Meriwether Lewis, having put behind him one set of duties, now addressed himself to another, and did so with care and thoroughness. A few of his men, a part of his outfitting1, he found already assembled at Harper’s Ferry, up the Potomac. Before sunset of the first day the little band knew they had a leader.
There was not a knife or a tomahawk of the entire equipment which he himself did not examine—not a rifle which he himself did not personally test. He went over the boxes and bales which had been gathered here, and saw to their arrangement in the transport-wagons. He did all this without bluster2 or officiousness, but with the quiet care and thoroughness of the natural leader of men.
In two days they were on their way across the Alleghanies. A few days more of steady travel sufficed to bring them to Pittsburgh, the head of navigation on the Ohio River, and at that time the American capital in the upper valley of the West. At Pittsburgh Captain Lewis was to build his boats, to complete the details of his equipment, to take on additional men for [Pg 118]his party—now to be officially styled the Volunteers for the Discovery of the West. He lost no time in urging forward the necessary work.
The young adventurer found this inland town half maritime3 in its look. Its shores were lined with commerce suited to a seaport4. Schooners5 of considerable tonnage lay at the wharfs6, others were building in the busy shipyards. The destination of these craft obviously was down the Mississippi, to the sea. Here were vessels8 bound for the West Indies, bound for Philadelphia, for New York, for Boston—carrying the products of this distant and little-known interior.
As he looked at this commerce of the great West, pondered its limitations, saw its trend with the down-slant of the perpetual roadway to the sea, there came to the young officer’s mind with greater force certain arguments that had been advanced to him.
He saw that here was the heart of America, realized how natural was the insistence9 of all these hardy10 Western men upon the free use of the Mississippi and its tributaries11. He easily could agree with Aaron Burr that, had the fleet of Napoleon ever sailed from Haiti—had Napoleon ever done otherwise than to cede12 Louisiana to us—then these boats from the Ohio and the Mississippi would at this very moment, perhaps, be carrying armed men down to take New Orleans, as so often they had threatened.
There came, however, to his mind not the slightest thought of alteration13 in his own plans. With him it was no question of what might have been, but of what actually was. The cession14 by Napoleon had been [Pg 119]made, and Louisiana was ours. It was time to plot for expeditions, not down the great river, but across it, beyond it, into that great and unknown country that lay toward the farther sea.
The keen zest15 of this vast enterprise came to him as a stimulus—the feel of the new country was as the breath of his nostrils16. His bosom17 swelled18 with joy as he looked out toward that West which had so long allured19 him—that West of which he was to be the discoverer. The carousing20 riffraff of the wharfs, the flotsam and jetsam of the river trade, were to him but passing phenomena21. He shouldered his way among them indifferently. He walked with a larger vision before his eyes.
Now, too, he had news—good news, fortunate news, joyous22 news—none less than the long-delayed answer of his friend, Captain William Clark, to his proposal that he should associate himself with the Volunteers for the Discovery of the West. Misspelled, scrawled23, done in the hieroglyphics24 which marked that remarkable25 gentleman, William Clark’s letter carried joy to the heart of Meriwether Lewis. It cemented one of the most astonishing partnerships26 ever known among men, one of the most beautiful friendships of which history leaves note. Let us give the strange epistle in Clark’s own spelling:
Dear Merne:
Yours to hand touching27 uppon the Expedishon into the Missourie Country, & I send this by special bote up the river to mete28 you at Pts’brgh, at the Foarks. You convey a moast welcome and appreciated invitation to join you in an Enterprise conjenial to my Every thought and Desire. It will in [Pg 120]all likelyhood require at least a year to make the journey out and Return, but although that means certain Sacrifises of a personal sort, I hold such far less than the pleasure to enlist29 with you, wh. indeed I hold to be my duty allso.
I need not say how content I am to be associated with the man moast of all my acquaintance apt to achieve Success in an undertaking30 of so difficult and perlous nature. As you know, it is in the wilderness31 men are moast sevearly tried, and there we know a man. I have seen you so tried, and I Know what you are. I am proud that you apeare to hold me and my own qualities in like confident trust and belief, and I shall hope to merit no alteration in your Judgment32.
