—shut the door;—there come no swaggerers here: I have not lived
all this while, to have swaggering now: shut the door, I pray you.
—Shakspeare.
Mahtoree encountered, at the door of his lodge1, Ishmael, Abiram, and Esther. The first glance of his eye, at the countenance2 of the heavy-moulded squatter3, served to tell the cunning Teton, that the treacherous4 truce5 he had made, with these dupes of his superior sagacity, was in some danger of a violent termination.
“Look you here, old grey-beard,” said Ishmael, seizing the trapper, and whirling him round as if he had been a top; “that I am tired of carrying on a discourse6 with fingers and thumbs, instead of a tongue, ar' a natural fact; so you'll play linguister and put my words into Indian, without much caring whether they suit the stomach of a Red-skin or not.”
“Say on, friend,” calmly returned the trapper; “they shall be given as plainly as you send them.”
“Friend!” repeated the squatter, eyeing the other for an instant, with an expression of indefinable meaning. “But it is no more than a word, and sounds break no bones, and survey no farms. Tell this thieving Sioux, then, that I come to claim the conditions of our solemn bargain, made at the foot of the rock.”
When the trapper had rendered his meaning into the Sioux language, Mahtoree demanded, with an air of surprise—
“Is my brother cold? buffaloe skins are plenty. Is he hungry? Let my young men carry venison into his lodges7.”
The squatter elevated his clenched8 fist in a menacing manner, and struck it with violence on the palm of his open hand, by way of confirming his determination, as he answered—
“Tell the deceitful liar9, I have not come like a beggar to pick his bones, but like a freeman asking for his own; and have it I will. And, moreover, tell him I claim that you, too, miserable10 sinner as you ar', should be given up to justice. There's no mistake. My prisoner, my niece, and you. I demand the three at his hands, according to a sworn agreement.”
The immovable old man smiled, with an expression of singular intelligence, as he answered—
“Friend squatter, you ask what few men would be willing to grant. You would first cut the tongue from the mouth of the Teton, and then the heart from his bosom11.”
“It is little that Ishmael Bush regards, who or what is damaged in claiming his own. But put you the questions in straight-going Indian, and when you speak of yourself, make such a sign as a white man will understand, in order that I may know there is no foul13 play.”
The trapper laughed in his silent fashion, and muttered a few words to himself before he addressed the chief—
“Let the Dahcotah open his ears very wide,” he said 'that big words may have room to enter. His friend the Big-knife comes with an empty hand, and he says that the Teton must fill it.”
“Wagh! Mahtoree is a rich chief. He is master of the prairies.”
“He must give the dark-hair.”
The brow of the chief contracted in an ominous14 frown, that threatened instant destruction to the audacious squatter; but as suddenly recollecting15 his policy, he craftily16 replied—
“A girl is too light for the hand of such a brave. I will fill it with buffaloes17.”
“He says he has need of the light-hair, too; who has his blood in her veins18.”
“She shall be the wife of Mahtoree; then the Long-knife will be the father of a chief.”
“And me,” continued the trapper, making one of those expressive19 signs, by which the natives communicate, with nearly the same facility as with their tongues, and turning to the squatter at the same time, in order that the latter might see he dealt fairly by him; “he asks for a miserable and worn-out trapper.”
The Dahcotah threw his arm over the shoulder of the old man, with an air of great affection, before he replied to this third and last demand.
“My friend is old,” he said, “and cannot travel far. He will stay with the Tetons, that they may learn wisdom from his words. What Sioux has a tongue like my father? No; let his words be very soft, but let them be very clear. Mahtoree will give skins and buffaloes. He will give the young men of the Pale-faces wives, but he cannot give away any who live in his own lodge.”
Perfectly20 satisfied, himself, with this laconic21 reply, the chief was moving towards his expecting counsellors, when suddenly returning, he interrupted the translation of the trapper by adding—
“Tell the Great Buffaloe” (a name by which the Tetons had already christened Ishmael), “that Mahtoree has a hand which is always open. See,” he added, pointing to the hard and wrinkled visage of the attentive22 Esther, “his wife is too old, for so great a chief. Let him put her out of his lodge. Mahtoree loves him as a brother. He is his brother. He shall have the youngest wife of the Teton. Tachechana, the pride of the Sioux girls, shall cook his venison, and many braves will look at him with longing23 minds. Go, a Dahcotah is generous.”
The singular coolness, with which the Teton concluded this audacious proposal, confounded even the practised trapper. He stared after the retiring form of the Indian, with an astonishment24 he did not care to conceal25, nor did he renew his attempt at interpretation26 until the person of Mahtoree was blended with the cluster of warriors28, who had so long, and with so characteristic patience, awaited his return.
