Without knowing why, I hailed the arrival of this stranger as opportune.
Perhaps his presence, added to the entreaties of that fair young
creature--still urgent in my behalf--might prevent the effusion of
blood. Indeed, I had already determined that none should be spilled by
_me_--let the consequences be as they might; and whatever was to be the
_denouement_ of this awkward affair, I had resolved that my rifle should
have nought to do in deciding it. The piece had fallen to the "order
arms;" the ill-omened birds had forsaken their perch; and, now soaring
in the blue sky, almost beyond the reach of human vision, their
movements were no longer heeded--neither by my adversary nor myself.
Turning away from the stranger--whom I had only regarded for a second or
two--I faced again to the more interesting tableau in front of me.
That, too, was rapidly undergoing a change. The squatter no longer
clung to his rifle. The girl had taken it from his hands; and was
hurrying with it into the door of the cabin. There was no hindrance
made by my antagonist! On the contrary, he appeared to have delivered
it over to her--as if the affair between us was to have a pacific
termination, or, at all events, a respite.
What surprised me more than all was the altered demeanour of my
adversary. His whole manner seemed to have undergone a sudden change.
Sudden it must have been, since it had taken place during a second or
two, while my attention was occupied by the newly arrived horseman.
What still further astonished me, was, that this transformation was
evidently produced by the presence of the stranger himself! That it was
not due to the young girl's interference, I had evidence already. That
had not moved him for a moment. Her earnest appeal had received a
repulse--energetic and decisive, as it was rude; and of itself would
certainly not have, saved me. Beyond doubt, then, was I indebted to the
stranger for the truce so unexpectedly entered upon.
The change in Holt's demeanour was not more sudden than complete. At
first, an air of astonishment had been observable; after that, an
expression of inquietude--becoming each moment more marked. No longer
did he exhibit the proud aspect of a man, who felt himself master of the
ground; but, on the contrary, appeared cowed and quailing in the
presence of the new-comer--whom he had met at the entrance, and at once
invited into the enclosure. This manner was observable in the
half-mechanical courtesy, with which he removed the bars, and took hold
of the stranger's horse--as also in some phrases of welcome, to which he
gave utterance in my hearing.
For myself, I was no longer regarded, any more than if I had been one of
the dead-woods that stood around the clearing. The squatter passed,
without even looking at me--his whole attention seemingly absorbed by
the new arrival! It was natural I should regard with curiosity an
individual, whose presence had produced such a wonderful effect; and my
scrutinising gaze may have appeared rude enough to him. I cannot say
that he elicited my admiration. On the contrary, his appearance
produced an opposite effect. I beheld him with, what might be termed an
instinct of repulsion: since I could assign no precise reason for the
dislike with which he had inspired me on sight. He was a man of about
thirty years of age; of a thin spare body, less than medium height; and
features slightly marked with, the _bar sinister_. A face without
beard--skin of cadaverous hue--nose sharply pointed--chin and forehead
both receding--eyes small, but sparkling like those of a ferret--and
long lank black hair, thinly shading his cheeks and brows--were the
prominent characteristics of this man's portrait. His dress was of a
clerical cut and colour--though not of the finest fabric. The coat,
trousers, and vest were of black broad-cloth--the coat and waistcoat
being made with standing collars, similar in style to those worn by
Wesleyan ministers--or more commonly by Catholic priests--while a white
cravat not over clean and a hat with curving boat-brim, completed the
saintly character of the costume.
Judging from his personal appearance, I concluded that I saw in the
individual before me the Methodist minister of Swampville. If so, it
would account for the obsequiousness of his host, though not
satisfactorily. There was something more than obsequiousness in Holt's
manner--something altogether different from that deferential respect,
with which the gospel minister is usually received in the houses of the
humbler classes. Moreover, the character of the squatter--such as I had
heard it, and such as I had myself observed it to be--bore no
correspondence with the attitude of reverence he had so suddenly
assumed. Even under the hypothesis, that the new-comer was his
clergyman, I was puzzled by his behaviour.
He in the ecclesiastical costume appeared to be a man of few words; and
of gesture he made a like limited use: having passed me, without even
the courtesy of a bow. On the contrary, I was honoured with a glance of
cynical regard--so palpable in its expression, as to cause an itching in
my fingers, notwithstanding the saintly gown. I contented myself,
however, with returning the glance, by one I intended should bear a like
contemptuous expression; and, with this exchange, we separated from each
other. I remained by my stand, without offering remark--either to the
squatter or his guest. The only change I effected in my position, was
to sit down upon the stump--where, with my rifle between my knees, I
resolved to await the issue. All idea of using the weapon was gone out
of my mind--at least, against Hickman Holt. He was _her_ father: I
would as soon have thought of turning its muzzle to my own body.
I tarried, therefore, with no hostile intention. On the contrary, I
only waited for an opportunity to propose some pacific arrangement of
our difficulty; and my thoughts were now directed to this end. I had
every chance of observing the movements of the two men: since, instead
of entering the cabin, they had stopped in front of it--where they at
once became engaged in conversation. I took it for granted that I was
myself the subject; but, after a time, I began to fancy I was mistaken.
Judging from the earnest manner of both--but more especially from Holt's
gestures and frequent ejaculations--something of still greater interest
appeared to be the theme of their dialogue. I saw the squatter's face
suddenly brighten up--as if some new and joyous revelation had been made
to him; while the features of his visitor bore the satisfied look of
one, who was urging an argument with success. They were evidently
talking of some topic beyond my affair, and unconnected with it; but
what it could be, I was unable even to guess. Perhaps, had I listened
more attentively, I might have arrived at some knowledge of it--since
words were occasionally uttered aloud--but my eyes were busier than my
ears; and at that moment, neither the squatter nor his guest was the
subject of my thoughts.
Beyond them was the attraction that fascinated my gaze--that thing of
roseate golden hue, whose shining presence seemed to light up the dark
interior of the cabin--gleaming meteor-like through the interstices of
the logs--now softly moving from side to side, and now, thank Heaven!
gliding towards the door! Only for a moment stood she silently on the
stoop--one smiling moment, and she was gone. Her fair face was once
more hidden, behind the rude _jalousie_ of the logs; but the smile
remained. It was mine; and lingered long within the trembling temple of
my heart.