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diff --git a/3285-h/3285-h.htm b/3285-h/3285-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..05c68e6 --- /dev/null +++ b/3285-h/3285-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,22932 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + The Deerslayer, by James Fenimore Cooper + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Deerslayer, by James Fenimore Cooper + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Deerslayer + +Author: James Fenimore Cooper + +Release Date: January 26, 2009 [EBook #3285] +Last Updated: March 11, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DEERSLAYER *** + + + + +Produced by Stephen Kerr, Martin Robb, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE DEERSLAYER + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By James Fenimore Cooper + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> Chapter I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> Chapter II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> Chapter III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> Chapter IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> Chapter V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> Chapter VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> Chapter VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> Chapter VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> Chapter IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> Chapter X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> Chapter XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> Chapter XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> Chapter XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> Chapter XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> Chapter XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> Chapter XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> Chapter XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> Chapter XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> Chapter XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> Chapter XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> Chapter XXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> Chapter XXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> Chapter XXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> Chapter XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> Chapter XXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> Chapter XXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> Chapter XXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> Chapter XXVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> Chapter XXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> Chapter XXX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> Chapter XXXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> Chapter XXXII </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, + There is a rapture on the lonely shore. + There is society where none intrudes, + By the deep sea, and music in its roar: + I love not man the less, but nature more, + From these our interviews, in which I steal + From all I may be, or have been before, + To mingle with the universe, and feel + What I can ne'er express, yet cannot all conceal” + + Childe Harold. +</pre> + <p> + On the human imagination events produce the effects of time. Thus, he who + has travelled far and seen much is apt to fancy that he has lived long; + and the history that most abounds in important incidents soonest assumes + the aspect of antiquity. In no other way can we account for the venerable + air that is already gathering around American annals. When the mind + reverts to the earliest days of colonial history, the period seems remote + and obscure, the thousand changes that thicken along the links of + recollections, throwing back the origin of the nation to a day so distant + as seemingly to reach the mists of time; and yet four lives of ordinary + duration would suffice to transmit, from mouth to mouth, in the form of + tradition, all that civilized man has achieved within the limits of the + republic. Although New York alone possesses a population materially + exceeding that of either of the four smallest kingdoms of Europe, or + materially exceeding that of the entire Swiss Confederation, it is little + more than two centuries since the Dutch commenced their settlement, + rescuing the region from the savage state. Thus, what seems venerable by + an accumulation of changes is reduced to familiarity when we come + seriously to consider it solely in connection with time. + </p> + <p> + This glance into the perspective of the past will prepare the reader to + look at the pictures we are about to sketch, with less surprise than he + might otherwise feel; and a few additional explanations may carry him back + in imagination to the precise condition of society that we desire to + delineate. It is matter of history that the settlements on the eastern + shores of the Hudson, such as Claverack, Kinderhook, and even + Poughkeepsie, were not regarded as safe from Indian incursions a century + since; and there is still standing on the banks of the same river, and + within musket-shot of the wharves of Albany, a residence of a younger + branch of the Van Rensselaers, that has loopholes constructed for defence + against the same crafty enemy, although it dates from a period scarcely so + distant. Other similar memorials of the infancy of the country are to be + found, scattered through what is now deemed the very centre of American + civilization, affording the plainest proofs that all we possess of + security from invasion and hostile violence is the growth of but little + more than the time that is frequently fulfilled by a single human life. + </p> + <p> + The incidents of this tale occurred between the years 1740 and 1745, when + the settled portions of the colony of New York were confined to the four + Atlantic counties, a narrow belt of country on each side of the Hudson, + extending from its mouth to the falls near its head, and to a few advanced + “neighborhoods” on the Mohawk and the Schoharie. Broad belts of the virgin + wilderness not only reached the shores of the first river, but they even + crossed it, stretching away into New England, and affording forest covers + to the noiseless moccasin of the native warrior, as he trod the secret and + bloody war-path. A bird's-eye view of the whole region east of the + Mississippi must then have offered one vast expanse of woods, relieved by + a comparatively narrow fringe of cultivation along the sea, dotted by the + glittering surfaces of lakes, and intersected by the waving lines of + river. In such a vast picture of solemn solitude, the district of country + we design to paint sinks into insignificance, though we feel encouraged to + proceed by the conviction that, with slight and immaterial distinctions, + he who succeeds in giving an accurate idea of any portion of this wild + region must necessarily convey a tolerably correct notion of the whole. + </p> + <p> + Whatever may be the changes produced by man, the eternal round of the + seasons is unbroken. Summer and winter, seed-time and harvest, return in + their stated order with a sublime precision, affording to man one of the + noblest of all the occasions he enjoys of proving the high powers of his + far-reaching mind, in compassing the laws that control their exact + uniformity, and in calculating their never-ending revolutions. + </p> + <p> + Centuries of summer suns had warmed the tops of the same noble oaks and + pines, sending their heats even to the tenacious roots, when voices were + heard calling to each other, in the depths of a forest, of which the leafy + surface lay bathed in the brilliant light of a cloudless day in June, + while the trunks of the trees rose in gloomy grandeur in the shades + beneath. The calls were in different tones, evidently proceeding from two + men who had lost their way, and were searching in different directions for + their path. At length a shout proclaimed success, and presently a man of + gigantic mould broke out of the tangled labyrinth of a small swamp, + emerging into an opening that appeared to have been formed partly by the + ravages of the wind, and partly by those of fire. This little area, which + afforded a good view of the sky, although it was pretty well filled with + dead trees, lay on the side of one of the high hills, or low mountains, + into which nearly the whole surface of the adjacent country was broken. + </p> + <p> + “Here is room to breathe in!” exclaimed the liberated forester, as soon as + he found himself under a clear sky, shaking his huge frame like a mastiff + that has just escaped from a snowbank. “Hurrah! Deerslayer; here is + daylight, at last, and yonder is the lake.” + </p> + <p> + These words were scarcely uttered when the second forester dashed aside + the bushes of the swamp, and appeared in the area. After making a hurried + adjustment of his arms and disordered dress, he joined his companion, who + had already begun his disposition for a halt. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know this spot!” demanded the one called Deerslayer, “or do you + shout at the sight of the sun?” + </p> + <p> + “Both, lad, both; I know the spot, and am not sorry to see so useful a + fri'nd as the sun. Now we have got the p'ints of the compass in our minds + once more, and 't will be our own faults if we let anything turn them + topsy-turvy ag'in, as has just happened. My name is not Hurry Harry, if + this be not the very spot where the land-hunters camped the last summer, + and passed a week. See I yonder are the dead bushes of their bower, and + here is the spring. Much as I like the sun, boy, I've no occasion for it + to tell me it is noon; this stomach of mine is as good a time-piece as is + to be found in the colony, and it already p'ints to half-past twelve. So + open the wallet, and let us wind up for another six hours' run.” + </p> + <p> + At this suggestion, both set themselves about making the preparations + necessary for their usual frugal but hearty meal. We will profit by this + pause in the discourse to give the reader some idea of the appearance of + the men, each of whom is destined to enact no insignificant part in our + legend. + </p> + <p> + It would not have been easy to find a more noble specimen of vigorous + manhood than was offered in the person of him who called himself Hurry + Harry. His real name was Henry March but the frontiersmen having caught + the practice of giving sobriquets from the Indians, the appellation of + Hurry was far oftener applied to him than his proper designation, and not + unfrequently he was termed Hurry Skurry, a nickname he had obtained from a + dashing, reckless offhand manner, and a physical restlessness that kept + him so constantly on the move, as to cause him to be known along the whole + line of scattered habitations that lay between the province and the + Canadas. The stature of Hurry Harry exceeded six feet four, and being + unusually well proportioned, his strength fully realized the idea created + by his gigantic frame. The face did no discredit to the rest of the man, + for it was both good-humored and handsome. His air was free, and though + his manner necessarily partook of the rudeness of a border life, the + grandeur that pervaded so noble a physique prevented it from becoming + altogether vulgar. + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer, as Hurry called his companion, was a very different person in + appearance, as well as in character. In stature he stood about six feet in + his moccasins, but his frame was comparatively light and slender, showing + muscles, however, that promised unusual agility, if not unusual strength. + His face would have had little to recommend it except youth, were it not + for an expression that seldom failed to win upon those who had leisure to + examine it, and to yield to the feeling of confidence it created. This + expression was simply that of guileless truth, sustained by an earnestness + of purpose, and a sincerity of feeling, that rendered it remarkable. At + times this air of integrity seemed to be so simple as to awaken the + suspicion of a want of the usual means to discriminate between artifice + and truth; but few came in serious contact with the man, without losing + this distrust in respect for his opinions and motives. + </p> + <p> + Both these frontiersmen were still young, Hurry having reached the age of + six or eight and twenty, while Deerslayer was several years his junior. + Their attire needs no particular description, though it may be well to add + that it was composed in no small degree of dressed deer-skins, and had the + usual signs of belonging to those who pass their time between the skirts + of civilized society and the boundless forests. There was, + notwithstanding, some attention to smartness and the picturesque in the + arrangements of Deerslayer's dress, more particularly in the part + connected with his arms and accoutrements. His rifle was in perfect + condition, the handle of his hunting-knife was neatly carved, his + powder-horn was ornamented with suitable devices lightly cut into the + material, and his shot-pouch was decorated with wampum. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, Hurry Harry, either from constitutional recklessness, + or from a secret consciousness how little his appearance required + artificial aids, wore everything in a careless, slovenly manner, as if he + felt a noble scorn for the trifling accessories of dress and ornaments. + Perhaps the peculiar effect of his fine form and great stature was + increased rather than lessened, by this unstudied and disdainful air of + indifference. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Deerslayer, fall to, and prove that you have a Delaware stomach, as + you say you have had a Delaware edication,” cried Hurry, setting the + example by opening his mouth to receive a slice of cold venison steak that + would have made an entire meal for a European peasant; “fall to, lad, and + prove your manhood on this poor devil of a doe with your teeth, as you've + already done with your rifle.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, Hurry, there's little manhood in killing a doe, and that too + out of season; though there might be some in bringing down a painter or a + catamount,” returned the other, disposing himself to comply. “The + Delawares have given me my name, not so much on account of a bold heart, + as on account of a quick eye, and an actyve foot. There may not be any + cowardyce in overcoming a deer, but sartain it is, there's no great + valor.” + </p> + <p> + “The Delawares themselves are no heroes,” muttered Hurry through his + teeth, the mouth being too full to permit it to be fairly opened, “or they + would never have allowed them loping vagabonds, the Mingos, to make them + women.” + </p> + <p> + “That matter is not rightly understood—has never been rightly + explained,” said Deerslayer earnestly, for he was as zealous a friend as + his companion was dangerous as an enemy; “the Mengwe fill the woods with + their lies, and misconstruct words and treaties. I have now lived ten + years with the Delawares, and know them to be as manful as any other + nation, when the proper time to strike comes.” + </p> + <p> + “Harkee, Master Deerslayer, since we are on the subject, we may as well + open our minds to each other in a man-to-man way; answer me one question; + you have had so much luck among the game as to have gotten a title, it + would seem, but did you ever hit anything human or intelligible: did you + ever pull trigger on an inimy that was capable of pulling one upon you?” + </p> + <p> + This question produced a singular collision between mortification and + correct feeling, in the bosom of the youth, that was easily to be traced + in the workings of his ingenuous countenance. The struggle was short, + however; uprightness of heart soon getting the better of false pride and + frontier boastfulness. + </p> + <p> + “To own the truth, I never did,” answered Deerslayer; “seeing that a + fitting occasion never offered. The Delawares have been peaceable since my + sojourn with 'em, and I hold it to be onlawful to take the life of man, + except in open and generous warfare.” + </p> + <p> + “What! did you never find a fellow thieving among your traps and skins, + and do the law on him with your own hands, by way of saving the + magistrates trouble in the settlements, and the rogue himself the cost of + the suit!” + </p> + <p> + “I am no trapper, Hurry,” returned the young man proudly: “I live by the + rifle, a we'pon at which I will not turn my back on any man of my years, + atween the Hudson and the St. Lawrence. I never offer a skin that has not + a hole in its head besides them which natur' made to see with or to + breathe through.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, this is all very well, in the animal way, though it makes but a + poor figure alongside of scalps and ambushes. Shooting an Indian from an + ambush is acting up to his own principles, and now we have what you call a + lawful war on our hands, the sooner you wipe that disgrace off your + character, the sounder will be your sleep; if it only come from knowing + there is one inimy the less prowling in the woods. I shall not frequent + your society long, friend Natty, unless you look higher than four-footed + beasts to practice your rifle on.” + </p> + <p> + “Our journey is nearly ended, you say, Master March, and we can part + to-night, if you see occasion. I have a fri'nd waiting for me, who will + think it no disgrace to consort with a fellow-creatur' that has never yet + slain his kind.