trail, with that degree of dignity and attention which became his high and responsible station. The warriors4, for it was but too evident that they were to a man of that fearless and ruthless class, awaited the result of his investigation5 with patient reserve; none but a few of the principal braves, presuming even to speak, while their leader was thus gravely occupied. It was several minutes before Mahtoree seemed satisfied. He then directed his eyes along the ground to those several places where Ishmael had found the same revolting evidences of the passage of some bloody6 struggle, and motioned to his people to follow.
The whole band advanced in a body towards the thicket7, until they came to a halt, within a few yards of the precise spot, where Esther had stimulated8 her sluggish9 sons to break into the cover. The reader will readily imagine that the trapper and his companions were not indifferent observers of so threatening a movement. The old man summoned all who were capable of bearing arms to his side, and demanded, in very unequivocal terms, though in a voice that was suitably lowered, in order to escape the ears of their dangerous neighbours, whether they were disposed to make battle for their liberty, or whether they should try the milder expedient10 of conciliation11. As it was a subject in which all had an equal interest, he put the question as to a council of war, and not without some slight exhibition of the lingering vestiges12 of a nearly extinct military pride. Paul and the Doctor were diametrically opposed to each other in opinion; the former declaring for an immediate13 appeal to arms, and the latter was warmly espousing14 the policy of pacific measures. Middleton, who saw that there was great danger of a hot verbal dispute between two men, who were governed by feelings so diametrically opposed, saw fit to assume the office of arbiter15; or rather to decide the question, his situation making him a sort of umpire. He also leaned to the side of peace, for he evidently saw that, in consequence of the vast superiority of their enemies, violence would irretrievably lead to their destruction.
The trapper listened to the reasons of the young soldier with great attention; and, as they were given with the steadiness of one who did not suffer apprehension16 to blind his judgment17, they did not fail to produce a suitable impression.
“It is rational,” rejoined the trapper, when the other had delivered his reasons; “it is very rational, for what man cannot move with his strength he must circumvent18 with his wits. It is reason that makes him stronger than the buffaloe, and swifter than the moose. Now stay you here, and keep yourselves close. My life and my traps are but of little value, when the welfare of so many human souls are concerned; and, moreover, I may say that I know the windings19 of Indian cunning. Therefore will I go alone upon the prairie. It may so happen, that I can yet draw the eyes of a Sioux from this spot and give you time and room to fly.”
As if resolved to listen to no remonstrance20, the old man quietly shouldered his rifle, and moving leisurely21 through the thicket, he issued on the plain, at a point whence he might first appear before the eyes of the Siouxes, without exciting their suspicions that he came from its cover.
The instant that the figure of a man dressed in the garb22 of a hunter, and bearing the well known and much dreaded23 rifle, appeared before the eyes of the Siouxes, there was a sensible, though a suppressed sensation in the band. The artifice24 of the trapper had so far succeeded, as to render it extremely doubtful whether he came from some point on the open prairie, or from the thicket; though the Indians still continued to cast frequent and suspicious glances at the cover. They had made their halt at the distance of an arrow-flight from the bushes; but when the stranger came sufficiently25 nigh to show that the deep coating of red and brown, which time and exposure had given to his features, was laid upon the original colour of a Pale-face, they slowly receded26 from the spot, until they reached a distance that might defeat the aim of fire-arms.
In the mean time the old man continued to advance, until he had got nigh enough to make himself heard without difficulty. Here he stopped, and dropping his rifle to the earth, he raised his hand with the palm outward, in token of peace. After uttering a few words of reproach to his hound, who watched the savage27 group with eyes that seemed to recognise them, he spoke28 in the Sioux tongue—
“My brothers are welcome,” he said, cunningly constituting himself the master of the region in which they had met, and assuming the offices of hospitality. “They are far from their villages, and are hungry. Will they follow to my lodge29, to eat and sleep?”
No sooner was his voice heard, than the yell of pleasure, which burst from a dozen mouths, convinced the sagacious trapper, that he also was recognised. Feeling that it was too late to retreat, he profited by the confusion which prevailed among them, while Weucha was explaining his character, to advance, until he was again face to face with the redoubtable30 Mahtoree. The second interview between these two men, each of whom was extraordinary in his way, was marked by the usual caution of the frontiers. They stood, for nearly a minute, examining each other without speaking.