There is no other man I would go with on such an undertaking, nor consider it seriously, although the concern of my family largely has been with things military and adventurous33, and we are not new to life among Savidges. Too well I know the dangers of bad leadership in such affairs, yes and my brother, the General, also, as the story of Detroit and the upper Ohio country could prove. All of that country should have been ours from the first, and only lack of courage lost it so long to us.
You are so kind as to offer me a place equal in command with you—I accept not because of the Rank, which is no moving consideration, eather for you or for me—but because I see in the jenerosity of the man proposing such a division of his own Honors, the best assurance of success.
You will find me at or near the Falls of the Ohio awaiting the arrival of your party, which I taik it will be in early August or the Midel of that month.
Pray convey to Mr. Jefferson my humble34 and obedient respects, and thanks for this honor wh. I shall endeavor to merit as best lies within my powers.
With all affec’n, I remain,
Your friend,
Wm. Clark.
P. S.—God alone knows how mutch this all may mean to You and me, Merne—Will.
Clark, then, was to meet him at the Falls of the Ohio, and he, too, counseled haste. Lewis drove his [Pg 121]drunken, lazy workmen in the shipyards as hard as he might, week after week, yet found six weeks elapsed before at last he was in any wise fitted to set forth35. The delay fretted36 him, even though he received word from his chief bidding him not to grieve over the possible loss of a season in his start, but to do what he might and to possess his soul in patience and in confidence.
Recruits of proper sort for his purposes did not grow on trees, he found, but he added a few men to his party now and then, picking them slowly, carefully. One morning, while engaged in his duties of supervising the work in progress at the shipyards, he had his attention attracted to a youth of some seventeen or eighteen years, who stood, cap in hand, at a little distance, apparently37 too timid to accost38 him.
“What is it, my son?” said he. “Did you wish to see me?”
The boy advanced, smiling.
“You do not know me, sir. My name is Shannon—George Shannon. I used to know you when you were stationed here with the army. I was a boy then.”
The boy twirled his cap in his hands.
“I want to go along with you, Captain,” said he shyly.
“What? You would go with me—do you know what is our journey?”
“No. I only hear that you are going up the Missouri, beyond St. Louis, into new country. They say [Pg 122]there are buffalo41 there, and Indians. ’Tis too quiet here for me—I want to see the world with you.”
The young leader, after his fashion, stood silently regarding the other for a time. An instant served him.
“Very well, George,” said he. “If your parents consent, you shall go with me. Your pay will be such that you can save somewhat, and I trust you will use it to complete your schooling42 after your return. There will be adventure and a certain honor in our undertaking. If we come back successful, I am persuaded that our country will not forget us.”
And so that matter was completed. Strangely enough, as the future proved, were the fortunes of these two to intermingle. From the first, Shannon attached himself to his captain almost in the capacity of personal attendant.
At last the great bateau lay ready, launched from the docks and moored43 alongside the wharf7. Fifty feet long it was, with mast, tholes and walking-boards for the arduous44 upstream work. It had received a part of its cargo45, and soon all was in readiness to start.
On the evening of that day Lewis sat down to pen a last letter to his chief. He wrote in the little office-room of the inn where he was stopping, and for a time he did not note the presence of young Shannon, who stood, as usual, silent until his leader might address him.
“What, is it, George?” he asked at length, looking up.
[Pg 123]
“They? Who are they?”
“I don’t know, sir. She asked me to come for you.”
“She. Who is she?”
The face of Meriwether Lewis was pale when presently he opened the door leading to the apartment which had been indicated. He knew, or thought he knew, who this must be. But why—why?
The interior was dim. A single lamp of the inefficient48 sort then in use served only to lessen49 the gloom. Presently, however, he saw awaiting him the figure he had anticipated. Yes, it was she herself. Almost his heart stood still.
Theodosia Alston arose from the spot where she sat in the deeper shadows, and came forward to him. He met her, his hands outstretched, his pulse leaping eagerly in spite of his reproofs50. He dreaded51, yet rejoiced.
“Why are you here?” he asked at length.