“The Teton chief has spoken very plainly,” the old man continued; “he will not give you the lady, to whom the Lord in heaven knows you have no claim, unless it be such as the wolf has to the lamb. He will not give you the child, you call your niece; and therein I acknowledge that I am far from certain he has the same justice on his side. Moreover, neighbour squatter, he flatly denies your demand for me, miserable and worthless as I am; nor do I think he has been unwise in so doing, seeing that I should have many reasons against journeying far in your company. But he makes you an offer, which it is right and convenient you should know. The Teton says through me, who am no more than a mouthpiece, and therein not answerable for the sin of his words, but he says, as this good woman is getting past the comely30 age, it is reasonable for you to tire of such a wife. He therefore tells you to turn her out of your lodge, and when it is empty, he will send his own favourite, or rather she that was his favourite, the 'Skipping Fawn31,' as the Siouxes call her, to fill her place. You see, neighbour, though the Red-skin is minded to keep your property, he is willing to give you wherewithal to make yourself some return!”
Ishmael listened to these replies, to his several demands, with that species of gathering32 indignation, with which the dullest tempers mount into the most violent paroxysms of rage. He even affected33 to laugh at the conceit34 of exchanging his long-tried partner for the more flexible support of the youthful Tachechana, though his voice was hollow and unnatural35 in the effort. But Esther was far from giving the proposal so facetious36 a reception. Lifting her voice to its most audible key, she broke forth37, after catching38 her breath like one who had been in some imminent39 danger of strangulation, as follows—
“Hoity-toity; who set an Indian up for a maker40 and breaker of the rights of wedded41 wives! Does he think a woman is a beast of the prairie, that she is to be chased from a village, by dog and gun. Let the bravest squaw of them all come forth and boast of her doings; can she show such a brood as mine? A wicked tyrant42 is that thieving Red-skin, and a bold rogue43 I warrant me. He would be captain in-doors, as well as out! An honest woman is no better in his eyes than one of your broomstick jumpers. And you, Ishmael Bush, the father of seven sons and so many comely daughters, to open your sinful mouth, except to curse him! Would ye disgrace colour, and family, and nation, by mixing white blood with red, and would ye be the parent of a race of mules44! The devil has often tempted45 you, my man, but never before has he set so cunning a snare46 as this. Go back among your children, friend; go, and remember that you are not a prowling bear, but a Christian47 man, and thank God that you ar' a lawful48 husband!”
The clamour of Esther was anticipated by the judicious49 trapper. He had easily foreseen that her meek50 temper would overflow51 at so scandalous a proposal as repudiation52, and he now profited by the tempest, to retire to a place where he was at least safe from any immediate53 violence on the part of her less excited, but certainly more dangerous husband. Ishmael, who had made his demands with a stout54 determination to enforce them, was diverted by the windy torrent55, like many a more obstinate56 husband, from his purpose, and in order to appease57 a jealousy58 that resembled the fury with which the bear defends her cubs59, was fain to retire to a distance from the lodge, that was known to contain the unoffending object of the sudden uproar60.
“Let your copper61-coloured minx come forth, and show her tawney beauty before the face of a woman who has heard more than one church bell, and seen a power of real quality,” cried Esther, flourishing her hand in triumph, as she drove Ishmael and Abiram before her, like two truant62 boys, towards their own encampment. “I warrant me, I warrant me, here is one who would shortly talk her down! Never think to tarry here, my men; never think to shut an eye in a camp, through which the devil walks as openly as if he were a gentleman, and sure of his welcome. Here, you Abner, Enoch, Jesse, where ar' ye gotten to? Put to, put to; if that weak-minded, soft-feeling man, your father, eats or drinks again in this neighbourhood, we shall see him poisoned with the craft of the Red-skins. Not that I care, I, who comes into my place, when it is once lawfully63 empty; but, Ishmael, I never thought that you, who have had one woman with a white skin, would find pleasure in looking on a brazen64—ay, that she is copper ar' a fact; you can't deny it, and I warrant me, brazen enough is she too!”
Against this ebullition of wounded female pride, the experienced husband made no other head, than by an occasional exclamation65, which he intended to be precursor66 of a simple asseveration of his own innocence67. The fury of the woman would not be appeased68. She listened to nothing but her own voice, and consequently nothing was heard but her mandates70 to depart.
