But, for the Cradlebow; his bright dream of seeking his fortune over wide
seas and in distant lands, his dreadless enthusiasm in the belief that he
should find so much waiting for him in that unsounded world, his
determination, above all, to acquit himself truthfully and bravely--all
these made him, to my mind, ever an object of more inspiring and romantic
interest.
He seemed, somehow, to have divested himself entirely of the old,
heedless irresolution. His speech expressed little of doubt or hesitancy.
It was full of a bold, bright affirmation; and his step, in these days,
had none of the ordinary slow, smiling, philosophical Wallencamp shuffle.
He brought to my weariness and dejection such an atmosphere of vigorous,
tireless life; he was so confident, helpful, unselfish; I was so
faithless and disheartened a burden-bearer; that I grew almost
unconsciously to find for myself a certain rest in his strength, which,
whatever high and heroic qualities it may have lacked, developed, at
least, rare resources of patience, constancy, and forbearance.
He did not say: "You have changed your mind, you will wait for me,
teacher, till I come back from over the seas?" but his eyes were
eloquent.
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