Change is one of the laws of nature. We refer not to small-change, reader, but to physical, material change. Everything is given to change; men, and things, and place, and circumstances, all change, more or less, as time rolls on in its endless course. Following, then, this inevitable1 law of nature, we, too, will change the scene, and convey our reader deeper in among the plains and mountains of the far, “far west.”
It is a beautiful evening in July. The hot season has not yet succeeded in burning up all nature into a dry russet-brown. The whole face of the country is green and fresh after a recent shower, which has left myriads2 of diamond-drops trembling from the point of every leaf and blade. A wide valley, of a noble park-like appearance, is spread out before us, with scattered3 groups of trees all over it, blue mountain-ranges in the far distance circling round it, and a bright stream winding4 down its emerald breast. On the hill-sides the wild-flowers grow so thickly that they form a soft, thick couch to lie upon, immense trees, chiefly pines and cedars5, rise here and there like giants above their fellows. Oaks, too, are numerous, and the scene in many places is covered with mansanita underwood, a graceful6 and beautiful shrub7. The trees and shrubbery, however, are not so thickly planted as to intercept8 the view, and the ground undulates so much that occasionally we overtop them, and obtain a glimpse of the wide vale before us. Over the whole landscape there is a golden sunny haze9, that enriches while it softens10 every object, and the balmy atmosphere is laden11 with the sweet perfume called forth12 by the passing shower.
One might fancy Eden to have been somewhat similar to this, and here, as there, the presence of the Lord might be recognised in a higher degree than in most other parts of this earth, for, in this almost untrodden wilderness13, His pre-eminently beautiful works have not yet to any great extent been marred15 by the hand of man.
Far away towards the north, two horsemen may be seen wending their way through the country at a slow, ambling16 pace, as if they would fain prolong their ride in such a lovely vale. The one is Ned Sinton, the other Tom Collins.
It had cost these worthies17 a week of steady riding to reach the spot on which we now find them, during which time they had passed through great varieties of scenery, had seen many specimens19 of digging-life, and had experienced not a few vicissitudes20; but their griefs were few and slight compared with their enjoyments21, and, at the moment we overtake them, they were riding they knew not and they cared not whither! Sufficient for them to know that the wilds before them were illimitable; that their steeds were of the best and fleetest Mexican breed; that their purses were well-lined with dollars and gold-dust; that they were armed with rifles, pistols, knives, and ammunition22, to the teeth; and that the land was swarming23 with game.
“’Tis a perfect paradise!” exclaimed Tom Collins, as they reined24 up on the brow of a hill to gaze at the magnificent prospect26 before them.
“Strange,” murmured Ned, half soliloquising, “that, although so wild and uncultivated, it should remind me so forcibly of home. Yonder bend in the stream, and the scenery round it, is so like to the spot where I was born, and where I spent my earliest years, that I can almost fancy the old house will come into view at the next turn.”
“It does indeed remind one of the cultivated parks of England,” replied Tom; “but almost all my early associations are connected with cities. I have seen little of uncontaminated nature all my life, except the blue sky through chimney tops, and even that was seen through a medium of smoke.”
“Do you know,” remarked Ned, as they resumed their journey at a slow pace, “it has always seemed to me that cities are unnatural27 monstrosities, and that there should be no such things!”
“Indeed,” replied Tom, laughing; “how, then, would you have men to live?”
“In the country, of course, in cottages and detached houses. I would sow London, Liverpool, Manchester, etcetera, broadcast over the land, so that there would be no spot in Britain in which there were not clusters of human dwellings29, each with its little garden around it, and yet no spot on which a city could be found.”
“Hum, rather awkward for the transaction of business, I fear,” suggested Tom.
“Not a bit; our distances would be greater, but we could overcome that difficulty by using horses more than we do—and railroads.”
“And how would you manage with huge manufactories?” inquired Tom.
“I’ve not been able to solve that difficulty yet,” replied Ned, smiling; “but my not being able to point out how things may be put right, does not, in the least degree, alter the fact that, as they are at present, they are wrong.”
“Most true, my sagacious friend,” said Tom; “but, pray, how do you prove the fact that things are wrong?”
“I prove it thus:— You admit, I suppose, that the air of all large cities is unhealthy, as compared with that of the country, and that men and women who dwell in cities are neither so robust30 nor so healthy as those who dwell in country places?”
“I’m not sure that I do admit it,” answered Tom.
“Surely you don’t deny that people of the cities deem it a necessary of life to get off to the country at least once a year, in order to recruit, and that they invariably return better in health than when they left?”