The squatter had collected his beasts and loaded his wagons71, as a measure of precaution, before proceeding72 to the extremity73 he contemplated74. Esther consequently found every thing favourable75 to her wishes. The young men stared at each other, as they witnessed the extraordinary excitement of their mother, but took little interest in an event which, in the course of their experience, had found so many parallels. By command of their father, the tents were thrown into the vehicles, as a sort of reprisal76 for the want of faith in their late ally, and then the train left the spot, in its usual listless and sluggish77 order.
As a formidable division of well-armed borderers protected the rear of the retiring party, the Siouxes saw it depart without manifesting the smallest evidence of surprise or resentment78. The savage79, like the tiger, rarely makes his attack on an enemy who expects him; and if the warriors of the Tetons meditated80 any hostility81, it was in the still and patient manner with which the feline82 beasts watch for the incautious moment, in order to ensure the blow. The counsels of Mahtoree, however, on whom so much of the policy of his people depended, lay deep in the depository of his own thoughts. Perhaps he rejoiced at so easy a manner of getting rid of claims so troublesome; perhaps he awaited a fitting time to exhibit his power; or it even might be, that matters of so much greater importance were pressing on his mind, that it had not leisure to devote any of its faculties83 to an event of so much indifference84.
But it would seem that while Ishmael made such a concession85 to the awakened86 feelings of Esther, he was far from abandoning his original intentions. His train followed the course of the river for a mile, and then it came to a halt on the brow of the elevated land, and in a place which afforded the necessary facilities. Here he again pitched his tents, unharnessed his teams, sent his cattle on the bottom, and, in short, made all the customary preparations to pass the night, with the same coolness and deliberation as if he had not hurled87 an irritating defiance88 into the teeth of his dangerous neighbours.
In the mean time the Tetons proceeded to the more regular business of the hour. A fierce and savage joy had existed in the camp, from the instant when it had been announced that their own chief was returning with the long-dreaded and hated partisan89 of their enemies. For many hours the crones of the tribe had been going from lodge to lodge, in order to stimulate90 the tempers of the warriors to such a pass, as might leave but little room for mercy. To one they spoke29 of a son, whose scalp was drying in the smoke of a Pawnee lodge. To another, they enumerated91 his own scars, his disgraces, and defeats; with a third, they dwelt on his losses of skins and horses; and a fourth was reminded of vengeance92 by a significant question, concerning some flagrant adventure, in which he was known to have been a sufferer.
By these means the men had been so far excited as to have assembled, in the manner already related, though it still remained a matter of doubt how far they intended to carry their revenge. A variety of opinions prevailed on the policy of executing their prisoners; and Mahtoree had suspended the discussions, in order to ascertain93 how far the measure might propitiate94, or retard95, his own particular views. Hitherto the consultations96 had merely been preliminary, with a design that each chief might discover the number of supporters his particular views would be likely to obtain, when the important subject should come before a more solemn council of the tribe. The moment for the latter had now arrived, and the preparations were made with a dignity and solemnity suited to the momentous98 interests of the occasion.
With a refinement99 in cruelty, that none but an Indian would have imagined, the place, selected for this grave deliberation, was immediately about the post to which the most important of its subjects was attached. Middleton and Paul were brought in their bonds, and laid at the feet of the Pawnee; then the men began to take their places, according to their several claims to distinction. As warrior27 after warrior approached, he seated himself in the wide circle, with a mien100 as composed and thoughtful, as if his mind were actually in a condition to deal out justice, tempered, as it should be, with the heavenly quality of mercy. A place was reserved for three or four of the principal chiefs, and a few of the oldest of the women, as withered101, as age, exposure, hardships, and lives of savage passions could make them, thrust themselves into the foremost circle, with a temerity102, to which they were impelled103 by their insatiable desire for cruelty, and which nothing, but their years and their long tried fidelity104 to the nation, would have excused.
All, but the chiefs already named, were now in their places. These had delayed their appearance, in the vain hope that their own unanimity105 might smooth the way to that of their respective factions106; for, notwithstanding the superior influence of Mahtoree, his power was to be maintained only by constant appeals to the opinions of his inferiors. As these important personages at length entered the circle in a body, their sullen107 looks and clouded brows, notwithstanding the time given to consultation97, sufficiently108 proclaimed the discontent which reigned109 among them. The eye of Mahtoree was varying in its expression, from sudden gleams, that seemed to kindle110 with the burning impulses of his soul, to that cold and guarded steadiness, which was thought more peculiarly to become a chief in council. He took his seat, with the studied simplicity111 of a demagogue; though the keen and flashing glance, that he immediately threw around the silent assembly, betrayed the more predominant temper of a tyrant.