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I knew what has brought that skulking Delaware into this part of + the country so early in the season,” muttered Hurry to himself, in a way + to show equally distrust and a recklessness of its betrayal. “Where did + you say the young chief was to give you the meeting?” + </p> + <p> + “At a small round rock, near the foot of the lake, where they tell me, the + tribes are given to resorting to make their treaties, and to bury their + hatchets. This rock have I often heard the Delawares mention, though lake + and rock are equally strangers to me. The country is claimed by both + Mingos and Mohicans, and is a sort of common territory to fish and hunt + through, in time of peace, though what it may become in war-time, the Lord + only knows!” + </p> + <p> + “Common territory” exclaimed Hurry, laughing aloud. “I should like to know + what Floating Tom Hutter would say to that! He claims the lake as his own + property, in vartue of fifteen years' possession, and will not be likely + to give it up to either Mingo or Delaware without a battle for it!” + </p> + <p> + “And what will the colony say to such a quarrel—all this country + must have some owner, the gentry pushing their cravings into the + wilderness, even where they never dare to ventur', in their own persons, + to look at the land they own.” + </p> + <p> + “That may do in other quarters of the colony, Deerslayer, but it will not + do here. Not a human being, the Lord excepted, owns a foot of sile in this + part of the country. Pen was never put to paper consarning either hill or + valley hereaway, as I've heard old Tom say time and ag'in, and so he + claims the best right to it of any man breathing; and what Tom claims, + he'll be very likely to maintain.” + </p> + <p> + “By what I've heard you say, Hurry, this Floating Tom must be an oncommon + mortal; neither Mingo, Delaware, nor pale-face. His possession, too, has + been long, by your tell, and altogether beyond frontier endurance. What's + the man's history and natur'?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, as to old Tom's human natur', it is not much like other men's human + natur', but more like a muskrat's human natar', seeing that he takes more + to the ways of that animal than to the ways of any other fellow-creatur'. + Some think he was a free liver on the salt water, in his youth, and a + companion of a sartain Kidd, who was hanged for piracy, long afore you and + I were born or acquainted, and that he came up into these regions, + thinking that the king's cruisers could never cross the mountains, and + that he might enjoy the plunder peaceably in the woods.” + </p> + <p> + “Then he was wrong, Hurry; very wrong. A man can enjoy plunder peaceably + nowhere.” + </p> + <p> + “That's much as his turn of mind may happen to be. I've known them that + never could enjoy it at all, unless it was in the midst of a + jollification, and them again that enjoyed it best in a corner. Some men + have no peace if they don't find plunder, and some if they do. Human + nature' is crooked in these matters. Old Tom seems to belong to neither + set, as he enjoys his, if plunder he has really got, with his darters, in + a very quiet and comfortable way, and wishes for no more.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, he has darters, too; I've heard the Delawares, who've hunted this a + way, tell their histories of these young women. Is there no mother, + Hurry?” + </p> + <p> + “There was once, as in reason; but she has now been dead and sunk these + two good years.” + </p> + <p> + “Anan?” said Deerslayer, looking up at his companion in a little surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Dead and sunk, I say, and I hope that's good English. The old fellow + lowered his wife into the lake, by way of seeing the last of her, as I can + testify, being an eye-witness of the ceremony; but whether Tom did it to + save digging, which is no easy job among roots, or out of a consait that + water washes away sin sooner than 'arth, is more than I can say.” + </p> + <p> + “Was the poor woman oncommon wicked, that her husband should take so much + pains with her body?” + </p> + <p> + “Not onreasonable; though she had her faults. I consider Judith Hutter to + have been as graceful, and about as likely to make a good ind as any woman + who had lived so long beyond the sound of church bells; and I conclude old + Tom sunk her as much by way of saving pains, as by way of taking it. There + was a little steel in her temper, it's true, and, as old Hutter is pretty + much flint, they struck out sparks once-and-a-while; but, on the whole, + they might be said to live amicable like. When they did kindle, the + listeners got some such insights into their past lives, as one gets into + the darker parts of the woods, when a stray gleam of sunshine finds its + way down to the roots of the trees. But Judith I shall always esteem, as + it's recommend enough to one woman to be the mother of such a creatur' as + her darter, Judith Hutter!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Judith was the name the Delawares mentioned, though it was pronounced + after a fashion of their own. From their discourse, I do not think the + girl would much please my fancy.” + </p> + <p> + “Thy fancy!” exclaimed March, taking fire equally at the indifference and + at the presumption of his companion, “what the devil have you to do with a + fancy, and that, too, consarning one like Judith? You are but a boy—a + sapling, that has scarce got root. Judith has had men among her suitors, + ever since she was fifteen; which is now near five years; and will not be + apt even to cast a look upon a half-grown creatur' like you!” + </p> + <p> + “It is June, and there is not a cloud atween us and the sun, Hurry, so all + this heat is not wanted,” answered the other, altogether undisturbed; “any + one may have a fancy, and a squirrel has a right to make up his mind + touching a catamount.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but it might not be wise, always, to let the catamount know it,” + growled March. “But you're young and thoughtless, and I'll overlook your + ignorance. Come, Deerslayer,” he added, with a good-natured laugh, after + pausing a moment to reflect, “come, Deerslayer, we are sworn friends, and + will not quarrel about a light-minded, jilting jade, just because she + happens to be handsome; more especially as you have never seen her. Judith + is only for a man whose teeth show the full marks, and it's foolish to be + afeard of a boy. What did the Delawares say of the hussy? for an Indian, + after all, has his notions of woman-kind, as well as a white man.” + </p> + <p> + “They said she was fair to look on, and pleasant of speech; but over-given + to admirers, and light-minded.” + </p> + <p> + “They are devils incarnate! After all, what schoolmaster is a match for an + Indian, in looking into natur'! Some people think they are only good on a + trail or the war-path, but I say that they are philosophers, and + understand a man as well as they understand a beaver, and a woman as well + as they understand either. Now that's Judith's character to a ribbon! To + own the truth to you, Deerslayer, I should have married the gal two years + since, if it had not been for two particular things, one of which was this + very lightmindedness.” + </p> + <p> + “And what may have been the other?” demanded the hunter, who continued to + eat like one that took very little interest in the subject. + </p> + <p> + “T'other was an insartainty about her having me. The hussy is handsome, + and she knows it. Boy, not a tree that is growing in these hills is + straighter, or waves in the wind with an easier bend, nor did you ever see + the doe that bounded with a more nat'ral motion. If that was all, every + tongue would sound her praises; but she has such failings that I find it + hard to overlook them, and sometimes I swear I'll never visit the lake + again.” + </p> + <p> + “Which is the reason that you always come back? Nothing is ever made more + sure by swearing about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Deerslayer, you are a novelty in these particulars; keeping as true + to education as if you had never left the settlements. With me the case is + different, and I never want to clinch an idee, that I do not feel a wish + to swear about it. If you know'd all that I know consarning Judith, you'd + find a justification for a little cussing. Now, the officers sometimes + stray over to the lake, from the forts on the Mohawk, to fish and hunt, + and then the creatur' seems beside herself! You can see in the manner + which she wears her finery, and the airs she gives herself with the + gallants.” + </p> + <p> + “That is unseemly in a poor man's darter,” returned Deerslayer gravely, + “the officers are all gentry, and can only look on such as Judith with + evil intentions.” + </p> + <p> + “There's the unsartainty, and the damper! I have my misgivings about a + particular captain, and Jude has no one to blame but her own folly, if I'm + right. On the whole, I wish to look upon her as modest and becoming, and + yet the clouds that drive among these hills are not more unsartain. Not a + dozen white men have ever laid eyes upon her since she was a child, and + yet her airs, with two or three of these officers, are extinguishers!” + </p> + <p> + “I would think no more of such a woman, but turn my mind altogether to the + forest; that will not deceive you, being ordered and ruled by a hand that + never wavers.” + </p> + <p> + “If you know'd Judith, you would see how much easier it is to say this + than it would be to do it. Could I bring my mind to be easy about the + officers, I would carry the gal off to the Mohawk by force, make her marry + me in spite of her whiffling, and leave old Tom to the care of Hetty, his + other child, who, if she be not as handsome or as quick-witted as her + sister, is much the most dutiful.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there another bird in the same nest!” asked Deerslayer, raising his + eyes with a species of half-awakened curiosity, “the Delawares spoke to me + only of one.” + </p> + <p> + “That's nat'ral enough, when Judith Hutter and Hetty Hutter are in + question. Hetty is only comely, while her sister, I tell thee, boy, is + such another as is not to be found atween this and the sea: Judith is as + full of wit, and talk, and cunning, as an old Indian orator, while poor + Hetty is at the best but 'compass' meant us.” + </p> + <p> + “Anan?” inquired, again, the Deerslayer. + </p> + <p> + “Why, what the officers call 'compass meant us,' which I understand to + signify that she means always to go in the right direction, but sometimes + does not know how. 