“My father and I are on a journey down the river to visit Mr. Blennerhasset on his island. You know his castle there?”
“Torment you, sir?”
“You rebuke53 me properly. I presume I should have courage to meet you always—to speak with you—to look into your eyes—to take your hands in mine. But I find it hard, terribly hard! Each time it is worse—because [Pg 124]each time I must leave you. Why did you not wait one day?”
She made no reply. He fought for his self-control.
“Mr. Jefferson, how is he?” he demanded at length. “You left him well?”
“Unchangeable as flint. You said that only the order of your chief could change your plans. I sought to gain that order—I went myself to see Mr. Jefferson, that very day you started. He said that nothing could alter his faith in you, and that nothing could alter the plan you both had made. He would not call you back. He ordered me not to attempt to do so; but I have broken the President’s command. You find it hard! Do you think this is not hard for me also?”
“These are strange words. What is your motive54? What is it that you plan? Why should you seek to stop me when I am trying to blot55 your face out of my mind? Strange labor56 is that—to try to forget what I hold most dear!”
“You shall not leave my face behind you, Captain Lewis!” she said suddenly.
“What do you mean, Theodosia? What is it?”
“You shall see me every night under the stars, Meriwether Lewis. I will not let you go. I will not relinquish57 you!”
“What is it?” he said once more, half in a whisper. “What do you mean? Would you ruin me? Would you see me go to ruin?”
“No! To the contrary, shall I allow you to hasten [Pg 125]into the usual ruin of a man? If you go yonder, what will be the fate of Meriwether Lewis? You have spoken beautifully to me at times—you have awakened59 some feeling of what images a woman may make in a man’s heart. I have been no more to you than any woman is to any man—the image of a dream. But, that being so beautiful, ought I to allow you to turn it to ruin? Shall I let you go down in savagery60? Ah, if I thought I were relinquishing62 you to that, this would be a heavy day for me!”
“Yes, I can fancy. And what for me? So much my feeling for you has been—oh, call it what you like—admiration, affection, maternal64 tenderness—I do not know what—but so much have I wished, so much have I planned for your future in return for what you have given me—ah, I do not dare tell you. I could not dare come here if I did not know that I was never to see or speak to you again. It tears my heart from my bosom that I must say these things to you. I have risked all my honor in your hands. Is there no reward for that? Is my recompense to be only your assertion that I torment you, that I torture you? What! Is there no torture for me as well? The thought that I have done this covertly65, secretly—what do you think that costs me?”
“Your secret is absolutely safe with me, Theodosia. No, it is not a secret! We have sworn that neither of us would lay a secret upon the other. I swear that to you once more.”
[Pg 126]
“And yet you upbraid66 me when I say I cannot give you up to any fate but that of happiness and success—oh, not with me, for that is beyond us two—it is past forever. But happiness——”
“There are some words that burn deep,” he said slowly. “I know that I was not made for happiness.”
“Does a woman’s wish mean nothing to you? Have I no appeal for you?”
“You can speak thus with me?” he said huskily. “If you cannot leave me happiness, can you not at least leave me partial peace of mind?”
She stood slightly swaying, silent.
“And you say you will not relinquish me, you will not let me go to that fate which surely is mine? You say you will not let me be savage61? I say I am too nearly savage now. Let me go—let me go yonder into the wilderness, where I may be a gentleman!”
He saw her movement as she turned, heard her sigh.
“Sometimes,” she said, “I have thought it worth a woman’s life thrown away that a strong man may succeed. Failure and sacrifice a woman may offer—not much more. But it is as my father told me!”
“He told you what?”
“That only chivalry68 would ever make you forget your duty—that you never could be approached through your weakness, but only through your strength, through your honor. I cannot approach you through your strength, and I would not approach you through your weakness, even if I could. No! Wait. [Pg 127]Perhaps some day it will all be made clear for both of us, so that we may understand. Yes, this is torture for us both!”
He heard the soft rustle69 of her gown, her light footfall as she passed; and once more he was alone.