“True; but that is the result of change.”
“Ay,” added Ned, “the result of change from worse to better.”
“Well, I admit it for the sake of argument.”
“Well, then, if the building of cities necessarily and inevitably31 creates a condition of atmosphere which is, to some extent, no matter how slight, prejudicial to health, those who build them and dwell in them are knowingly damaging the life which has been given them to be cherished and taken care of.”
“Ned,” said Tom, quietly, “you’re a goose!”
“Tom,” retorted Ned, “I know it; but, in the sense in which you apply the term, all men are geese. They are divided into two classes—namely, geese who are such because they can’t and won’t listen to reason, and geese who are such because they take the trouble to talk philosophically32 to the former; but to return from this digression, what think you of the argument?”
Tom replied by reining33 up his steed, pointing to an object in front, and inquiring, “What think you of that?”
The object referred to was a man, but, in appearance at least, he was not many degrees removed from the monkey. He was a black, squat34, hideous35-looking native, and his whole costume, besides the little strip of cloth usually worn by natives round the loins, consisted of a black silk hat and a pair of Wellington boots!
Dear reader, do not suppose that I am trying to impose upon your good-natured credulity. What I state is a fact, however unlikely it may appear in your eyes.
The natives of this part of the country are called digger Indians, not with reference to gold-digging, but from the fact of their digging subterranean36 dwellings, in which they pass the winter, and also from the fact that they grub in the earth a good deal for roots, on which they partly subsist37. They are degraded, miserable38 creatures, and altogether uncivilised, besides being diminutive39 in stature40.
Soon after the first flood of gold-hunters swept over their lands these poor creatures learned the value of gold, but they were too lazy to work diligently41 for it. They contented42 themselves with washing out enough to purchase a few articles of luxury, in the shape of cast-off apparel, from the white men. When stores began to be erected43 here and there throughout the country, they visited them to purchase fresh provisions and articles of dress, of which latter they soon became passionately44 fond.
But the digger Indians were not particular as to style or fashion—glitter and gay colour were the chief elements of attraction. Sometimes a naked savage45 might be seen going about with a second-hand46 dress-coat put on the wrong way, and buttoned up the back. Another would content himself with a red silk handkerchief tied round his head or shoulders. A third would thrust his spindle-shanks through the arms of a sleeved vest, and button the body round his loins; while a fourth, like the one now under consideration, would parade about in a hat and boots.
The poor digger had drawn48 the right boot on the left foot, and the left boot on the right—a matter of little moment, however, as they were immensely too large for him, as was also the hat, which only remained on his brows by being placed very much back on the head. He was a most singular being, and Ned and Tom, after the first glance of astonishment49, were so un-mannered as to laugh at him until they almost fell off their horses. The digger was by no means disconcerted. He evidently was accustomed to the free and easy manners of white men, and while they rolled in their saddles, he stood quietly beside them, grinning hideously50 from ear to ear.
“Truly, a rare specimen18 of humanity,” cried Ned, when he recovered his composure. “Where did you come from, old boy?”
The digger shook his head, and uttered some unintelligible51 words.
“It’s of no use speaking to him; he don’t understand English,” said Tom Collins, with a somewhat puzzled expression.
The two friends made several attempts to ask him, by signs, where he lived, but they utterly52 failed. Their first efforts had the effect of making the man laugh, but their second attempts, being more energetic and extravagant53, frightened him so that he manifested a disposition54 to run away. This disposition they purposely encouraged until he fairly took to his heels, and, by following him, they at last came upon the village in which his tribe resided.
Here they found an immense assemblage of men, and women, and children, whose appearance denoted dirtiness, laziness, and poverty. They were almost all in a state bordering on nudity, but a few of them wore miscellaneous portions of European apparel. The hair of the men was long, except on the forehead, where it was cut square, just above the eyebrows55. The children wore no clothes at all. The infants were carried on stiff cradles, similar to those used by North American Indians. They all resided in tents, made of brushwood and sticks, and hundreds of mangy, half-starved curs dwelt along with them.
The hero of the hat and boots was soon propitiated56 by the gift of a few inches of tobacco, and Ned Sinton and Tom Collins were quickly on intimate terms with the whole tribe.
It is difficult to resist the tendency to laugh when a human being stands before you in a ludicrously-meagre costume, making hideous grimaces57 with his features, and remarkable58 contortions59 with his limbs, in the vain efforts to make himself understood by one who does not speak his language! Ned’s powers of endurance were tested in this way by the chief of the tribe, an elderly man with a beard so sparse60 that each stumpy hair might have been easily counted.