'Compass'for the p'int, and 'meant us' for the + intention. No, poor Hetty is what I call on the verge of ignorance, and + sometimes she stumbles on one side of the line, and sometimes on t'other.” + </p> + <p> + “Them are beings that the Lord has in his special care,” said Deerslayer, + solemnly; “for he looks carefully to all who fall short of their proper + share of reason. The red-skins honor and respect them who are so gifted, + knowing that the Evil Spirit delights more to dwell in an artful body, + than in one that has no cunning to work upon.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll answer for it, then, that he will not remain long with poor Hetty; + for the child is just 'compass meant us,' as I have told you. Old Tom has + a feeling for the gal, and so has Judith, quick-witted and glorious as she + is herself; else would I not answer for her being altogether safe among + the sort of men that sometimes meet on the lake shore.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought this water an unknown and little-frequented sheet,” observed + the Deerslayer, evidently uneasy at the idea of being too near the world. + </p> + <p> + “It's all that, lad, the eyes of twenty white men never having been laid + on it; still, twenty true-bred frontiersmen—hunters and trappers, + and scouts, and the like,—can do a deal of mischief if they try. 'T + would be an awful thing to me, Deerslayer, did I find Judith married, + after an absence of six months!” + </p> + <p> + “Have you the gal's faith, to encourage you to hope otherwise?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all. I know not how it is: I'm good-looking, boy,—that much + I can see in any spring on which the sun shines,—and yet I could not + get the hussy to a promise, or even a cordial willing smile, though she + will laugh by the hour. If she has dared to marry in my absence, she'd be + like to know the pleasures of widowhood afore she is twenty!” + </p> + <p> + “You would not harm the man she has chosen, Hurry, simply because she + found him more to her liking than yourself!” + </p> + <p> + “Why not! If an enemy crosses my path, will I not beat him out of it! Look + at me! am I a man like to let any sneaking, crawling, skin-trader get the + better of me in a matter that touches me as near as the kindness of Judith + Hutter! Besides, when we live beyond law, we must be our own judges and + executioners. And if a man should be found dead in the woods, who is there + to say who slew him, even admitting that the colony took the matter in + hand and made a stir about it?” + </p> + <p> + “If that man should be Judith Hutter's husband, after what has passed, I + might tell enough, at least, to put the colony on the trail.” + </p> + <p> + “You!—half-grown, venison-hunting bantling! You dare to think of + informing against Hurry Harry in so much as a matter touching a mink or a + woodchuck!” + </p> + <p> + “I would dare to speak truth, Hurry, consarning you or any man that ever + lived.” + </p> + <p> + March looked at his companion, for a moment, in silent amazement; then + seizing him by the throat with both hands, he shook his comparatively + slight frame with a violence that menaced the dislocation of some of the + bones. Nor was this done jocularly, for anger flashed from the giant's + eyes, and there were certain signs that seemed to threaten much more + earnestness than the occasion would appear to call for. Whatever might be + the real intention of March, and it is probable there was none settled in + his mind, it is certain that he was unusually aroused; and most men who + found themselves throttled by one of a mould so gigantic, in such a mood, + and in a solitude so deep and helpless, would have felt intimidated, and + tempted to yield even the right. Not so, however, with Deerslayer. His + countenance remained unmoved; his hand did not shake, and his answer was + given in a voice that did not resort to the artifice of louder tones, even + by way of proving its owner's resolution. + </p> + <p> + “You may shake, Hurry, until you bring down the mountain,” he said + quietly, “but nothing beside truth will you shake from me. It is probable + that Judith Hutter has no husband to slay, and you may never have a chance + to waylay one, else would I tell her of your threat, in the first + conversation I held with the gal.” + </p> + <p> + March released his grip, and sat regarding the other in silent + astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “I thought we had been friends,” he at length added; “but you've got the + last secret of mine that will ever enter your ears.” + </p> + <p> + “I want none, if they are to be like this. I know we live in the woods, + Hurry, and are thought to be beyond human laws,—and perhaps we are + so, in fact, whatever it may be in right,—but there is a law and a + law-maker, that rule across the whole continent. He that flies in the face + of either need not call me a friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Damme, Deerslayer, if I do not believe you are at heart a Moravian, and + no fair-minded, plain-dealing hunter, as you've pretended to be!” + </p> + <p> + “Fair-minded or not, Hurry, you will find me as plaindealing in deeds as I + am in words. But this giving way to sudden anger is foolish, and proves + how little you have sojourned with the red man. Judith Hutter no doubt is + still single, and you spoke but as the tongue ran, and not as the heart + felt. There's my hand, and we will say and think no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + Hurry seemed more surprised than ever; then he burst forth in a loud, + good-natured laugh, which brought tears to his eyes. After this he + accepted the offered hand, and the parties became friends. + </p> + <p> + “'T would have been foolish to quarrel about an idee,” March cried, as he + resumed his meal, “and more like lawyers in the towns than like sensible + men in the woods. They tell me, Deerslayer, much ill-blood grows out of + idees among the people in the lower counties, and that they sometimes get + to extremities upon them.” + </p> + <p> + “That do they,—that do they; and about other matters that might + better be left to take care of themselves. I have heard the Moravians say + that there are lands in which men quarrel even consarning their religion; + and if they can get their tempers up on such a subject, Hurry, the Lord + have Marcy on 'em. Howsoever, there is no occasion for our following their + example, and more especially about a husband that this Judith Hutter may + never see, or never wish to see. For my part, I feel more cur'osity about + the feeble-witted sister than about your beauty. There's something that + comes close to a man's feelin's, when he meets with a fellow-creatur' that + has all the outward show of an accountable mortal, and who fails of being + what he seems, only through a lack of reason. This is bad enough in a man, + but when it comes to a woman, and she a young, and maybe a winning + creatur' it touches all the pitiful thoughts his natur' has. God knows, + Hurry, that such poor things be defenceless enough with all their wits + about 'em; but it's a cruel fortun' when that great protector and guide + fails 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Hark, Deerslayer,—you know what the hunters, and trappers, and + peltry-men in general be; and their best friends will not deny that they + are headstrong and given to having their own way, without much bethinking + 'em of other people's rights or feelin's,—and yet I don't think the + man is to be found, in all this region, who would harm Hetty Hutter, if he + could; no, not even a red-skin.” + </p> + <p> + “Therein, fri'nd Hurry, you do the Delawares, at least, and all their + allied tribes, only justice, for a red-skin looks upon a being thus struck + by God's power as especially under his care. I rejoice to hear what you + say, however, I rejoice to hear it; but as the sun is beginning to turn + towards the afternoon's sky, had we not better strike the trail again, and + make forward, that we may get an opportunity of seeing these wonderful + sisters?” + </p> + <p> + Harry March giving a cheerful assent, the remnants of the meal were soon + collected; then the travelers shouldered their packs, resumed their arms, + and, quitting the little area of light, they again plunged into the deep + shadows of the forest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Thou'rt passing from the lake's green side, + And the hunter's hearth away; + For the time of flowers, for the summer's pride, + Daughter! thou canst not stay.” + + Mrs. Hemans, “Edith. A Tale of the Woods” II. 191-94 +</pre> + <p> + Our two adventurers had not far to go. Hurry knew the direction, as soon + as he had found the open spot and the spring, and he now led on with the + confident step of a man assured of his object. The forest was dark, as a + matter of course, but it was no longer obstructed by underbrush, and the + footing was firm and dry. After proceeding near a mile, March stopped, and + began to cast about him with an inquiring look, examining the different + objects with care, and occasionally turning his eyes on the trunks of the + fallen trees, with which the ground was well sprinkled, as is usually the + case in an American wood, especially in those parts of the country where + timber has not yet become valuable. + </p> + <p> + “This must be the place, Deerslayer,” March at length observed; “here is a + beech by the side of a hemlock, with three pines at hand, and yonder is a + white birch with a broken top; and yet I see no rock, nor any of the + branches bent down, as I told you would be the case.” + </p> + <p> + “Broken branches are onskilful landmarks, as the least exper'enced know + that branches don't often break of themselves,” returned the other; “and + they also lead to suspicion and discoveries. The Delawares never trust to + broken branches, unless it is in friendly times, and on an open trail. As + for the beeches, and pines, and hemlocks, why, they are to be seen on all + sides of us, not only by twos and threes, but by forties, and fifties, and + hundreds.