Adventure and adventurers > Away in the wilderness, or, Life among the red Indians and fur-traders of North America

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AWAY IN THE WILDERNESS.
but is somewhat larger. His instrument of tor¬
ture is bis nose, which is quite as long as his body,
and sharper than the finest needle. Being unable
to rest because of the mosquitoes, Heywood re¬
solved to have a chat.
“ Come, Jasper,” said he, looking up into his
companion’s grave countenance, “ although we
have been many weeks on this journey now, you
have not yet told me what has brought you here,
or what the end of your trip is gding to be.”
“ I’ve come here a-hunting,” said Jasper, with
the look and tone of a man who did not wish to
be questioned.
“ Nay now, I know that is not the reason,” said
Heywood, smiling ; “ you could have hunted much
nearer home, if you had been so minded, and to as
good purpose. Come, Jasper, you know I’m your
friend, and that I wish you well. Let me hear
what has brought you so far into the wilderness—
mayhap I can give you some good advice if you do.”
“ Well, lad, I don’t mind if I do. Though, for
the matter of good advice, I don’t feel much in
need of any just at this time.”
Jasper shook the ashes out of his pipe, and re¬
filled it as he spoke ; then he shook his head once
or twice and smiled, as if his thoughts amused him.
Having lighted the pipe, he stretched himself out
in a more comfortable way before the blaze, and
said—