This individual was clad in the rough, ragged61 blue coat usually worn by Irish labourers of the poorest class. It was donned with the tails in front; and two brass62 buttons, the last survivors63 of a once glittering double row, fastened it across the back of its savage owner.
“What can he mean?” said Ned, at the close of a series of pantomimic speeches, in which the Indian vainly endeavoured to get him to understand something having reference to the mountains beyond, for he pointed64 repeatedly towards them.
“It seems to me that he would have us understand,” said Tom, “that the road lies before us, and the sooner we take ourselves off the better.”
Ned shook his head. “I don’t think that likely; he seems rather to wish us to remain; more than once he has pointed to his tent, and beckoned65 us to enter.”
“Perhaps the old fellow wants us to become members of his tribe,” suggested Tom. “Evidently he cannot lead his braves on the war-path as he was wont66 to do, and he wishes to make you chief in his room. What think you? Shall we remain? The blue coat would suit you admirably.”
During this colloquy67 the old savage looked from one speaker to another with great eagerness, as if trying to comprehend what they said, then, renewing his gesticulations, he succeeded at last in convincing the travellers that he wished them not to pursue their journey any further in the direction in which they were going. This was a request with which they did not, however, feel disposed to comply; but seeing that he was particularly anxious that they should accept of his hospitality, they dismounted, and, fastening their horses to a tree close beside the opening of the chief’s hut, they entered.
The inside of this curious bee-hive of a dwelling28 was dirty and dark, besides being half-full of smoke, created by the pipe of a squaw—the old man’s wife—who regaled herself there with the soothing68 weed. There were several dogs there also, and two particularly small infants in wooden cradles, who were tied up like mummies, and did nothing but stare right before them into space.
“What’s that?” inquired Tom, pointing to a basketful of smoking water.
“It looks like a basket,” replied Ned.
“It is a basket,” remarked Tom, examining the article in question, “and, as I live, superb soup in it.”
“Tom,” said Ned Sinton, solemnly, “have a care; if it is soup, depend upon it, dogs or rats form the basis of its composition.”
“Ned,” said Tom, with equal solemnity, “eat, and ask no questions.”
Tom followed his own advice by accepting a dish of soup, with a large lump of meat in it, which was at that moment offered to him by the old chief who also urged Ned Sinton to partake; but he declined, and, lighting69 his pipe, proceeded to enjoy a smoke, at the same time handing the old man a plug of tobacco, which he accepted promptly70, and began to use forthwith.
While thus engaged, they had an opportunity of observing how the squaw boiled water in a basket. Laying aside her pipe, she hauled out a goody-sized and very neatly71-made basket of wicker-work, so closely woven by her own ingenious hands, that it was perfectly72 water-tight; this she three-quarters filled, and then put into it red-hot stones, which she brought in from a fire kindled73 outside. The stones were thrown in in succession, till the temperature was raised to the boiling point, and afterwards a little dead animal was put into the basket.
The sight of this caused Tom Collins to terminate his meal somewhat abruptly74, and induced Ned to advise him to try a little more.
“No, thank you,” replied Tom, lighting his pipe hastily, and taking up a bow and several arrows, which he appeared to regard with more than usual interest. The bow was beautifully made;—rather short, and tipped with horn.
The arrows were formed of two distinct pieces of wood spliced75 together, and were shod with flint; they were feathered in the usual way. All the articles manufactured by these natives were neatly done, and evinced considerable skill in the use of their few and simple tools.
After resting half-an-hour, the two friends rose to depart, and again the old Indian manifested much anxiety to prevail on them to remain; but resisting all his entreaties76, they mounted their horses and rode away, carrying with them the good wishes of the community, by the courtesy of their manners, and a somewhat liberal distribution of tobacco at parting.
The country through which they passed became wilder at every step, for each hour brought them visibly nearer the mountain-range, and towards night-fall they entered one of the smaller passes or ravines that divided the lower range of hills at which they first arrived. Here a rugged77 precipice78, from which projected pendent rocks and scrubby trees, rose abruptly on the right of the road, and a dense79 thicket80 of underwood, mingled81 with huge masses of fallen rock, lay on their left. We use the word road advisedly, for the broad highway of the flowering plains, over which the horsemen had just passed, narrowed at this spot as it entered the ravine, and was a pretty-well-defined path, over which parties of diggers and wandering Indians occasionally passed.
“Does not this wild spot remind you of the nursery tales we used to read?” said Ned, as they entered the somewhat gloomy defile82, “which used to begin, ‘Once upon a time—’”
Both riders drew up abruptly, and grasped their rifles.
