I wonder what puts such nonsense into my head? But come! You forget that I havent tasted food since morning. What have you got?
Theres only the cold venison and the corn-bread. If you like Ill put the venison in the pot.
Yes, do so. I can wait.
Phelim was about stepping outside, when a growl from Tara, accompanied by a start, and followed by a rush across the floor, caused the servitor to approach the door with a certain degree of caution.
The individual, who had thus freely presented himself in front of the mustangers cabin, was as unlike either of its occupants, as one from the other.
He stood fall six feet high, in a pair of tall boots, fabricated out of tanned alligator skin. A deerskin undershirt, without any other, covered his breast and shoulders; over which was a blanket coat, that had once been green. He was equipped in the style of a backwoods hunter. There was no embroidery upon his coarse clothing. Everything was plain almost to rudeness.
The individual was apparently about fifty years of age, with a complexion inclining to dark, and features that, at first sight, exhibited a grave aspect.
It was Zebulon Stump, or Old Zeb Stump, as he was better known to the very limited circle of his acquaintances.
Kentuckian, by birth and raising,as he would have described himself, if asked the country of his nativity. The hunter had passed the early part of his life among the forests of the Lower Mississippi; and now, at a later period, he was living and hunting in the wilds of south-western Texas.
The behaviour of the staghound told of a friendly acquaintance between Zeb Stump and Maurice the mustanger.
Evening! laconically saluted Zeb.
Good evening, Mr Stump! rejoined the owner of the hut, rising to receive him. Step inside, and take a seat! On foot, Mr Stump, as usual?
No: I got my old creature out there, tied to a tree.
Let Phelim take her round to the shed. Youll have something to eat? Phelim was just getting supper ready. Im sorry I cant offer you anything very dainty. Ive been so occupied, for the last three days, in chasing a very curious mustang, that I never thought of taking my gun with me.
What sort of a mustang? inquired the hunter.
A mare; with white spots on a dark chocolate ground a splendid creature!
Thats the very business thats brought me over to you. Ive seen that mustang several times out on the prairie, and I just wanted you to go after her. Ill tell you why. Ive been to the Leona settlements since I saw you last, and since I saw her too. Well, there has come a man that I knew on the Mississippi. He is a rich planter, his name is Poindexter.
Poindexter?
That is the name one of the best known on the Mississippi from Orleans to Saint Louis. He was rich then; and, I reckon, isnt poor now seeing as hes brought about a hundred niggers along with him. Beside, theres his nephew, by name Calhoun. Hes got the dollars, and nothing to do with them but lend them to his uncle the which, for a certain reason, I think he will. Now, young fellow, Ill tell you why I wanted to see you. That planter has got a daughter, shes fond of horses. She heard me telling her father about the spotted mustang; and nothing would content her there and then, till he promised hed offer a big price for catching the creature. He said hed give a couple of hundred dollars for the animal. So, saying nothing to nobody, I came over here, fast as my old mare could fetch me.
Will you step this way, Mr Stump? said the young Irishman, rising from his stool, and proceeding in the direction of the door.
The hunter followed, not without showing some surprise at the abrupt invitation.
Maurice conducted his visitor round to the rear of the cabin; and, pointing into the shed, inquired
Does that look anything like the mustang youve been speaking of?
Dog-gone my cats, if its not the same! Caught already! Two hundred dollars! Young fellow, youre in luck: two hundred, and the animals worth every cent of the money! Wont Miss Poindexter be pleased!
1) How does Maurices dwelling characterize its owner? Describe it.
2) Who is Phelim?
3) Who is Maurices new captive?
4) Why was Maurice unable to obtain repose? What did he talk about in his dreams?
5) Who is Zeb Stump? What did he come for?
Chapter Four
The estate, or hacienda,[19] known as Casa del Corvo, extends along the wooded bottom of the Leona River. A structure of superior size whose white walls show conspicuously against the green background of forest with which it is half encircled. It is the newly acquired estate of the Louisiana planter and his family.
Louise Poindexter flung herself into a chair in front of her dressing-glass, and directed her maid Florinda to prepare her for the reception of guests. It was the day fixed for the house-warming,[20] and about an hour before the time appointed for dinner to be on the table.
Soon they loud voices were heard in the courtyard.
Oh, Mr Zebulon Stump, is it you? exclaimed a silvery voice, followed by the appearance of Louise Poindexter upon the verandah.