“Where are your young men?” sternly demanded the Teton chieftain, after he found that the immovable features of the trapper refused to betray any of their master's secrets, under his intimidating31 look.
“The Long-knives do not come in bands to trap the beaver32? I am alone.”
“Your head is white, but you have a forked tongue. Mahtoree has been in your camp. He knows that you are not alone. Where is your young wife, and the warrior3 that I found upon the prairie?”
“I have no wife. I have told my brother that the woman and her friend were strangers. The words of a grey head should be heard, and not forgotten. The Dahcotahs found travellers asleep, and they thought they had no need of horses. The women and children of a Pale-face are not used to go far on foot. Let them be sought where you left them.”
The eyes of the Teton flashed fire as he answered—
“They are gone: but Mahtoree is a wise chief, and his eyes can see a great distance!”
“Does the partisan34 of the Tetons see men on these naked fields?” retorted the trapper, with great steadiness of mien35. “I am very old, and my eyes grow dim. Where do they stand?” The chief remained silent a moment, as if he disdained36 to contest any further the truth of a fact, concerning which he was already satisfied. Then pointing to the traces on the earth, he said, with a sudden transition to mildness, in his eye and manner—
“My father has learnt wisdom, in many winters; can he tell me whose moccasin has left this trail?”
“There have been wolves and buffaloes37 on the prairies; and there may have been cougars39 too.”
Mahtoree glanced his eye at the thicket, as if he thought the latter suggestion not impossible. Pointing to the place, he ordered his young men to reconnoitre it more closely, cautioning them, at the same time, with a stern look at the trapper, to beware of treachery from the Big-knives. Three or four half-naked, eager-looking youths lashed33 their horses at the word, and darted40 away to obey the mandate41. The old man trembled a little for the discretion42 of Paul, when he saw this demonstration43. The Tetons encircled the place two or three times, approaching nigher and nigher at each circuit, and then galloped44 back to their leader to report that the copse seemed empty. Notwithstanding the trapper watched the eye of Mahtoree, to detect the inward movements of his mind, and if possible to anticipate, in order to direct his suspicions, the utmost sagacity of one so long accustomed to study the cold habits of the Indian race, could however detect no symptom, or expression, that denoted how far he credited or distrusted this intelligence. Instead of replying to the information of his scouts46, he spoke kindly47 to his horse, and motioning to a youth to receive the bridle48, or rather halter, by which he governed the animal, he took the trapper by the arm, and led him a little apart from the rest of the band.
“Has my brother been a warrior?” said the wily Teton, in a tone that he intended should be conciliating.
“Do the leaves cover the trees in the season of fruits? Go. The Dahcotahs have not seen as many warriors living as I have looked on in their blood! But what signifies idle remembrancing,” he added in English, “when limbs grow stiff, and sight is failing!”
The chief regarded him a moment with a severe look, as if he would lay bare the falsehood he had heard; but meeting in the calm eye and steady mien of the trapper a confirmation49 of the truth of what he said, he took the hand of the old man and laid it gently on his head, in token of the respect that was due to the other's years and experience.
“Why then do the Big-knives tell their red brethren to bury the tomahawk,” he said, “when their own young men never forget that they are braves, and meet each other so often with bloody hands?”
“My nation is more numerous than the buffaloes on the prairies, or the pigeons in the air. Their quarrels are frequent; yet their warriors are few. None go out on the war-path but they who are gifted with the qualities of a brave, and therefore such see many battles.”
“It is not so—my father is mistaken,” returned Mahtoree, indulging in a smile of exulting50 penetration51, at the very instant he corrected the force of his denial, in deference52 to the years and services of one so aged53. “The Big-knives are very wise, and they are men; all of them would be warriors. They would leave the Red-skins to dig roots and hoe the corn. But a Dahcotah is not born to live like a woman; he must strike the Pawnee and the Omahaw, or he will lose the name of his fathers.”