“I hear nothing,” whispered Ned.
“It must have been imagination,” said Tom, throwing his rifle carelessly over his left arm, as they again advanced. The gloom of the locality, which was deepened by the rapidly-gathering shades of night, quieted their spirits, and induced them to ride on in silence. About fifty yards further on, the rustling84 in the bushes was again heard, and both travellers pulled up and listened intently.
“Pshaw!” cried Ned, at last, urging his horse forward, and throwing his piece on his shoulder, “we are starting at the rustling of the night wind; come, come, Tom, don’t let us indulge superstitious85 feelings—”
At that moment there was a crash in the bushes on both sides of them, and their horses reared wildly, as four men rushed upon them. Before their steeds became manageable, they were each seized by a leg, and hurled86 from their saddles. In the fall, their rifles were thrown out of their grasp into the bushes; but this mattered little, for in a close struggle pistols are better weapons. Seizing their revolvers, Ned and Tom instantly sprang up, and fired at their assailants, but without effect, both being so much shaken by their fall. The robbers returned the fire, also without effect. In the scuffle, Ned was separated from his friend, and only knew that he maintained the fight manfully, from the occasional shots that were fired near him. His whole attention, however, had to be concentrated on the two stalwart ruffians with whom he was engaged.
Five or six shots were fired at a few yards’ distance, quick as lightning, yet, strange to say, all missed. Then the taller of the two opposed to Ned, hurled his revolver full in his face, and rushed at him. The pistol struck Ned on the chest, and almost felled him, but he retained his position, and met the highwayman with a well-directed blow of his fist right between the eyes. Both went down, under the impetus87 of the rush, and the second robber immediately sprang upon Ned, and seized him by the throat. But he little knew the strength of the man with whom he had to deal. Our hero caught him in the iron grasp of his right hand, while, with his left, he hurled aside the almost inanimate form of his first assailant; then, throwing the other on his back, he placed his knee on his chest, and drew his bowie-knife.
Even in the terrible passion of mortal combat, Ned shuddered88 at the thought of slaying89 a helpless opponent. He threw the knife aside, and struck the man violently with his fist on the forehead, and then sprang up to rescue Tom who, although he had succeeded at the outset in felling one of the robbers with the butt47 of his pistol, was still engaged in doubtful strife90 with a man of great size and power. When Ned came up, the two were down on their knees, each grasping the other’s wrist in order to prevent their bowie-knives from being used. Their struggles were terrible; for each knew that the first who freed his right hand would instantly take the other’s life. Ned settled the matter, however, by again using his fist, which he applied91 so promptly to the back of the robber’s neck, that he dropped as if he had been shot.
“Thank you—God bless you, Ned,” gasped92 Tom, as soon as he recovered breath; “you have saved my life, for certainly I could not have held out a minute longer. The villain93 has all but broken my right arm.”
“Never mind,” cried Ned, stooping down, and turning the stunned94 robber over on his face, “give me a hand, boy; we must not let the fellows recover and find themselves free to begin the work over again. Take that fellow’s neckcloth and tie his hands behind his back.”
Tom obeyed at once, and in a few minutes the four highwaymen were bound hand and foot, and laid at the side of the road.
“Now,” said Ned, “we must push on to the nearest settlement hot-haste, and bring a party out to escort—Halloo! Tom, are you wounded?”
“Why, your face is all covered with blood!”
“It’s only in consequence of my wiping it with a bloody96 handkerchief, then; but you can examine, and satisfy yourself.”
“The wound is but slight, I see,” rejoined Ned, after a brief manipulation of Tom’s skull97; “now, then, let us away.”
“We’ll have to catch our horses first, and that won’t be an easy matter.”
Tom was right. It cost them half-an-hour to secure them and recover their rifles and other arms, which had been scattered over the field of battle. On returning to the spot where the robbers lay, they found them all partially98 recovered, and struggling violently to free themselves. Three of them failed even to slacken their bonds, but the fourth, the powerful man who had nearly overcome Tom Collins, had well-nigh freed his hands when his captors came up.
“Lie quiet,” said Ned, in a low tone, “if you don’t want the butt of my rifle on your skull.”
The man lay down instantly.
“Tom, go and cut a stake six feet long, and I’ll watch these fellows till you come back.”
The stake was soon brought and lashed99 to the robber’s back in such a manner that he was rendered utterly powerless. The others were secured in a similar manner, and then the two travellers rode forward at a gallop100.