When all were present, an aged12 warrior lighted the great pipe of his people, and blew the smoke towards the four quarters of the heavens. So soon as this propitiatory112 offering was made, he tendered it to Mahtoree, who, in affected humility113, passed it to a grey-headed chief by his side. After the influence of the soothing114 weed had been courted by all, a grave silence succeeded, as if each was not only qualified115 to, but actually did, think more deeply on the matters before them. Then an old Indian arose, and spoke as follows:—
“The eagle, at the falls of the endless river, was in its egg, many snows after my hand had struck a Pawnee. What my tongue says, my eyes have seen. Bohrecheena is very old. The hills have stood longer in their places, than he has been in his tribe, and the rivers were full and empty, before he was born; but where is the Sioux that knows it besides himself? What he says, they will hear. If any of his words fall to the ground, they will pick them up and hold them to their ears. If any blow away in the wind, my young men, who are very nimble, will catch them. Now listen. Since water ran and trees grew, the Sioux has found the Pawnee on his war-path. As the cougar116 loves the antelope117, the Dahcotah loves his enemy. When the wolf finds the fawn, does he lie down and sleep? When the panther sees the doe at the spring, does he shut his eyes? You know that he does not. He drinks too; but it is of blood! A Sioux is a leaping panther, a Pawnee a trembling deer. Let my children hear me. They will find my words good. I have spoken.”
A deep guttural exclamation of assent118 broke from the lips of all the partisans119 of Mahtoree, as they listened to this sanguinary advice from one, who was certainly among the most aged men of the nation. That deeply seated love of vengeance, which formed so prominent a feature in their characters, was gratified by his metaphorical120 allusions121, and the chief himself augured122 favourably123 of the success of his own schemes, by the number of supporters, who manifested themselves to be in favour of the counsels of his friend. But still unanimity was far from prevailing124. A long and decorous pause was suffered to succeed the words of the first speaker, in order that all might duly deliberate on their wisdom, before another chief took on himself the office of refutation. The second orator125, though past the prime of his days, was far less aged than the one who had preceded him. He felt the disadvantage of this circumstance, and endeavoured to counteract126 it, as far as possible, by the excess of his humility.
“I am but an infant,” he commenced, looking furtively127 around him, in order to detect how far his well-established character for prudence128 and courage contradicted his assertion. “I have lived with the women, since my father has been a man. If my head is getting grey, it is not because I am old. Some of the snow, which fell on it while I have been sleeping on the war-paths, has frozen there, and the hot sun, near the Osage villages, has not been strong enough to melt it.” A low murmur129 was heard, expressive of admiration130 of the services to which he thus artfully alluded131. The orator modestly awaited for the feeling to subside132 a little, and then he continued, with increasing energy, encouraged by their commendations. “But the eyes of a young brave are good. He can see very far. He is a lynx. Look at me well. I will turn my back, that you may see both sides of me. Now do you know I am your friend, for you look on a part that a Pawnee never yet saw. Now look at my face; not in this seam, for there your eyes can never see into my spirit. It is a hole cut by a Konza. But here is an opening made by the Wahcondah, through which you may look into the soul. What am I? A Dahcotah, within and without. You know it. Therefore hear me. The blood of every creature on the prairie is red. Who can tell the spot where a Pawnee was struck, from the place where my young men took a bison? It is of the same colour. The Master of Life made them for each other. He made them alike. But will the grass grow green where a Pale-face is killed? My young men must not think that nation so numerous, that it will not miss a warrior. They call them over often, and say, Where are my sons? If they miss one, they will send into the prairies to look for him. If they cannot find him, they will tell their runners to ask for him, among the Siouxes. My brethren, the Big-knives are not fools. There is a mighty133 medicine of their nation now among us; who can tell how loud is his voice, or how long is his arm?—”
The speech of the orator, who was beginning to enter into his subject with warmth, was cut short by the impatient Mahtoree, who suddenly arose and exclaimed, in a voice in which authority was mingled134 with contempt, and at the close with a keen tone of irony135, also—
“Let my young men lead the evil spirit of the Palefaces to the council. My brother shall see his medicine, face to face!”
A death-like and solemn stillness succeeded this extraordinary interruption. It not only involved a deep offence against the sacred courtesy of debate, but the mandate69 was likely to brave the unknown power of one of those incomprehensible beings, whom few Indians were enlightened enough, at that day, to regard without reverence136, or few hardy137 enough to oppose. The subordinates, however, obeyed, and Obed was led forth from the lodge, mounted on Asinus, with a ceremony and state which was certainly intended for derision, but which nevertheless was greatly enhanced by fear. As they entered the ring, Mahtoree, who had foreseen and had endeavoured to anticipate the influence of the Doctor, by bringing him into contempt, cast an eye around the assembly, in order to gather his success in the various dark visages by which he was encircled.