“The Master of Life looks with an open eye on his children, who die in a battle that is fought for the right; but he is blind, and his ears are shut to the cries of an Indian, who is killed when plundering54, or doing evil to his neighbour.”
“My father is old,” said Mahtoree, looking at his aged companion, with an expression of irony55, that sufficiently denoted he was one of those who overstep the trammels of education, and who are perhaps a little given to abuse the mental liberty they thus obtain. “He is very old: has he made a journey to the far country; and has he been at the trouble to come back, to tell the young men what he has seen?”
“Teton,” returned the trapper, throwing the breach56 of his rifle to the earth with startling vehemence57, and regarding his companion with steady serenity58, “I have heard that there are men, among my people, who study their great medicines until they believe themselves to be gods, and who laugh at all faith except in their own vanities. It may be true. It is true; for I have seen them. When man is shut up in towns and schools, with his own follies59, it may be easy to believe himself greater than the Master of Life; but a warrior, who lives in a house with the clouds for its roof, where he can at any moment look both at the heavens and at the earth, and who daily sees the power of the Great Spirit, should be more humble60. A Dahcotah chieftain ought to be too wise to laugh at justice.”
The crafty61 Mahtoree, who saw that his free-thinking was not likely to produce a favourable62 impression on the old man, instantly changed his ground, by alluding63 to the more immediate subject of their interview. Laying his hand gently on the shoulder of the trapper, he led him forward, until they both stood within fifty feet of the margin64 of the thicket. Here he fastened his penetrating65 eyes on the other's honest countenance66, and continued the discourse—
“If my father has hid his young men in the bush, let him tell them to come forth67. You see that a Dahcotah is not afraid. Mahtoree is a great chief! A warrior, whose head is white, and who is about to go to the Land of Spirits, cannot have a tongue with two ends, like a serpent.”
“Dahcotah, I have told no lie. Since the Great Spirit made me a man, I have lived in the wilderness68, or on these naked plains, without lodge or family. I am a hunter and go on my path alone.”
“My father has a good carabine. Let him point it in the bush and fire.”
The old man hesitated a moment, and then slowly prepared himself to give this delicate assurance of the truth of what he said, without which he plainly perceived the suspicions of his crafty companion could not be lulled69. As he lowered his rifle, his eye, although greatly dimmed and weakened by age, ran over the confused collection of objects, that lay embedded70 amid the party-coloured foliage71 of the thicket, until it succeeded in catching72 a glimpse of the brown covering of the stem of a small tree. With this object in view, he raised the piece to a level and fired. The bullet had no sooner glided73 from the barrel than a tremor74 seized the hands of the trapper, which, had it occurred a moment sooner, would have utterly75 disqualified him for so hazardous76 an experiment. A frightful77 silence succeeded the report, during which he expected to hear the shrieks78 of the females, and then, as the smoke whirled away in the wind, he caught a view of the fluttering bark, and felt assured that all his former skill was not entirely79 departed from him. Dropping the piece to the earth, he turned again to his companion with an air of the utmost composure, and demanded—
“Is my brother satisfied?”
“Mahtoree is a chief of the Dahcotahs,” returned the cunning Teton, laying his hand on his chest, in acknowledgment of the other's sincerity80. “He knows that a warrior, who has smoked at so many council-fires, until his head has grown white, would not be found in wicked company. But did not my father once ride on a horse, like a rich chief of the Pale-faces, instead of travelling on foot like a hungry Konza?”
“Never! The Wahcondah has given me legs, and he has given me resolution to use them. For sixty summers and winters did I journey in the woods of America, and ten tiresome81 years have I dwelt on these open fields, without finding need to call often upon the gifts of the other creatur's of the Lord to carry me from place to place.”
“If my father has so long lived in the shade, why has he come upon the prairies? The sun will scorch82 him.”