For nearly an hour they continued to advance without speaking or drawing rein25. At the end of that time, while sweeping101 round the jutting102 base of a precipitous rock, they almost ran into a band of horsemen who were trotting103 briskly towards them. Both parties halted, and threw forward their rifles, or drew their revolvers for instant use, gazing at each other the while in silent surprise at the suddenness of their meeting.
“Give in, ye villains104,” at last shouted a stern voice, “or we’ll blow ye out o’ the saddle. You’ve no chance; down your arms, I say.”
“Not until I know what right you have to command us,” replied Ned, somewhat nettled105 at the overbearing tone of his opponent. “We are peaceable travellers, desiring to hurt no one; but if we were not, surely so large a party need not be afraid. We don’t intend to run away, still less do we intend to dispute your passage.”
The strangers lowered their fire-arms, as if half-ashamed at being surprised into a state of alarm by two men.
“Who said we were ‘afraid,’ young man?” continued the first speaker, riding up with his comrades, and eyeing the travellers narrowly. “Where have you come from, and how comes it that your clothes are torn, and your faces covered with blood?”
The party of horsemen edged forward, as he spoke106, in such a manner as to surround the two friends, but Ned, although he observed the movement, was unconcerned, as, from the looks of the party, he felt certain they were good men and true.
“You are a close interrogator107 for a stranger,” he replied. “Perhaps you will inform me where you have come from, and what is your errand in these lonesome places at this hour of the night?”
“I’ll tell ye wot it is, stranger,” answered another of the party—a big, insolent108 sort of fellow—“we’re out after a band o’ scoundrels that have infested109 them parts for a long time, an’ it strikes me you know more about them than we do.”
“Perhaps you are right,” answered Ned.
“Mayhap they’re not very, far off from where we’re standin’,” continued the man, laying his hand on Tom Collins’s shoulder. Tom gave him a look that induced him to remove the hand.
“Right again,” rejoined Ned, with a smile. “I know where the villains are, and I’ll lead you to them in an hour, if you choose to follow me.”
The men looked at each other in surprise.
“You’ll not object to some o’ us ridin’ before, an’ some behind ye!” said the second speaker, “jist by way o’ preventin’ yer hosses from runnin’ away; they looks a little skeary.”
“By no means,” answered Ned, “lead on; but keep off the edge of the track till I call a halt.”
“Why so, stranger?”
“Never mind, but do as I bid you.”
The tone in which this was said effectually silenced the man, and during the ride no further questions were asked. About a quarter-of-an-hour afterwards the moon rose, and they advanced at such a rapid pace that in a short time they were close upon the spot where the battle had taken place. Just before reaching it Ned called a halt, and directed the party to dismount and follow him on foot. Although a good deal surprised, they obeyed without question; for our hero possessed110, in an eminent14 degree, the power of constituting himself a leader among those with whom he chanced to come into contact.
Fastening his horse to a tree, Ned led the men forward a hundred yards.
“Are these the men you search for!” he inquired.
“They are, sir,” exclaimed one of the party, in surprise, as he stooped to examine the features of the robbers, who lay where they had been left.
“Halloo!” exclaimed Tom Collins, “I say, the biggest fellow’s gone! Didn’t we lay him hereabouts?”
“Eh! dear me, yes; why, this is the very spot, I do believe—”
All further remarks were checked at that moment by the sound of horses’ hoofs111 approaching, and, almost before any one could turn round, a horseman came thundering down the pass at full gallop. Uttering a savage laugh of derision, he discharged his pistol full into the centre of the knot of men as he passed, and, in another moment, was out of sight. Several of the onlookers112 had presence of mind enough to draw their pistols and fire at the retreating figure, but apparently113 without effect.
“It’s him!” cried Tom Collins; “and he’s mounted on your horse, Ned.”
“After him, lads!” shouted Ned, as he ran back towards the place where the horses were fastened. “Whose is the best horse?”
“Hold on, stranger,” said one of the men, as he ran up to Ned, “ye may save yer wind. None o’ the horses can overtake your one, I guess. I was lookin’ at him as we came along. It would only be losin’ time for nothin’, an’ he’s miles ahead by this time.”
Ned Sinton felt that the man’s remarks were too true, so he returned to the spot where the remaining robbers lay, and found that the miners had cut their fastenings, and were busily engaged in rebinding their hands behind them, preparatory to carrying them back to their settlement. It was discovered that the lashings of one of the men had been partly severed114 with a knife, and, as he could not have done it himself, it was plain that the robber who had escaped must have done it, and that the opportune115 arrival of the party had prevented him from accomplishing his purpose. How the man had broken his own bonds was a mystery that could not now be solved, but it was conjectured116 they must have been too weak, and that he had burst them by main strength.