Truly, nature and art had combined to produce such an effect from the air and appointments of the naturalist138, as might have made him the subject of wonder in any place. His head had been industriously139 shaved, after the most approved fashion of Sioux taste. A gallant140 scalp-lock, which would probably not have been spared had the Doctor himself been consulted in the matter, was all that remained of an exuberant141, and at that particular season of the year, far from uncomfortable head of hair. Thick coats of paint had been laid on the naked poll, and certain fanciful designs, in the same material, had even been extended into the neighbourhood of the eyes and mouth, lending to the keen expression of the former a look of twinkling cunning, and to the dogmatism of the latter, not a little of the grimness of necromancy142. He had been despoiled143 of his upper garments, and, in their stead, his body was sufficiently protected from the cold, by a fantastically painted robe of dressed deer-skin. As if in mockery of his pursuit, sundry144 toads145, frogs, lizards146, butterflies, &c., all duly prepared to take their places at some future day, in his own private cabinet, were attached to the solitary147 lock on his head, to his ears, and to various other conspicuous148 parts of his person. If, in addition to the effect produced by these quaint149 auxiliaries150 to his costume, we add the portentous151 and troubled gleamings of doubt, which rendered his visage doubly austere152, and proclaimed the misgivings153 of the worthy154 Obed's mind, as he beheld155 his personal dignity thus prostrated156, and what was of far greater moment in his eyes, himself led forth, as he firmly believed, to be the victim of some heathenish sacrifice, the reader will find no difficulty in giving credit to the sensation of awe157, that was excited by his appearance in a band already more than half-prepared to worship him, as a powerful agent of the evil spirit.
Weucha led Asinus directly into the centre of the circle, and leaving them together, (for the legs of the naturalist were attached to the beast in such a manner, that the two animals might be said to be incorporated, and to form a new order,) he withdrew to his proper place, gazing at the conjuror158, as he retired159, with a wonder and admiration, that were natural to the groveling dulness of his mind.
The astonishment seemed mutual160, between the spectators and the subject of this strange exhibition. If the Tetons contemplated the mysterious attributes of the medicine, with awe and fear, the Doctor gazed on every side of him, with a mixture of quite as many extraordinary emotions, in which the latter sensation, however, formed no inconsiderable ingredient. Every where his eyes, which just at that moment possessed161 a secret magnifying quality, seemed to rest on several dark, savage, and obdurate162 countenances163 at once, from none of which could he extract a solitary gleam of sympathy or commiseration164. At length his wandering gaze fell on the grave and decent features of the trapper, who, with Hector at his feet, stood in the edge of the circle, leaning on that rifle which he had been permitted, as an acknowledged friend, to resume, and apparently165 musing166 on the events that were likely to succeed a council, marked by so many and such striking ceremonies.
“Venerable venator, or hunter, or trapper,” said the disconsolate167 Obed, “I rejoice greatly in meeting thee again. I fear that the precious time, which had been allotted168 me, in order to complete a mighty labour, is drawing to a premature169 close, and I would gladly unburden my mind to one who, if not a pupil of science, has at least some of the knowledge which civilisation170 imparts to its meanest subjects. Doubtless many and earnest enquiries will be made after my fate, by the learned societies of the world, and perhaps expeditions will be sent into these regions to remove any doubts, which may arise on so important a subject. I esteem171 myself happy that a man, who speaks the vernacular172, is present, to preserve the record of my end. You will say that after a well-spent and glorious life, I died a martyr173 to science, and a victim to mental darkness. As I expect to be particularly calm and abstracted in my last moments, if you add a few details, concerning the fortitude174 and scholastic175 dignity with which I met my death, it may serve to encourage future aspirants176 for similar honours, and assuredly give offence to no one. And now, friend trapper, as a duty I owe to human nature, I will conclude by demanding if all hope has deserted177 me, or if any means still exist by which so much valuable information may be rescued from the grasp of ignorance, and preserved to the pages of natural history.”
The old man lent an attentive ear to this melancholy178 appeal, and apparently he reflected on every side of the important question, before he would presume to answer.