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, Deerslayer, but you never calculate on position. Here is a + beech and a hemlock—” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and there is another beech and a hemlock, as loving as two brothers, + or, for that matter, more loving than some brothers; and yonder are + others, for neither tree is a rarity in these woods. I fear me, Hurry, you + are better at trapping beaver and shooting bears, than at leading on a + blindish sort of a trail. Ha! there's what you wish to find, a'ter all!” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Deerslayer, this is one of your Delaware pretensions, for hang me if + I see anything but these trees, which do seem to start up around us in a + most onaccountable and perplexing manner.” + </p> + <p> + “Look this-a-way, Hurry—here, in a line with the black oak—don't + you see the crooked sapling that is hooked up in the branches of the + bass-wood, near it? Now, that sapling was once snow-ridden, and got the + bend by its weight; but it never straightened itself, and fastened itself + in among the bass-wood branches in the way you see. The hand of man did + that act of kindness for it.” + </p> + <p> + “That hand was mine!” exclaimed Hurry; “I found the slender young thing + bent to the airth, like an unfortunate creatur' borne down by misfortune, + and stuck it up where you see it. After all, Deerslayer, I must allow, + you're getting to have an oncommon good eye for the woods!” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis improving, Hurry—'tis improving I will acknowledge; but 'tis + only a child's eye, compared to some I know. There's Tamenund, now, though + a man so old that few remember when he was in his prime, Tamenund lets + nothing escape his look, which is more like the scent of a hound than the + sight of an eye. Then Uncas, the father of Chingachgook, and the lawful + chief of the Mohicans, is another that it is almost hopeless to pass + unseen. I'm improving, I will allow—I'm improving, but far from + being perfect, as yet.” + </p> + <p> + “And who is this Chingachgook, of whom you talk so much, Deerslayer!” + asked Hurry, as he moved off in the direction of the righted sapling; “a + loping red-skin, at the best, I make no question.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, Hurry, but the best of loping red-skins, as you call 'em. If he + had his rights, he would be a great chief; but, as it is, he is only a + brave and just-minded Delaware; respected, and even obeyed in some + things, 'tis true, but of a fallen race, and belonging to a fallen people. + Ah! Harry March, 'twould warm the heart within you to sit in their lodges + of a winter's night, and listen to the traditions of the ancient greatness + and power of the Mohicans!” + </p> + <p> + “Harkee, fri'nd Nathaniel,” said Hurry, stopping short to face his + companion, in order that his words might carry greater weight with them, + “if a man believed all that other people choose to say in their own favor, + he might get an oversized opinion of them, and an undersized opinion of + himself. These red-skins are notable boasters, and I set down more than + half of their traditions as pure talk.” + </p> + <p> + “There is truth in what you say, Hurry, I'll not deny it, for I've seen + it, and believe it. They do boast, but then that is a gift from natur'; + and it's sinful to withstand nat'ral gifts. See; this is the spot you come + to find!” This remark cut short the discourse, and both the men now gave + all their attention to the object immediately before them. Deerslayer + pointed out to his companion the trunk of a huge linden, or bass-wood, as + it is termed in the language of the country, which had filled its time, + and fallen by its own weight. This tree, like so many millions of its + brethren, lay where it had fallen, and was mouldering under the slow but + certain influence of the seasons. The decay, however, had attacked its + centre, even while it stood erect in the pride of vegetation, bellowing + out its heart, as disease sometimes destroys the vitals of animal life, + even while a fair exterior is presented to the observer. As the trunk lay + stretched for near a hundred feet along the earth, the quick eye of the + hunter detected this peculiarity, and from this and other circumstances, + he knew it to be the tree of which March was in search. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, here we have what we want,” cried Hurry, looking in at the larger end + of the linden; “everything is as snug as if it had been left in an old + woman's cupboard. Come, lend me a hand, Deerslayer, and we'll be afloat in + half an hour.” + </p> + <p> + At this call the hunter joined his companion, and the two went to work + deliberately and regularly, like men accustomed to the sort of thing in + which they were employed. In the first place, Hurry removed some pieces of + bark that lay before the large opening in the tree, and which the other + declared to be disposed in a way that would have been more likely to + attract attention than to conceal the cover, had any straggler passed that + way. The two then drew out a bark canoe, containing its seats, paddles, + and other appliances, even to fishing-lines and rods. This vessel was by + no means small; but such was its comparative lightness, and so gigantic + was the strength of Hurry, that the latter shouldered it with seeming + ease, declining all assistance, even in the act of raising it to the + awkward position in which he was obliged to hold it. + </p> + <p> + “Lead ahead, Deerslayer,” said March, “and open the bushes; the rest I can + do for myself.” + </p> + <p> + The other obeyed, and the men left the spot, Deerslayer clearing the way + for his companion, and inclining to the right or to the left, as the + latter directed. In about ten minutes they both broke suddenly into the + brilliant light of the sun, on a low gravelly point, that was washed by + water on quite half its outline. + </p> + <p> + An exclamation of surprise broke from the lips of Deerslayer, an + exclamation that was low and guardedly made, however, for his habits were + much more thoughtful and regulated than those of the reckless Hurry, when + on reaching the margin of the lake, he beheld the view that unexpectedly + met his gaze. It was, in truth, sufficiently striking to merit a brief + description. On a level with the point lay a broad sheet of water, so + placid and limpid that it resembled a bed of the pure mountain atmosphere, + compressed into a setting of hills and woods. Its length was about three + leagues, while its breadth was irregular, expanding to half a league, or + even more, opposite to the point, and contracting to less than half that + distance, more to the southward. Of course, its margin was irregular, + being indented by bays, and broken by many projecting, low points. At its + northern, or nearest end, it was bounded by an isolated mountain, lower + land falling off east and west, gracefully relieving the sweep of the + outline. Still the character of the country was mountainous; high hills, + or low mountains, rising abruptly from the water, on quite nine tenths of + its circuit. The exceptions, indeed, only served a little to vary the + scene; and even beyond the parts of the shore that were comparatively low, + the background was high, though more distant. + </p> + <p> + But the most striking peculiarities of this scene were its solemn solitude + and sweet repose. On all sides, wherever the eye turned, nothing met it + but the mirror-like surface of the lake, the placid view of heaven, and + the dense setting of woods. So rich and fleecy were the outlines of the + forest, that scarce an opening could be seen, the whole visible earth, + from the rounded mountain-top to the water's edge, presenting one unvaried + hue of unbroken verdure. As if vegetation were not satisfied with a + triumph so complete, the trees overhung the lake itself, shooting out + towards the light; and there were miles along its eastern shore, where a + boat might have pulled beneath the branches of dark Rembrandt-looking + hemlocks, “quivering aspens,” and melancholy pines. In a word, the hand of + man had never yet defaced or deformed any part of this native scene, which + lay bathed in the sunlight, a glorious picture of affluent forest + grandeur, softened by the balminess of June, and relieved by the beautiful + variety afforded by the presence of so broad an expanse of water. + </p> + <p> + “This is grand!