"And what season is it usual to choose for getting into the saddle, when
business calls any to the settlements below?"
"We never fail to take our departure about the time the sun touches the
tall pine, which stands on yonder height of the mountain. Much experience
hath told us it is the safest hour; hand of time-piece is not more sure
than yon tree."
"I like the night," said the other, looking about him with the air of one
suddenly struck with the promising appearance of the weather. "The
blackness no longer hangs about the forest, and it seems a fitting moment
to push the matter, on which we are sent, nearer to its conclusion."
So saying, and probably believing that he had sufficiently concealed the
motive of his decision, the uneasy dragoon walked with an air of soldierly
coolness towards the dwellings, signing at the same time to one of his
companions, who was regarding him from a distance, to approach.
"Now dost thou believe, witless Dudley, that the four fingers of thy
clumsy hand have numbered the full amount of all that thou callest my
listenings?" said Faith, when she thought no other ear but his to whom
she spoke could catch her words, and at the same time laughing merrily
beneath her heifer, though still speaking with a vexation she could not
entirely repress.
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