“I take it, friend physicianer,” he at length gravely replied, “that the chances of life and death, in your particular case, depend altogether on the will of Providence179, as it may be pleased to manifest it, through the accursed windings180 of Indian cunning. For my own part, I see no great difference in the main end to be gained, inasmuch as it can matter no one greatly, yourself excepted, whether you live or die.”
“Would you account the fall of a corner-stone, from the foundations of the edifice181 of learning, a matter of indifference to contemporaries or to posterity182?” interrupted Obed. “Besides, my aged associate,” he reproachfully added, “the interest, that a man has in his own existence, is by no means trifling183, however it may be eclipsed by his devotion to more general and philanthropic feelings.”
“What I would say is this,” resumed the trapper, who was far from understanding all the subtle distinctions with which his more learned companion so often saw fit to embellish184 his discourse; “there is but one birth and one death to all things, be it hound, or be it deer; be it red skin, or be it white. Both are in the hands of the Lord, it being as unlawful for man to strive to hasten the one, as impossible to prevent the other. But I will not say that something may not be done to put the last moment aside, for a while at least, and therefore it is a question, that any one has a right to put to his own wisdom, how far he will go, and how much pain he will suffer, to lengthen185 out a time that may have been too long already. Many a dreary186 winter and scorching187 summer has gone by since I have turned, to the right hand or to the left, to add an hour to a life that has already stretched beyond fourscore years. I keep myself as ready to answer to my name as a soldier at evening roll-call. In my judgment188, if your cases are left to Indian tempers, the policy of the Great Sioux will lead his people to sacrifice you all; nor do I put much dependence189 on his seeming love for me; therefore it becomes a question whether you are ready for such a journey; and if, being ready, whether this is not as good a time to start as another. Should my opinion be asked, thus far will I give it in your favour; that is to say, it is my belief your life has been innocent enough, touching190 any great offences that you may have committed, though honesty compels me to add, that I think all you can lay claim to, on the score of activity in deeds, will not amount to any thing worth naming in the great account.”
Obed turned a rueful eye on the calm, philosophic191 countenance of the other, as he answered with so discouraging a statement of his case, clearing his throat, as he did so, in order to conceal the desperate concern which began to beset192 his faculties, with a vestige193 of that pride, which rarely deserts poor human nature, even in the greatest emergencies.
“I believe, venerable hunter,” he replied, “considering the question in all its bearings, and assuming that your theory is just, it will be the safest to conclude that I am not prepared to make so hasty a departure, and that measures of precaution should be, forthwith, resorted to.”
“Being in that mind,” returned the deliberate trapper, “I will act for you as I would for myself; though as time has begun to roll down the hill with you, I will just advise that you look to your case speedily, for it may so happen that your name will be heard, when quite as little prepared to answer to it as now.”
With this amicable194 understanding, the old man drew back again into the ring, where he stood musing on the course he should now adopt, with the singular mixture of decision and resignation that proceeded from his habits and his humility, and which united to form a character, in which excessive energy, and the most meek submission195 to the will of Providence, were oddly enough combined.
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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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countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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squatter
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| n.擅自占地者 | |
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treacherous
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| adj.不可靠的，有暗藏的危险的；adj.背叛的，背信弃义的 | |
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truce
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| n.休战，(争执，烦恼等的)缓和；v.以停战结束 | |
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discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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7
lodges
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| v.存放( lodge的第三人称单数 )；暂住；埋入；（权利、权威等）归属 | |
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clenched
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| v.紧握，抓紧，咬紧( clench的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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liar
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| n.说谎的人 | |
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miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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aged
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| adj.年老的，陈年的 | |
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foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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ominous
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| adj.不祥的，不吉的，预兆的，预示的 | |
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15
recollecting
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| v.记起，想起( recollect的现在分词 ) | |
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craftily
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| 狡猾地，狡诈地 | |
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17
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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veins
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| n.纹理；矿脉( vein的名词复数 )；静脉；叶脉；纹理 | |
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19
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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20
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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21
laconic
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| adj.简洁的；精练的 | |
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22
attentive
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| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
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23
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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24
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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25
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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26
interpretation
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| n.解释，说明，描述；艺术处理 | |
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27
warrior
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| n.勇士，武士，斗士 | |
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28
warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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29
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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30
comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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31
fawn
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| n.未满周岁的小鹿；v.巴结，奉承 | |
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32
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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33
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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34
conceit
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| n.自负，自高自大 | |
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35
unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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36
facetious
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| adj.轻浮的，好开玩笑的 | |
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37
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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38
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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39
imminent
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| adj.即将发生的，临近的，逼近的 | |
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40
maker
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| n.制造者，制造商 | |
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41
wedded
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| adj.正式结婚的；渴望…的，执著于…的v.嫁，娶，（与…）结婚( wed的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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42
tyrant
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| n.暴君，专制的君主，残暴的人 | |
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43
rogue
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| n.流氓；v.游手好闲 | |
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44
mules
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| 骡( mule的名词复数 )； 拖鞋； 顽固的人； 越境运毒者 | |
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45
tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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46
snare
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| n.陷阱，诱惑，圈套；（去除息肉或者肿瘤的）勒除器；响弦，小军鼓；vt.以陷阱捕获，诱惑 | |
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47
Christian
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| adj.基督教徒的；n.基督教徒 | |
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48
lawful