Another discovery was now made, namely, that one of the three robbers secured was no other than Black Jim himself; the darkness of the night had prevented Ned and Tom from making this discovery during the fight.
In less time than we have taken to describe it, the robbers were secured, and each was mounted behind one of his captors.
“Ain’t you goin’ with us?” inquired one of the men, observing that Ned Sinton stood leaning on his rifle, as if he meant to remain behind.
“No,” answered Ned; “my companion and I have travelled far to-day, besides fighting a somewhat tough battle; we mean to camp here for the night, and shall proceed to your settlement to-morrow.”
The men endeavoured to dissuade117 them from their purpose, but they were both fatigued118, and persisted in their determination. The impression they had made, however, on their new friends was so favourable119, that one of their number, a Yankee, offered the loan of his horse to Ned, an offer which the latter accepted thankfully, promising120 to return it safe and sound early on the following day. Five minutes later the sound of the retreating hoofs died away, and the travellers stood silently side by side in the gloomy ravine.
For a few minutes neither spoke; then Ned heaved a sigh, and, looking in his companion’s face with a serio-comically-sad expression, said:
“It may not, perhaps, have occurred to you, Tom, but are you aware that we are a couple of beggars?”
“If you use the term in its slang sense, and mean to insinuate121 that we are a couple of unfortunate beggars, I agree with you.”
“Well, I’ve no objection,” rejoined Ned, “to your taking my words in that sense; but I mean to say that, over and above that, we are real, veritable, bona fide beggars, inasmuch as we have not a sixpence in the world.”
Tom Collins’s visage grew exceedingly long.
“Our united purse,” pursued Ned, “hung, as you are aware, at my saddle-bow, and yon unmitigated villain who appropriated my good steed, is now in possession of all our hard-earned gold!”
Tom’s countenance122 became preternaturally grave, but he did not venture to speak.
“Now,” continued Ned, forcing a smile, “there is nothing for it but to make for the nearest diggings, commence work again, and postpone123 our travels to a future and more convenient season. We may laugh at it as we please, my dear fellow, but there’s no denying that we are in what the Yankees would call an ‘oncommon fix.’”
Ned’s remark as to “laughing at it,” was altogether uncalled for and inappropriate, for his own smile might have been more correctly termed a grin, and nothing was further from Tom Collins’s thoughts at that moment than laughing.
Both turned their eyes towards Tom Collins’s horse, which grazed hard by, and both heaved a sigh of relief on observing that the saddle-bags were safe. This was a small drop of comfort in their otherwise bitter cup, and they made the most of it. Each, as if by a common impulse, pretending that he cared very little about the matter, and assuming that the other stood in need of being cheered and comforted, went about the preparations for encamping with a degree of reckless joviality125 that insensibly raised their spirits, not only up to but considerably126 above the natural level; and when at last they had spread out their viands127, and lighted their fire and their pipes, they were, according to Tom’s assertion, “happy as kings.”
“I recommend the level turf under this oak,” said Ned, pointing to a huge old tree, whose gnarled limbs covered a wide space of level sward.
“It’s too low,” objected Tom, (Tom could always object—a quality which, while it acted like an agreeable dash of cayenne thrown into the conversation of some of his friends, proved to be sparks applied to gunpowder129 in that of others;) “it’s too low, and, doubtless, moist. I think that yonder pine, with its spreading branches and sweet-smelling cones130, and carpet of moss131 below, is a much more fitting spot.”
“Now, who is to decide the question if I don’t give in, Tom? For I assume, of course, that you will never give in.”
At that moment an accident occurred which decided132 the question for them. It frequently happens that some of the huge, heavy branches of the oaks in America become so thoroughly133 dried and brittle134 by the intense heat of summer, that they snap off without a moment’s warning, often when there is not a breath of air sufficient to stir a leaf. This propensity135 is so well-known to Californian travellers that they are somewhat careful in selecting their camping ground, yet, despite all their care, an occasional life is lost by the falling of such branches.
An event of this kind occurred at the present time. The words had barely passed Ned’s lips, when a large limb of the oak beside which they stood snapt off with a loud report, and fell with a crash to the ground.
“That settles it,” said Tom, somewhat seriously, as he led his horse towards the pine-tree, and proceeded to spread his blanket beneath its branches.