The old man looked sorrowfully about for a moment, and then turning with a confidential83 air to the other, he replied—
“I passed the spring, summer, and autumn of life among the trees. The winter of my days had come, and found me where I loved to be, in the quiet—ay, and in the honesty of the woods! Teton, then I slept happily, where my eyes could look up through the branches of the pines and the beeches84, to the very dwelling85 of the Good Spirit of my people. If I had need to open my heart to him, while his fires were burning above my head, the door was open and before my eyes. But the axes of the choppers awoke me. For a long time my ears heard nothing but the uproar86 of clearings. I bore it like a warrior and a man; there was a reason that I should bear it: but when that reason was ended, I bethought me to get beyond the accursed sounds. It was trying to the courage and to the habits, but I had heard of these vast and naked fields, and I came hither to escape the wasteful87 temper of my people. Tell me, Dahcotah, have I not done well?”
The trapper laid his long lean finger on the naked shoulder of the Indian as he ended, and seemed to demand his felicitations on his ingenuity88 and success, with a ghastly smile, in which triumph was singularly blended with regret. His companion listened intently, and replied to the question by saying, in the sententious manner of his race—
“The head of my father is very grey; he has always lived with men, and he has seen everything. What he does is good; what he speaks is wise. Now let him say, is he sure that he is a stranger to the Big-knives, who are looking for their beasts on every side of the prairies and cannot find them?”
“Dahcotah, what I have said is true. I live alone, and never do I mingle89 with men whose skins are white, if—”
His mouth was suddenly closed by an interruption that was as mortifying90 as it was unexpected. The words were still on his tongue, when the bushes on the side of the thicket where they stood, opened, and the whole of the party whom he had just left, and in whose behalf he was endeavouring to reconcile his love of truth to the necessity of prevaricating91, came openly into view. A pause of mute astonishment92 succeeded this unlooked-for spectacle. Then Mahtoree, who did not suffer a muscle or a joint93 to betray the wonder and surprise he actually experienced, motioned towards the advancing friends of the trapper with an air of assumed civility, and a smile, that lighted his fierce, dark, visage, as the glare of the setting sun reveals the volume and load of the cloud, that is charged to bursting with the electric fluid. He however disdained to speak, or to give any other evidence of his intentions than by calling to his side the distant band, who sprang forward at his beck, with the alacrity94 of willing subordinates.
In the mean time the friends of the old man continued to advance. Middleton himself was foremost, supporting the light and aerial looking figure of Inez, on whose anxious countenance he cast such occasional glances of tender interest as, in similar circumstances, a father would have given to his child. Paul led Ellen, close in their rear. But while the eye of the bee-hunter did not neglect his blooming companion, it scowled95 angrily, resembling more the aspect of the sullen96 and retreating bear than the soft intelligence of a favoured suitor. Obed and Asinus came last, the former leading his companion with a degree of fondness that could hardly be said to be exceeded by any other of the party. The approach of the naturalist97 was far less rapid than that of those who preceded him. His feet seemed equally reluctant to advance, or to remain stationary98; his position bearing a great analogy to that of Mahomet's coffin99, with the exception that the quality of repulsion rather than that of attraction held him in a state of rest. The repulsive100 power in his rear however appeared to predominate, and by a singular exception, as he would have said himself, to all philosophical101 principles, it rather increased than diminished by distance. As the eyes of the naturalist steadily102 maintained a position that was the opposite of his route, they served to give a direction to those of the observers of all these movements, and at once furnished a sufficient clue by which to unravel103 the mystery of so sudden a debouchement from the cover.
Another cluster of stout104 and armed men was seen at no great distance, just rounding a point of the thicket, and moving directly though cautiously towards the place where the band of the Siouxes was posted, as a squadron of cruisers is often seen to steer105 across the waste of waters, towards the rich but well-protected convoy106. In short, the family of the squatter107, or at least such among them as were capable of bearing arms, appeared in view, on the broad prairie, evidently bent108 on revenging their wrongs.
Mahtoree and his party slowly retired109 from the thicket, the moment they caught a view of the strangers, until they halted on a swell110 that commanded a wide and unobstructed view of the naked fields on which they stood. Here the Dahcotah appeared disposed to make his stand, and to bring matters to an issue. Notwithstanding this retreat, in which he compelled the trapper to accompany him, Middleton still advanced, until he too halted on the same elevation111, and within speaking distance of the warlike Siouxes. The borderers in their turn took a favourable position, though at a much greater distance. The three groups now resembled so many fleets at sea, lying with their topsails to the masts, with the commendable112 precaution of reconnoitring, before each could ascertain113 who among the strangers might be considered as friends, and who as foes114.