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| adj.法律许可的，守法的，合法的 | |
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49
judicious
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| adj.明智的，明断的，能作出明智决定的 | |
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50
meek
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| adj.温顺的，逆来顺受的 | |
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51
overflow
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| v.(使)外溢，(使)溢出；溢出，流出，漫出 | |
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52
repudiation
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| n.拒绝；否认；断绝关系；抛弃 | |
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53
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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55
torrent
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| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
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56
obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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57
appease
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| v.安抚，缓和，平息，满足 | |
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58
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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59
cubs
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| n.幼小的兽，不懂规矩的年轻人( cub的名词复数 ) | |
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60
uproar
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| n.骚动，喧嚣，鼎沸 | |
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61
copper
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| n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的 | |
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62
truant
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| n.懒惰鬼，旷课者；adj.偷懒的，旷课的，游荡的；v.偷懒，旷课 | |
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63
lawfully
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| adv.守法地，合法地；合理地 | |
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64
brazen
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| adj.厚脸皮的，无耻的，坚硬的 | |
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65
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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66
precursor
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| n.先驱者；前辈；前任；预兆；先兆 | |
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67
innocence
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| n.无罪；天真；无害 | |
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68
appeased
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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69
mandate
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| n.托管地；命令，指示 | |
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70
mandates
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| 托管（mandate的第三人称单数形式） | |
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71
wagons
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| n.四轮的运货马车( wagon的名词复数 )；铁路货车；小手推车 | |
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72
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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73
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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74
contemplated
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| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
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75
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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76
reprisal
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| n.报复，报仇，报复性劫掠 | |
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77
sluggish
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| adj.懒惰的，迟钝的，无精打采的 | |
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78
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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79
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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80
meditated
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| 深思，沉思，冥想( meditate的过去式和过去分词 )； 内心策划，考虑 | |
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81
hostility
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| n.敌对，敌意；抵制［pl.］交战，战争 | |
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82
feline
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| adj.猫科的 | |
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83
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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84
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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85
concession
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| n.让步，妥协；特许(权) | |
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86
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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87
hurled
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| v.猛投，用力掷( hurl的过去式和过去分词 )；大声叫骂 | |
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88
defiance
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| n.挑战，挑衅，蔑视，违抗 | |
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89
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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90
stimulate
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| vt.刺激，使兴奋；激励，使…振奋 | |
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91
enumerated
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| v.列举，枚举，数( enumerate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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92
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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93
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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94
propitiate
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| v.慰解，劝解 | |
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95
retard
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| n.阻止，延迟；vt.妨碍，延迟，使减速 | |
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96
consultations
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| n.磋商（会议）( consultation的名词复数 )；商讨会；协商会；查找 | |
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97
consultation
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| n.咨询；商量；商议；会议 | |
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98
momentous
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| adj.重要的，重大的 | |
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99
refinement
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| n.文雅；高尚；精美；精制；精炼 | |
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100
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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101
withered
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| adj. 枯萎的，干瘪的，（人身体的部分器官）因病萎缩的或未发育良好的 动词wither的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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102
temerity
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| n.鲁莽，冒失 | |
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103
impelled
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| v.推动、推进或敦促某人做某事( impel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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104
fidelity
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| n.忠诚，忠实；精确 | |
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105
unanimity
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| n.全体一致，一致同意 | |
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106
factions
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| 组织中的小派别，派系( faction的名词复数 ) | |
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107
sullen
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| adj.愠怒的，闷闷不乐的，(天气等)阴沉的 | |
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108
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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109
reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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110
kindle
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| v.点燃，着火 | |
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111
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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112
propitiatory
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| adj.劝解的；抚慰的；谋求好感的；哄人息怒的 | |
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113
humility
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| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
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114
soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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115
qualified
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| adj.合格的，有资格的，胜任的，有限制的 | |
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116
cougar
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| n.美洲狮；美洲豹 | |
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117
antelope
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| n.羚羊；羚羊皮 | |
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118
assent
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| v.批准，认可；n.批准，认可 | |
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119
partisans
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| 游击队员( partisan的名词复数 )； 党人； 党羽； 帮伙 | |
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120
metaphorical
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| a.隐喻的，比喻的 | |
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121
allusions
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| 暗指，间接提到( allusion的名词复数 ) | |
