Strona 422 z 483

This address caused a considerable change in the physiognomy of

my own auditor. He had heard my story with that half kind of

belief that is given to a tale of spirits and supernatural

events; but when he was called upon to act officially in

consequence, the whole tide of his incredulity returned. He,

however, answered mildly, "I would willingly afford you every aid

in your pursuit, but the creature of whom you speak appears to

have powers which would put all my exertions to defiance. Who can

follow an animal which can traverse the sea of ice and inhabit

caves and dens where no man would venture to intrude? Besides,

some months have elapsed since the commission of his crimes, and

no one can conjecture to what place he has wandered or what

region he may now inhabit."