During this moment of suspense115, the dark, threatening, eye of Mahtoree rolled from one of the strange parties to the other, in keen and hasty examination, and then it turned its withering116 look on the old man, as the chief said, in a tone of high and bitter scorn—
“The Big-knives are fools! It is easier to catch the cougar38 asleep, than to find a blind Dahcotah. Did the white head think to ride on the horse of a Sioux?”
The trapper, who had found time to collect his perplexed117 faculties118, saw at once that Middleton, having perceived Ishmael on the trail by which they had fled, preferred trusting to the hospitality of the savages119, than to the treatment he would be likely to receive from the hands of the squatter. He therefore disposed himself to clear the way for the favourable reception of his friends, since he found that the unnatural120 coalition121 became necessary to secure the liberty, if not the lives, of the party.
“Did my brother ever go on a war-path to strike my people?” he calmly demanded of the indignant chief, who still awaited his reply.
The lowering aspect of the Teton warrior so far lost its severity, as to suffer a gleam of pleasure and triumph to lighten its ferocity, as sweeping122 his arm in an entire circle around his person he answered—
“What tribe or nation has not felt the blows of the Dahcotahs? Mahtoree is their partisan.”
“And has he found the Big-knives women, or has he found them men?”
A multitude of fierce passions were struggling in the tawny123 countenance of the Indian. For a moment inextinguishable hatred124 seemed to hold the mastery, and then a nobler expression, and one that better became the character of a brave, got possession of his features, and maintained itself until, first throwing aside his light robe of pictured deer-skin, and pointing to the scar of a bayonet in his breast, he replied—
“It was given, as it was taken, face to face.”
“It is enough. My brother is a brave chief, and he should be wise. Let him look: is that a warrior of the Pale-faces? Was it one such as that who gave the great Dahcotah his hurt?”
The eyes of Mahtoree followed the direction of the old man's extended arm, until they rested on the drooping125 form of Inez. The look of the Teton was long, riveted126, and admiring. Like that of the young Pawnee, it resembled more the gaze of a mortal on some heavenly image, than the admiration127 with which man is wont128 to contemplate129 even the loveliness of woman. Starting, as if suddenly self-convicted of forgetfulness, the chief next turned his eyes on Ellen, where they lingered an instant with a much more intelligible130 expression of admiration, and then pursued their course until they had taken another glance at each individual of the party.
“My brother sees that my tongue is not forked,” continued the trapper, watching the emotions the other betrayed, with a readiness of comprehension little inferior to that of the Teton himself. “The Big-knives do not send their women to war. I know that the Dahcotahs will smoke with the strangers.”
“Mahtoree is a great chief! The Big-knives are welcome,” said the Teton, laying his hand on his breast, with an air of lofty politeness that would have done credit to any state of society. “The arrows of my young men are in their quivers.”
The trapper motioned to Middleton to approach, and in a few moments the two parties were blended in one, each of the males having exchanged friendly greetings, after the fashions of the prairie warriors. But, even while engaged in this hospitable131 manner, the Dahcotah did not fail to keep a strict watch on the more distant party of white men, as if he still distrusted an artifice, or sought further explanation. The old man, in his turn, perceived the necessity of being more explicit132, and of securing the slight and equivocal advantage he had already obtained. While affecting to examine the group, which still lingered at the spot where it had first halted, as if to discover the characters of those who composed it, he plainly saw that Ishmael contemplated133 immediate hostilities134. The result of a conflict on the open prairie, between a dozen resolute135 border men, and the half-armed natives, even though seconded by their white allies, was in his experienced judgment a point of great uncertainty136, and though far from reluctant to engage in the struggle on account of himself, the aged trapper thought it far more worthy137 of his years, and his character, to avoid than to court the contest. His feelings were, for obvious reasons, in accordance with those of Paul and Middleton, who had lives still more precious than their own to watch over and protect. In this dilemma138 the three consulted on the means of escaping the frightful consequences which might immediately follow a single act of hostility139 on the part of the borderers; the old man taking care that their communication should, in the eyes of those who noted45 the expression of their countenances140 with jealous watchfulness141, bear the appearance of explanations as to the reason why such a party of travellers was met so far in the deserts.