In a few minutes the bright flame of their camp-fire threw a lurid136 glare on the trees and projecting cliffs of the wild pass, while they cooked and ate their frugal137 meal of jerked beef and biscuit. They conversed138 little during the repast or after it, for drowsiness139 began to steal over them, and it was not long before they laid their heads, side by side, on their saddles, and murmuring “Good-night,” forgot their troubles in the embrace of deep, refreshing140 slumber141.
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inevitable
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| adj.不可避免的，必然发生的 | |
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myriads
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| n.无数，极大数量( myriad的名词复数 ) | |
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scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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winding
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| n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈 | |
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cedars
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| 雪松，西洋杉( cedar的名词复数 ) | |
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graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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7
shrub
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| n.灌木，灌木丛 | |
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8
intercept
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| vt.拦截，截住，截击 | |
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9
haze
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| n.霾，烟雾；懵懂，迷糊；vi.(over)变模糊 | |
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10
softens
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| （使）变软( soften的第三人称单数 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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13
wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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14
eminent
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| adj.显赫的，杰出的，有名的，优良的 | |
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15
marred
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| adj. 被损毁, 污损的 | |
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16
ambling
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| v.（马）缓行( amble的现在分词 )；从容地走，漫步 | |
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17
worthies
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| 应得某事物( worthy的名词复数 )； 值得做某事； 可尊敬的； 有（某人或事物）的典型特征 | |
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18
specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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19
specimens
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| n.样品( specimen的名词复数 )；范例；（化验的）抽样；某种类型的人 | |
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20
vicissitudes
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| n.变迁，世事变化；变迁兴衰( vicissitude的名词复数 )；盛衰兴废 | |
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21
enjoyments
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| 愉快( enjoyment的名词复数 )； 令人愉快的事物； 享有； 享受 | |
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22
ammunition
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| n.军火，弹药 | |
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23
swarming
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| 密集( swarm的现在分词 )； 云集； 成群地移动； 蜜蜂或其他飞行昆虫成群地飞来飞去 | |
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24
reined
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| 勒缰绳使（马）停步( rein的过去式和过去分词 )； 驾驭； 严格控制； 加强管理 | |
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25
rein
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| n.疆绳，统治，支配；vt.以僵绳控制，统治 | |
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26
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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27
unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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28
dwelling
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| n.住宅，住所，寓所 | |
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29
dwellings
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| n.住处，处所( dwelling的名词复数 ) | |
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30
robust
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| adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的 | |
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31
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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32
philosophically
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| adv.哲学上；富有哲理性地；贤明地；冷静地 | |
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33
reining
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| 勒缰绳使（马）停步( rein的现在分词 )； 驾驭； 严格控制； 加强管理 | |
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34
squat
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| v.蹲坐，蹲下；n.蹲下；adj.矮胖的，粗矮的 | |
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35
hideous
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| adj.丑陋的，可憎的，可怕的，恐怖的 | |
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36
subterranean
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| adj.地下的，地表下的 | |
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37
subsist
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| vi.生存，存在，供养 | |
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38
miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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39
diminutive
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| adj.小巧可爱的，小的 | |
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40
stature
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| n.（高度）水平，（高度）境界，身高，身材 | |
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41
diligently
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| ad.industriously;carefully | |
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42
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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43
ERECTED
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| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
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44
passionately
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| ad.热烈地，激烈地 | |
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45
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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46
second-hand
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| adj.用过的，旧的，二手的 | |
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47
butt
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| n.笑柄；烟蒂；枪托；臀部；v.用头撞或顶 | |
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48
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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49
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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50
hideously
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| adv.可怕地，非常讨厌地 | |
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51
unintelligible
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| adj.无法了解的，难解的，莫明其妙的 | |
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52
utterly
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| adv.完全地，绝对地 | |
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53
extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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54
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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55
eyebrows
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| 眉毛( eyebrow的名词复数 ) | |
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56
propitiated
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| v.劝解，抚慰，使息怒( propitiate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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57
grimaces
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| n.（表蔑视、厌恶等）面部扭曲，鬼脸( grimace的名词复数 )v.扮鬼相，做鬼脸( grimace的第三人称单数 ) | |
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58
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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59
contortions
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| n.扭歪，弯曲；扭曲，弄歪，歪曲( contortion的名词复数 ) | |
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60
sparse
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| adj.稀疏的，稀稀落落的，薄的 | |
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61
ragged
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| adj.衣衫褴褛的，粗糙的，刺耳的 | |
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62
brass
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| n.黄铜；黄铜器，铜管乐器 | |
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63
survivors
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| 幸存者，残存者，生还者( survivor的名词复数 ) | |
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64
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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65
beckoned
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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66
wont
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|
| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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67
colloquy
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| n.谈话，自由讨论 | |
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68
soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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69
lighting
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| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