—'tis solemn!—'tis an edication of itself, to + look upon!” exclaimed Deerslayer, as he stood leaning on his rifle, and + gazing to the right and left, north and south, above and beneath, in + whichever direction his eye could wander; “not a tree disturbed even by + red-skin hand, as I can discover, but everything left in the ordering of + the Lord, to live and die according to his own designs and laws! Hurry, + your Judith ought to be a moral and well disposed young woman, if she has + passed half the time you mention in the centre of a spot so favored.” + </p> + <p> + “That's naked truth; and yet the gal has the vagaries. All her time has + not been passed here, howsoever, old Tom having the custom, afore I know'd + him, of going to spend the winters in the neighborhood of the settlers, or + under the guns of the forts. No, no, Jude has caught more than is for her + good from the settlers, and especially from the gallantifying officers.” + </p> + <p> + “If she has—if she has, Hurry, this is a school to set her mind + right ag'in. But what is this I see off here, abreast of us, that seems + too small for an island, and too large for a boat, though it stands in the + midst of the water! + </p> + <p> + “Why, that is what these galantine gentry from the forts call Muskrat + Castle; and old Tom himself will grin at the name, though it bears so hard + on his own natur' and character. 'Tis the stationary house, there being + two; this, which never moves, and the other, that floats, being sometimes + in one part of the lake and sometimes in another. The last goes by the + name of the ark, though what may be the meaning of the word is more than I + can tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “It must come from the missionaries, Hurry, whom I have heard speak and + read of such a thing. They say that the 'arth was once covered with water, + and that Noah, with his children, was saved from drowning by building a + vessel called an ark, in which he embarked in season. Some of the + Delawares believe this tradition, and some deny it; but it behooves you + and me, as white men born, to put our faith in its truth. Do you see + anything of this ark?” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis down south, no doubt, or anchored in some of the bays. But the canoe + is ready, and fifteen minutes will carry two such paddles as your'n and + mine to the castle.” + </p> + <p> + At this suggestion, Deerslayer helped his companion to place the different + articles in the canoe, which was already afloat. This was no sooner done + than the two frontiermen embarked, and by a vigorous push sent the light + bark some eight or ten rods from the shore. Hurry now took the seat in the + stern, while Deerslayer placed himself forward, and by leisurely but + steady strokes of the paddles, the canoe glided across the placid sheet, + towards the extraordinary-looking structure that the former had styled + Muskrat Castle. Several times the men ceased paddling, and looked about + them at the scene, as new glimpses opened from behind points, enabling + them to see farther down the lake, or to get broader views of the wooded + mountains. The only changes, however, were in the new forms of the hills, + the varying curvature of the bays, and the wider reaches of the valley + south; the whole earth apparently being clothed in a gala-dress of leaves. + </p> + <p> + “This is a sight to warm the heart!” exclaimed Deerslayer, when they had + thus stopped for the fourth or fifth time; “the lake seems made to let us + get an insight into the noble forests; and land and water alike stand in + the beauty of God's providence! Do you say, Hurry, that there is no man + who calls himself lawful owner of all these glories?” + </p> + <p> + “None but the King, lad. He may pretend to some right of that natur', but + he is so far away that his claim will never trouble old Tom Hutter, who + has got possession, and is like to keep it as long as his life lasts. Tom + is no squatter, not being on land; I call him a floater.” + </p> + <p> + “I invy that man! I know it's wrong, and I strive ag'in the feelin', but I + invy that man! Don't think, Hurry, that I'm consorting any plan to put + myself in his moccasins, for such a thought doesn't harbor in my mind; but + I can't help a little invy! 'Tis a nat'ral feelin', and the best of us are + but nat'ral, a'ter all, and give way to such feelin's at times.” + </p> + <p> + “You've only to marry Hetty to inherit half the estate,” cried Hurry, + laughing; “the gal is comely; nay, if it wasn't for her sister's beauty + she would be even handsome; and then her wits are so small that you may + easily convart her into one of your own way of thinking, in all things. Do + you take Hetty off the old fellow's hands, and I'll engage he'll give you + an interest in every deer you can knock over within five miles of his + lake.” + </p> + <p> + “Does game abound!” suddenly demanded the other, who paid but little + attention to March's raillery. + </p> + <p> + “It has the country to itself. Scarce a trigger is pulled on it; and as + for the trappers, this is not a region they greatly frequent. I ought not + to be so much here myself, but Jude pulls one way, while the beaver pulls + another. More than a hundred Spanish dollars has that creatur' cost me the + last two seasons, and yet I could not forego the wish to look upon her + face once more.” + </p> + <p> + “Do the redmen often visit this lake, Hurry?” continued Deerslayer, + pursuing his own train of thought. + </p> + <p> + “Why, they come and go; sometimes in parties, and sometimes singly. The + country seems to belong to no native tribe in particular; and so it has + fallen into the hands of the Hutter tribe. The old man tells me that some + sharp ones have been wheedling the Mohawks for an Indian deed, in order to + get a title out of the colony; but nothing has come of it, seeing that no + one heavy enough for such a trade has yet meddled with the matter. The + hunters have a good life-lease still of this wilderness.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better, so much the better, Hurry. If I was King of England, + the man that felled one of these trees without good occasion for the + timber, should be banished to a desarted and forlorn region, in which no + fourfooted animal ever trod. Right glad am I that Chingachgook app'inted + our meeting on this lake, for hitherto eye of mine never looked on such a + glorious spectacle.” + </p> + <p> + “That's because you've kept so much among the Delawares, in whose country + there are no lakes. Now, farther north and farther west these bits of + water abound; and you're young, and may yet live to see 'em. But though + there be other lakes, Deerslayer, there's no other Judith Hutter!” + </p> + <p> + At this remark his companion smiled, and then he dropped his paddle into + the water, as if in consideration of a lover's haste. Both now pulled + vigorously until they got within a hundred yards of the “castle,” as Hurry + familiarly called the house of Hutter, when they again ceased paddling; + the admirer of Judith restraining his impatience the more readily, as he + perceived that the building was untenanted, at the moment. This new pause + was to enable Deerslayer to survey the singular edifice, which was of a + construction so novel as to merit a particular description. + </p> + <p> + Muskrat Castle, as the house had been facetiously named by some waggish + officer, stood in the open lake, at a distance of fully a quarter of a + mile from the nearest shore. On every other side the water extended much + farther, the precise position being distant about two miles from the + northern end of the sheet, and near, if not quite, a mile from its eastern + shore. As there was not the smallest appearance of any island, but the + house stood on piles, with the water flowing beneath it, and Deerslayer + had already discovered that the lake was of a great depth, he was fain to + ask an explanation of this singular circumstance. Hurry solved the + difficulty by telling him that on this spot alone, a long, narrow shoal, + which extended for a few hundred yards in a north and south direction, + rose within six or eight feet of the surface of the lake, and that Hutter + had driven piles into it, and placed his habitation on them, for the + purpose of security. + </p> + <p> + “The old fellow was burnt out three times, atween the Indians and the + hunters; and in one affray with the red-skins he lost his only son, since + which time he has taken to the water for safety. No one can attack him + here, without coming in a boat, and the plunder and scalps would scarce be + worth the trouble of digging out canoes. Then it's by no means sartain + which would whip in such a scrimmage, for old Tom is well supplied with + arms and ammunition, and the castle, as you may see, is a tight breastwork + ag'in light shot.