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收听单词发音
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1
outfitting
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| v.装备，配置设备，供给服装( outfit的现在分词 ) | |
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2
bluster
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| v.猛刮；怒冲冲的说；n.吓唬，怒号；狂风声 | |
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3
maritime
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| adj.海的，海事的，航海的，近海的，沿海的 | |
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seaport
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| n.海港，港口，港市 | |
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5
schooners
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| n.（有两个以上桅杆的）纵帆船( schooner的名词复数 ) | |
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wharfs
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| 码头，停泊处 | |
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wharf
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| n.码头，停泊处 | |
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8
vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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9
insistence
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| n.坚持；强调；坚决主张 | |
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10
hardy
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| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
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11
tributaries
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| n. 支流 | |
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12
cede
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| v.割让，放弃 | |
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13
alteration
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| n.变更，改变；蚀变 | |
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14
cession
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| n.割让，转让 | |
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15
zest
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| n.乐趣；滋味，风味；兴趣 | |
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16
nostrils
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| 鼻孔( nostril的名词复数 ) | |
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17
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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18
swelled
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| 增强( swell的过去式和过去分词 )； 肿胀； （使）凸出； 充满（激情） | |
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19
allured
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| 诱引，吸引( allure的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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20
carousing
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| v.痛饮，闹饮欢宴( carouse的现在分词 ) | |
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21
phenomena
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| n.现象 | |
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22
joyous
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| adj.充满快乐的；令人高兴的 | |
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23
scrawled
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| 乱涂，潦草地写( scrawl的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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24
hieroglyphics
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| n.pl.象形文字 | |
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25
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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26
partnerships
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| n.伙伴关系( partnership的名词复数 )；合伙人身份；合作关系 | |
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27
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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mete
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| v.分配；给予 | |
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29
enlist
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| vt.谋取(支持等)，赢得；征募；vi.入伍 | |
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30
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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31
wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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32
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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33
adventurous
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| adj.爱冒险的；惊心动魄的，惊险的，刺激的 | |
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34
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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35
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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36
fretted
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| 焦躁的，附有弦马的，腐蚀的 | |
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37
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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38
accost
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| v.向人搭话，打招呼 | |
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39
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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40
strapping
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| adj. 魁伟的, 身材高大健壮的 n. 皮绳或皮带的材料, 裹伤胶带, 皮鞭 动词strap的现在分词形式 | |
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41
buffalo
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| n.(北美)野牛；(亚洲)水牛 | |
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42
schooling
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| n.教育；正规学校教育 | |
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43
moored
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| adj. 系泊的 动词moor的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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44
arduous
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| adj.艰苦的，费力的，陡峭的 | |
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45
cargo
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| n.(一只船或一架飞机运载的)货物 | |
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46
parlor
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| n.店铺，营业室；会客室，客厅 | |
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47
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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48
inefficient
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| adj.效率低的，无效的 | |
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49
lessen
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| vt.减少，减轻；缩小 | |
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50
reproofs
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| n.责备，责难，指责( reproof的名词复数 ) | |
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51
dreaded
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| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
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52
torment
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| n.折磨；令人痛苦的东西(人)；vt.折磨；纠缠 | |
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53
rebuke
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| v.指责，非难，斥责 [反]praise | |
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54
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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55
blot
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| vt.弄脏（用吸墨纸）吸干；n.污点，污渍 | |
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56
labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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57
relinquish
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| v.放弃，撤回，让与，放手 | |
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58
mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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59
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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60
savagery
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| n.野性 | |
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61
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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62
relinquishing
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| 交出，让给( relinquish的现在分词 )； 放弃 | |
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63
hoarsely
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| adv.嘶哑地 | |
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64
maternal
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| adj.母亲的，母亲般的，母系的，母方的 | |
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65
covertly
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| adv.偷偷摸摸地 | |
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66
upbraid
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| v.斥责，责骂，责备 | |
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67
sob
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| n.空间轨道的轰炸机；呜咽，哭泣 | |
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68
chivalry
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| n.骑士气概，侠义；（男人）对女人彬彬有礼，献殷勤 | |
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69
rustle
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| v.沙沙作响；偷盗(牛、马等)；n.沙沙声声 | |
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