“I know that the Dahcotahs are a wise and great people,” at length the trapper commenced, again addressing himself to the chief; “but does not their partisan know a single brother who is base?”
The eye of Mahtoree wandered proudly around his band, but rested a moment reluctantly on Weucha, as he answered—
“The Master of Life has made chiefs, and warriors, and women;” conceiving that he thus embraced all the gradations of human excellence142 from the highest to the lowest.
“And he has also made Pale-faces, who are wicked. Such are they whom my brother sees yonder.”
“Do they go on foot to do wrong?” demanded the Teton, with a wild gleam from his eyes, that sufficiently betrayed how well he knew the reason why they were reduced to so humble an expedient.
“Their beasts are gone. But their powder, and their lead, and their blankets remain.”
“Do they carry their riches in their hands, like miserable143 Konzas? or are they brave, and leave them with the women, as men should do, who know where to find what they lose?”
“My brother sees the spot of blue across the prairie; look, the sun has touched it for the last time to-day.”
“Mahtoree is not a mole144.”
“It is a rock; on it are the goods of the Big-knives.”
An expression of savage joy shot into the dark countenance of the Teton as he listened; turning to the old man he seemed to read his soul, as if to assure himself he was not deceived. Then he bent his look on the party of Ishmael, and counted its number.
“One warrior is wanting,” he said.
“Does my brother see the buzzards? there is his grave. Did he find blood on the prairie? It was his.”
“Enough! Mahtoree is a wise chief. Put your women on the horses of the Dahcotahs: we shall see, for our eyes are open very wide.”
The trapper wasted no unnecessary words in explanation. Familiar with the brevity and promptitude of the natives, he immediately communicated the result to his companions. Paul was mounted in an instant, with Ellen at his back. A few more moments were necessary to assure Middleton of the security and ease of Inez. While he was thus engaged, Mahtoree advanced to the side of the beast he had allotted145 to this service, which was his own, and manifested an intention to occupy his customary place on its back. The young soldier seized the reins146 of the animal, and glances of sudden anger and lofty pride were exchanged between them.
“No man takes this seat but myself,” said Middleton, sternly, in English.
“Mahtoree is a great chief!” retorted the savage; neither comprehending the meaning of the other's words.
“The Dahcotah will be too late,” whispered the old man at his elbow; “see; the Big-knives are afraid, and they will soon run.”
The Teton chief instantly abandoned his claim, and threw himself on another horse, directing one of his young men to furnish a similar accommodation for the trapper. The warriors who were dismounted, got up behind as many of their companions. Doctor Battius bestrode Asinus; and, notwithstanding the brief interruption, in half the time we have taken to relate it, the whole party was prepared to move.
When he saw that all were ready, Mahtoree gave the signal to advance. A few of the best mounted of the warriors, the chief himself included, moved a little in front, and made a threatening demonstration, as if they intended to attack the strangers. The squatter, who was in truth slowly retiring, instantly halted his party, and showed a willing front. Instead, however, of coming within reach of the dangerous aim of the western rifle, the subtle savages kept wheeling about the strangers, until they had made a half circuit, keeping the latter in constant expectation of an assault. Then, perfectly147 secure of their object, the Tetons raised a loud shout, and darted across the prairie in a line for the distant rock, with the directness and nearly with the velocity148 of the arrow, that has just been shot from its bow.