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer had some theoretical knowledge of frontier warfare, though he + had never yet been called on to raise his hand in anger against a + fellow-creature. He saw that Hurry did not overrate the strength of this + position in a military point of view, since it would not be easy to attack + it without exposing the assailants to the fire of the besieged. A good + deal of art had also been manifested in the disposition of the timber of + which the building was constructed and which afforded a protection much + greater than was usual to the ordinary log-cabins of the frontier. The + sides and ends were composed of the trunks of large pines, cut about nine + feet long, and placed upright, instead of being laid horizontally, as was + the practice of the country. These logs were squared on three sides, and + had large tenons on each end. Massive sills were secured on the heads of + the piles, with suitable grooves dug out of their upper surfaces, which + had been squared for the purpose, and the lower tenons of the upright + pieces were placed in these grooves, giving them secure fastening below. + Plates had been laid on the upper ends of the upright logs, and were kept + in their places by a similar contrivance; the several corners of the + structure being well fastened by scarfing and pinning the sills and + plates. The doors were made of smaller logs, similarly squared, and the + roof was composed of light poles, firmly united, and well covered with + bark. + </p> + <p> + The effect of this ingenious arrangement was to give its owner a house + that could be approached only by water, the sides of which were composed + of logs closely wedged together, which were two feet thick in their + thinnest parts, and which could be separated only by a deliberate and + laborious use of human hands, or by the slow operation of time. The outer + surface of the building was rude and uneven, the logs being of unequal + sizes; but the squared surfaces within gave both the sides and door as + uniform an appearance as was desired, either for use or show. The chimney + was not the least singular portion of the castle, as Hurry made his + companion observe, while he explained the process by which it had been + made. The material was a stiff clay, properly worked, which had been put + together in a mould of sticks, and suffered to harden, a foot or two at a + time, commencing at the bottom. When the entire chimney had thus been + raised, and had been properly bound in with outward props, a brisk fire + was kindled, and kept going until it was burned to something like a + brick-red. This had not been an easy operation, nor had it succeeded + entirely; but by dint of filling the cracks with fresh clay, a safe + fireplace and chimney had been obtained in the end. This part of the work + stood on the log-door, secured beneath by an extra pile. There were a few + other peculiarities about this dwelling, which will better appear in the + course of the narrative. + </p> + <p> + “Old Tom is full of contrivances,” added Hurry, “and he set his heart on + the success of his chimney, which threatened more than once to give out + altogether; but perseverance will even overcome smoke; and now he has a + comfortable cabin of it, though it did promise, at one time, to be a + chinky sort of a flue to carry flames and fire.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to know the whole history of the castle, Hurry, chimney and + sides,” said Deerslayer, smiling; “is love so overcoming that it causes a + man to study the story of his sweetheart's habitation?” + </p> + <p> + “Partly that, lad, and partly eyesight,” returned the good-natured giant, + laughing; “there was a large gang of us in the lake, the summer the old + fellow built, and we helped him along with the job. I raised no small part + of the weight of them uprights with my own shoulders, and the axes flew, I + can inform you, Master Natty, while we were bee-ing it among the trees + ashore. The old devil is no way stingy about food, and as we had often eat + at his hearth, we thought we would just house him comfortably, afore we + went to Albany with our skins. Yes, many is the meal I've swallowed in Tom + Hutter's cabins; and Hetty, though so weak in the way of wits, has a + wonderful particular way about a frying-pan or a gridiron! + </p> + <p> + “While the parties were thus discoursing, the canoe had been gradually + drawing nearer to the “castle,” and was now so close as to require but a + single stroke of a paddle to reach the landing. This was at a floored + platform in front of the entrance, that might have been some twenty feet + square. + </p> + <p> + “Old Tom calls this sort of a wharf his door-yard,” observed Hurry, as he + fastened the canoe, after he and his Companion had left it: “and the + gallants from the forts have named it the castle court though what a + 'court' can have to do here is more than I can tell you, seeing that there + is no law. 'Tis as I supposed; not a soul within, but the whole family is + off on a v'y'ge of discovery!” + </p> + <p> + While Hurry was bustling about the “door-yard,” examining the + fishing-spears, rods, nets, and other similar appliances of a frontier + cabin, Deerslayer, whose manner was altogether more rebuked and quiet, + entered the building with a curiosity that was not usually exhibited by + one so long trained in Indian habits. The interior of the “castle” was as + faultlessly neat as its exterior was novel. The entire space, some twenty + feet by forty, was subdivided into several small sleeping-rooms; the + apartment into which he first entered, serving equally for the ordinary + uses of its inmates, and for a kitchen. The furniture was of the strange + mixture that it is not uncommon to find in the remotely situated + log-tenements of the interior. Most of it was rude, and to the last degree + rustic; but there was a clock, with a handsome case of dark wood, in a + corner, and two or three chairs, with a table and bureau, that had + evidently come from some dwelling of more than usual pretension. The clock + was industriously ticking, but its leaden-looking hands did no discredit + to their dull aspect, for they pointed to the hour of eleven, though the + sun plainly showed it was some time past the turn of the day. There was + also a dark, massive chest. The kitchen utensils were of the simplest + kind, and far from numerous, but every article was in its place, and + showed the nicest care in its condition. + </p> + <p> + After Deerslayer had cast a look about him in the outer room, he raised a + wooden latch, and entered a narrow passage that divided the inner end of + the house into two equal parts. Frontier usages being no way scrupulous, + and his curiosity being strongly excited, the young man now opened a door, + and found himself in a bedroom. A single glance sufficed to show that the + apartment belonged to females. The bed was of the feathers of wild geese, + and filled nearly to overflowing; but it lay in a rude bunk, raised only a + foot from the door. On one side of it were arranged, on pegs, various + dresses, of a quality much superior to what one would expect to meet in + such a place, with ribbons and other similar articles to correspond. + Pretty shoes, with handsome silver buckles, such as were then worn by + females in easy circumstances, were not wanting; and no less than six + fans, of gay colors, were placed half open, in a way to catch the eye by + their conceits and hues. Even the pillow, on this side of the bed, was + covered with finer linen than its companion, and it was ornamented with a + small ruffle. A cap, coquettishly decorated with ribbons, hung above it, + and a pair of long gloves, such as were rarely used in those days by + persons of the laboring classes, were pinned ostentatiously to it, as if + with an intention to exhibit them there, if they could not be shown on the + owner's arms. + </p> + <p> + All this Deerslayer saw, and noted with a degree of minuteness that would + have done credit to the habitual observation of his friends, the + Delawares. Nor did he fail to perceive the distinction that existed + between the appearances on the different sides of the bed, the head of + which stood against the wall. On that opposite to the one just described, + everything was homely and uninviting, except through its perfect neatness. + The few garments that were hanging from the pegs were of the coarsest + materials and of the commonest forms, while nothing seemed made for show. + Of ribbons there was not one; nor was there either cap or kerchief beyond + those which Hutter's daughters might be fairly entitled to wear. + </p> + <p> + It was now several years since Deerslayer had been in a spot especially + devoted to the uses of females of his own color and race. The sight + brought back to his mind a rush of childish recollections; and he lingered + in the room with a tenderness of feeling to which he had long been a + stranger. He bethought him of his mother, whose homely vestments he + remembered to have seen hanging on pegs like those which he felt must + belong to Hetty Hutter; and he bethought himself of a sister, whose + incipient and native taste for finery had exhibited itself somewhat in the + manner of that of Judith, though necessarily in a less degree. These + little resemblances opened a long hidden vein of sensations; and as he + quitted the room, it was with a saddened mien. He looked no further, but + returned slowly and thoughtfully towards the “door-yard.” + </p> + <p> + “If Old Tom has taken to a new calling, and has been trying his hand at + the traps,” cried Hurry, who had been coolly examining the borderer's + implements; “if that is his humor, and you're disposed to remain in these + parts, we can make an oncommon comfortable season of it; for, while the + old man and I out-knowledge the beaver, you can fish, and knock down the + deer, to keep body and soul together. I've always give the poorest hunters + half a share, but one as actyve and sartain as yourself might expect a + full one.