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122
augured
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| v.预示，预兆，预言( augur的过去式和过去分词 )；成为预兆；占卜 | |
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123
favourably
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| adv. 善意地，赞成地 =favorably | |
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124
prevailing
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| adj.盛行的；占优势的；主要的 | |
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125
orator
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| n.演说者，演讲者，雄辩家 | |
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126
counteract
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| vt.对…起反作用，对抗，抵消 | |
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127
furtively
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| adv. 偷偷地, 暗中地 | |
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128
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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129
murmur
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| n.低语，低声的怨言；v.低语，低声而言 | |
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130
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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131
alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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132
subside
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| vi.平静，平息；下沉，塌陷，沉降 | |
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133
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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134
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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135
irony
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| n.反语，冷嘲；具有讽刺意味的事，嘲弄 | |
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136
reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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137
hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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138
naturalist
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| n.博物学家(尤指直接观察动植物者) | |
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139
industriously
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140
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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141
exuberant
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| adj.充满活力的；（植物）繁茂的 | |
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142
necromancy
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| n.巫术；通灵术 | |
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143
despoiled
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| v.掠夺，抢劫( despoil的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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144
sundry
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| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
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145
toads
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| n.蟾蜍，癞蛤蟆( toad的名词复数 ) | |
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146
lizards
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| n.蜥蜴( lizard的名词复数 ) | |
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147
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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148
conspicuous
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| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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149
quaint
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| adj.古雅的，离奇有趣的，奇怪的 | |
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150
auxiliaries
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| n.助动词 ( auxiliary的名词复数 )；辅助工，辅助人员 | |
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151
portentous
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| adj.不祥的，可怕的，装腔作势的 | |
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152
austere
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| adj.艰苦的；朴素的，朴实无华的；严峻的 | |
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153
misgivings
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| n.疑虑，担忧，害怕；疑虑，担心，恐惧( misgiving的名词复数 )；疑惧 | |
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154
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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155
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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156
prostrated
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| v.使俯伏，使拜倒( prostrate的过去式和过去分词 )；（指疾病、天气等）使某人无能为力 | |
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157
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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158
conjuror
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| n.魔术师，变戏法者 | |
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159
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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160
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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161
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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162
obdurate
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| adj.固执的，顽固的 | |
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163
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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164
commiseration
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| n.怜悯，同情 | |
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165
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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166
musing
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| n. 沉思，冥想 adj. 沉思的, 冥想的 动词muse的现在分词形式 | |
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167
disconsolate
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| adj.忧郁的，不快的 | |
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168
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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169
premature
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| adj.比预期时间早的；不成熟的，仓促的 | |
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170
civilisation
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| n.文明，文化，开化，教化 | |
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171
esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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172
vernacular
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| adj.地方的，用地方语写成的；n.白话；行话；本国语；动植物的俗名 | |
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173
martyr
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| n.烈士，殉难者；vt.杀害，折磨，牺牲 | |
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174
fortitude
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| n.坚忍不拔；刚毅 | |
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175
scholastic
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| adj.学校的，学院的，学术上的 | |
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176
aspirants
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| n.有志向或渴望获得…的人( aspirant的名词复数 )v.渴望的，有抱负的，追求名誉或地位的( aspirant的第三人称单数 )；有志向或渴望获得…的人 | |
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177
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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178
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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179
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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180
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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181
edifice
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| n.宏伟的建筑物(如宫殿，教室) | |
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182
posterity
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| n.后裔，子孙，后代 | |
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183
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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184
embellish
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| v.装饰，布置；给…添加细节，润饰 | |
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185
lengthen
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| vt.使伸长，延长 | |
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186
dreary
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| adj.令人沮丧的，沉闷的，单调乏味的 | |
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187
scorching
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| adj. 灼热的 | |
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188
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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189
dependence
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| n.依靠，依赖；信任，信赖；隶属 | |
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190
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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191
philosophic
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| adj.哲学的，贤明的 | |
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192
beset
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| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
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193
vestige
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| n.痕迹，遗迹，残余 | |
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194
amicable
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| adj.和平的，友好的；友善的 | |
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195
submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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