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pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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vociferous
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| adj.喧哗的，大叫大嚷的 | |
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warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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investigation
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bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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thicket
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| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
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stimulated
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sluggish
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| adj.懒惰的，迟钝的，无精打采的 | |
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expedient
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conciliation
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| n.调解，调停 | |
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vestiges
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| 残余部分( vestige的名词复数 )； 遗迹； 痕迹； 毫不 | |
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immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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espousing
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| v.（决定）支持，拥护（目标、主张等）( espouse的现在分词 ) | |
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arbiter
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| n.仲裁人，公断人 | |
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apprehension
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| n.理解，领悟；逮捕，拘捕；忧虑 | |
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judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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circumvent
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| vt.环绕，包围；对…用计取胜，智胜 | |
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windings
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| （道路、河流等）蜿蜒的，弯曲的( winding的名词复数 )； 缠绕( wind的现在分词 )； 卷绕； 转动（把手） | |
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20
remonstrance
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| n抗议，抱怨 | |
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21
leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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22
garb
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| n.服装，装束 | |
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23
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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24
artifice
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| n.妙计，高明的手段；狡诈，诡计 | |
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25
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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26
receded
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| v.逐渐远离( recede的过去式和过去分词 )；向后倾斜；自原处后退或避开别人的注视；尤指问题 | |
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27
savage
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| adj.野蛮的；凶恶的，残暴的；n.未开化的人 | |
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28
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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29
lodge
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| v.临时住宿，寄宿，寄存，容纳；n.传达室，小旅馆 | |
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30
redoubtable
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| adj.可敬的；可怕的 | |
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31
intimidating
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| vt.恐吓，威胁( intimidate的现在分词) | |
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32
beaver
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| n.海狸，河狸 | |
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33
lashed
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| adj.具睫毛的v.鞭打( lash的过去式和过去分词 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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34
partisan
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| adj.党派性的；游击队的；n.游击队员；党徒 | |
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35
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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36
disdained
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| 鄙视( disdain的过去式和过去分词 )； 不屑于做，不愿意做 | |
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37
buffaloes
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| n.水牛（分非洲水牛和亚洲水牛两种）( buffalo的名词复数 )；（南非或北美的）野牛；威胁；恐吓 | |
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38
cougar
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| n.美洲狮；美洲豹 | |
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39
cougars
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| n.美洲狮( cougar的名词复数 ) | |
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40
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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41
mandate
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| n.托管地；命令，指示 | |
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42
discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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43
demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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44
galloped
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| （使马）飞奔，奔驰( gallop的过去式和过去分词 )； 快速做[说]某事 | |
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45
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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46
scouts
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| 侦察员[机，舰]( scout的名词复数 )； 童子军； 搜索； 童子军成员 | |
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47
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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48
bridle
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| n.笼头，束缚；vt.抑制，约束；动怒 | |
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49
confirmation
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| n.证实，确认，批准 | |
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50
exulting
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| vi. 欢欣鼓舞，狂喜 | |
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51
penetration
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| n.穿透，穿人，渗透 | |
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52
deference
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| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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53
aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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54
plundering
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| 掠夺，抢劫( plunder的现在分词 ) | |
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55
irony
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| n.反语，冷嘲；具有讽刺意味的事，嘲弄 | |
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56
breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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57
vehemence
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| n.热切；激烈；愤怒 | |
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58
serenity
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| n.宁静，沉着，晴朗 | |
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59
follies
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| 罪恶，时事讽刺剧； 愚蠢，蠢笨，愚蠢的行为、思想或做法( folly的名词复数 ) | |
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60
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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61
crafty
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| adj.狡猾的，诡诈的 | |
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62
favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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63
alluding
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| 提及，暗指( allude的现在分词 ) | |
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64
margin
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| n.页边空白；差额；余地，余裕；边，边缘 | |
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65
penetrating
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| adj.（声音）响亮的，尖锐的adj.（气味）刺激的adj.（思想）敏锐的，有洞察力的 | |
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66
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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67
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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68
wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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69
lulled
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| vt.使镇静，使安静（lull的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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70
embedded
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| a.扎牢的 | |
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71
foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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72
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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73
glided
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| v.滑动( glide的过去式和过去分词 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
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74
tremor
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| n.震动，颤动，战栗，兴奋，地震 | |
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75
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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76
hazardous
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| adj.(有)危险的，冒险的；碰运气的 | |