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70
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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71
neatly
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| adv.整洁地，干净地，灵巧地，熟练地 | |
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72
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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73
kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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74
abruptly
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| adv.突然地，出其不意地 | |
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75
spliced
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|
| adj.（针织品）加固的n.叠接v.绞接( splice的过去式和过去分词 )；捻接（两段绳子）；胶接；粘接（胶片、磁带等） | |
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76
entreaties
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| n.恳求，乞求( entreaty的名词复数 ) | |
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77
rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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78
precipice
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| n.悬崖，危急的处境 | |
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79
dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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80
thicket
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| n.灌木丛，树林 | |
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81
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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82
defile
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| v.弄污，弄脏；n.(山间)小道 | |
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83
grizzly
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|
| adj.略为灰色的，呈灰色的；n.灰色大熊 | |
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84
rustling
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| n. 瑟瑟声，沙沙声 adj. 发沙沙声的 | |
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85
superstitious
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| adj.迷信的 | |
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86
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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87
impetus
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| n.推动，促进，刺激；推动力 | |
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88
shuddered
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| v.战栗( shudder的过去式和过去分词 )；发抖；（机器、车辆等）突然震动；颤动 | |
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89
slaying
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| 杀戮。 | |
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90
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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91
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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92
gasped
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| v.喘气( gasp的过去式和过去分词 )；喘息；倒抽气；很想要 | |
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93
villain
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| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
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94
stunned
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| adj. 震惊的，惊讶的 动词stun的过去式和过去分词 | |
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95
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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96
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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97
skull
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| n.头骨；颅骨 | |
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98
partially
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| adv.部分地，从某些方面讲 | |
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99
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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100
gallop
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| v./n.(马或骑马等)飞奔；飞速发展 | |
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101
sweeping
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| adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的 | |
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102
jutting
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| v.（使）突出( jut的现在分词 )；伸出；（从…）突出；高出 | |
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103
trotting
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| 小跑，急走( trot的现在分词 )； 匆匆忙忙地走 | |
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104
villains
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| n.恶棍( villain的名词复数 )；罪犯；（小说、戏剧等中的）反面人物；淘气鬼 | |
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105
nettled
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| v.拿荨麻打，拿荨麻刺（nettle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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106
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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107
interrogator
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| n.讯问者；审问者；质问者；询问器 | |
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108
insolent
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| adj.傲慢的，无理的 | |
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109
infested
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| adj.为患的，大批滋生的（常与with搭配）v.害虫、野兽大批出没于( infest的过去式和过去分词 )；遍布于 | |
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110
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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111
hoofs
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| n.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的名词复数 )v.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的第三人称单数 ) | |
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112
onlookers
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| n.旁观者，观看者( onlooker的名词复数 ) | |
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113
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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114
severed
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| v.切断，断绝( sever的过去式和过去分词 )；断，裂 | |
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115
opportune
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| adj.合适的，适当的 | |
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116
conjectured
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| 推测，猜测，猜想( conjecture的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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117
dissuade
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| v.劝阻，阻止 | |
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118
fatigued
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| adj. 疲乏的 | |
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119
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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120
promising
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| adj.有希望的，有前途的 | |
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121
insinuate
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| vt.含沙射影地说，暗示 | |
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122
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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123
postpone
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| v.延期，推迟 | |
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124
victuals
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| n.食物；食品 | |
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125
joviality
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| n.快活 | |
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126
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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127
viands
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| n.食品，食物 | |
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128
amicable
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| adj.和平的，友好的；友善的 | |
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129
gunpowder
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| n.火药 | |
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130
cones
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| n.（人眼）圆锥细胞；圆锥体( cone的名词复数 )；球果；圆锥形东西；（盛冰淇淋的）锥形蛋卷筒 | |
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131
moss
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| n.苔，藓，地衣 | |
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decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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133
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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brittle
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| adj.易碎的；脆弱的；冷淡的；(声音)尖利的 | |
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135
propensity
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| n.倾向；习性 | |
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136
lurid
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| adj.可怕的；血红的；苍白的 | |
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137
frugal
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| adj.节俭的，节约的，少量的，微量的 | |
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138
conversed
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的过去式 ) | |
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139
drowsiness
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| n.睡意；嗜睡 | |
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140
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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141
slumber
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| n.睡眠，沉睡状态 | |
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