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77
frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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78
shrieks
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| n.尖叫声( shriek的名词复数 )v.尖叫( shriek的第三人称单数 ) | |
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79
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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80
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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81
tiresome
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| adj.令人疲劳的，令人厌倦的 | |
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82
scorch
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| v.烧焦，烤焦；高速疾驶；n.烧焦处，焦痕 | |
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83
confidential
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| adj.秘（机）密的，表示信任的，担任机密工作的 | |
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84
beeches
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| n.山毛榉( beech的名词复数 )；山毛榉木材 | |
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85
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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86
uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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87
wasteful
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| adj.（造成）浪费的，挥霍的 | |
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88
ingenuity
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| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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89
mingle
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| vt.使混合，使相混；vi.混合起来；相交往 | |
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90
mortifying
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| adj.抑制的，苦修的v.使受辱( mortify的现在分词 )；伤害（人的感情）；克制；抑制（肉体、情感等） | |
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91
prevaricating
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| v.支吾( prevaricate的现在分词 )；搪塞；说谎 | |
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92
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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93
joint
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| adj.联合的，共同的；n.关节，接合处；v.连接，贴合 | |
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94
alacrity
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| n.敏捷，轻快，乐意 | |
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95
scowled
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| 怒视，生气地皱眉( scowl的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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96
sullen
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| adj.愠怒的，闷闷不乐的，(天气等)阴沉的 | |
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97
naturalist
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| n.博物学家(尤指直接观察动植物者) | |
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98
stationary
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| adj.固定的，静止不动的 | |
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99
coffin
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| n.棺材，灵柩 | |
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100
repulsive
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| adj.排斥的，使人反感的 | |
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101
philosophical
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| adj.哲学家的，哲学上的，达观的 | |
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102
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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103
unravel
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| v.弄清楚（秘密）；拆开，解开，松开 | |
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105
steer
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| vt.驾驶，为…操舵；引导；vi.驾驶 | |
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106
convoy
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| vt.护送，护卫，护航；n.护送；护送队 | |
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107
squatter
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| n.擅自占地者 | |
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108
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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109
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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110
swell
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| vi.膨胀，肿胀；增长，增强 | |
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111
elevation
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| n.高度；海拔；高地；上升；提高 | |
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112
commendable
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| adj.值得称赞的 | |
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113
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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114
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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115
suspense
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| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
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116
withering
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| 使人畏缩的，使人害羞的，使人难堪的 | |
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117
perplexed
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| adj.不知所措的 | |
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118
faculties
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| n.能力( faculty的名词复数 )；全体教职员；技巧；院 | |
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119
savages
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| 未开化的人，野蛮人( savage的名词复数 ) | |
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120
unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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121
coalition
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| n.结合体，同盟，结合，联合 | |
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122
sweeping
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| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
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123
tawny
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| adj.茶色的，黄褐色的；n.黄褐色 | |
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124
hatred
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| n.憎恶，憎恨，仇恨 | |
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125
drooping
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| adj. 下垂的，无力的 动词droop的现在分词 | |
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126
riveted
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| 铆接( rivet的过去式和过去分词 )； 把…固定住； 吸引； 引起某人的注意 | |
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127
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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128
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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129
contemplate
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| vt.盘算，计议；周密考虑；注视，凝视 | |
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130
intelligible
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| adj.可理解的，明白易懂的，清楚的 | |
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131
hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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132
explicit
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| adj.详述的，明确的；坦率的；显然的 | |
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133
contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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134
hostilities
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| n.战争；敌意(hostility的复数)；敌对状态；战事 | |
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135
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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136
uncertainty
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| n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物 | |
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137
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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138
dilemma
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| n.困境，进退两难的局面 | |
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139
hostility
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| n.敌对，敌意；抵制［pl.］交战，战争 | |
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140
countenances
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| n.面容( countenance的名词复数 )；表情；镇静；道义支持 | |
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141
watchfulness
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| 警惕，留心； 警觉（性） | |
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142
excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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143
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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144
mole
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| n.胎块；痣；克分子 | |
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145
allotted
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| 分配，拨给，摊派( allot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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146
reins
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| 感情，激情； 缰( rein的名词复数 )； 控制手段； 掌管； （成人带着幼儿走路以防其走失时用的）保护带 | |
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147
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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148
velocity
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| n.速度，速率 | |
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