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank'ee, Hurry; thank'ee, with all my heart—but I do a little + beavering for myself as occasions offer. 'Tis true, the Delawares call me + Deerslayer, but it's not so much because I'm pretty fatal with the venison + as because that while I kill so many bucks and does, I've never yet taken + the life of a fellow-creatur'. They say their traditions do not tell of + another who had shed so much blood of animals that had not shed the blood + of man.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope they don't account you chicken-hearted, lad! A faint-hearted man + is like a no-tailed beaver.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe, Hurry, that they account me as out-of-the-way timorsome, + even though they may not account me as out-of-the-way brave. But I'm not + quarrelsome; and that goes a great way towards keeping blood off the + hands, among the hunters and red-skins; and then, Harry March, it keeps + blood off the conscience, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, for my part I account game, a red-skin, and a Frenchman as pretty + much the same thing; though I'm as onquarrelsome a man, too, as there is + in all the colonies. I despise a quarreller as I do a cur-dog; but one has + no need to be over-scrupulsome when it's the right time to show the + flint.” + </p> + <p> + “I look upon him as the most of a man who acts nearest the right, Hurry. + But this is a glorious spot, and my eyes never a-weary looking at it!” + </p> + <p> + “Tis your first acquaintance with a lake; and these ideas come over us all + at such times. Lakes have a gentle character, as I say, being pretty much + water and land, and points and bays.” + </p> + <p> + As this definition by no means met the feelings that were uppermost in the + mind of the young hunter, he made no immediate answer, but stood gazing at + the dark hills and the glassy water in silent enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + “Have the Governor's or the King's people given this lake a name?” he + suddenly asked, as if struck with a new idea. “If they've not begun to + blaze their trees, and set up their compasses, and line off their maps, + it's likely they've not bethought them to disturb natur' with a name.” + </p> + <p> + “They've not got to that, yet; and the last time I went in with skins, one + of the King's surveyors was questioning me consarning all the region + hereabouts. He had heard that there was a lake in this quarter, and had + got some general notions about it, such as that there was water and hills; + but how much of either, he know'd no more than you know of the Mohawk + tongue. I didn't open the trap any wider than was necessary, giving him + but poor encouragement in the way of farms and clearings. In short, I left + on his mind some such opinion of this country, as a man gets of a spring + of dirty water, with a path to it that is so muddy that one mires afore he + sets out. He told me they hadn't got the spot down yet on their maps, + though I conclude that is a mistake, for he showed me his parchment, and + there is a lake down on it, where there is no lake in fact, and which is + about fifty miles from the place where it ought to be, if they meant it + for this. I don't think my account will encourage him to mark down + another, by way of improvement.” + </p> + <p> + Here Hurry laughed heartily, such tricks being particularly grateful to a + set of men who dreaded the approaches of civilization as a curtailment of + their own lawless empire. The egregious errors that existed in the maps of + the day, all of which were made in Europe, were, moreover, a standing + topic of ridicule among them; for, if they had not science enough to make + any better themselves, they had sufficient local information to detect the + gross blunders contained in those that existed. Any one who will take the + trouble to compare these unanswerable evidences of the topographical skill + of our fathers a century since, with the more accurate sketches of our own + time, will at once perceive that the men of the woods had a sufficient + justification for all their criticism on this branch of the skill of the + colonial governments, which did not at all hesitate to place a river or a + lake a degree or two out of the way, even though they lay within a day's + march of the inhabited parts of the country. + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad it has no name,” resumed Deerslayer, “or at least, no pale-face + name; for their christenings always foretell waste and destruction. No + doubt, howsoever, the red-skins have their modes of knowing it, and the + hunters and trappers, too; they are likely to call the place by something + reasonable and resembling.” + </p> + <p> + “As for the tribes, each has its tongue, and its own way of calling + things; and they treat this part of the world just as they treat all + others. Among ourselves, we've got to calling the place the + 'Glimmerglass,' seeing that its whole basin is so often hinged with pines, + cast upward to its face as if it would throw back the hills that hang over + it.” + </p> + <p> + “There is an outlet, I know, for all lakes have outlets, and the rock at + which I am to meet Chingachgook stands near an outlet. Has that no + colony-name yet?” + </p> + <p> + “In that particular they've got the advantage of us, having one end, and + that the biggest, in their own keeping: they've given it a name which has + found its way up to its source; names nat'rally working up stream. No + doubt, Deerslayer, you've seen the Susquehannah, down in the Delaware + country?” + </p> + <p> + “That have I, and hunted along its banks a hundred times.” + </p> + <p> + “That and this are the same in fact, and, I suppose, the same in sound. I + am glad they've been compelled to keep the redmen's name, for it would be + too hard to rob them of both land and name!” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer made no answer; but he stood leaning on his rifle, gazing at + the view which so much delighted him. The reader is not to suppose, + however, that it was the picturesque alone which so strongly attracted his + attention. The spot was very lovely, of a truth, and it was then seen in + one of its most favorable moments, the surface of the lake being as smooth + as glass and as limpid as pure air, throwing back the mountains, clothed + in dark pines, along the whole of its eastern boundary, the points + thrusting forward their trees even to nearly horizontal lines, while the + bays were seen glittering through an occasional arch beneath, left by a + vault fretted with branches and leaves. It was the air of deep repose—the + solitudes, that spoke of scenes and forests untouched by the hands of man—the + reign of nature, in a word, that gave so much pure delight to one of his + habits and turn of mind. Still, he felt, though it was unconsciously, like + a poet also. If he found a pleasure in studying this large, and to him + unusual opening into the mysteries and forms of the woods, as one is + gratified in getting broader views of any subject that has long occupied + his thoughts, he was not insensible to the innate loveliness of such a + landscape neither, but felt a portion of that soothing of the spirit which + is a common attendant of a scene so thoroughly pervaded by the holy cairn + of nature. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Come, shall we go and kill us venison? + And yet it irks me, the poor dappled foals,— + Being native burghers of this desert city,— + Should, in their own confines, with forked heads + Have their round haunches gored.” + + As You Like It, II.i.21-25 +</pre> + <p> + Hurry Harry thought more of the beauties of Judith Hutter than of those of + the Glimmerglass and its accompanying scenery. As soon as he had taken a + sufficiently intimate survey of floating Tom's implements, therefore, he + summoned his companion to the canoe, that they might go down the lake in + quest of the family. Previously to embarking, however, Hurry carefully + examined the whole of the northern end of the water with an indifferent + ship's glass, that formed a part of Hutter's effects. In this scrutiny, no + part of the shore was overlooked; the bays and points in particular being + subjected to a closer inquiry than the rest of the wooded boundary. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis as I thought,” said Hurry, laying aside the glass, “the old fellow + is drifting about the south end this fine weather, and has left the castle + to defend itself. Well, now we know that he is not up this-a-way, 'twill + be but a small matter to paddle down and hunt him up in his hiding-place.” + </p> + <p> + “Does Master Hutter think it necessary to burrow on this lake?” inquired + Deerslayer, as he followed his companion into the canoe; “to my eye it is + such a solitude as one might open his whole soul in, and fear no one to + disarrange his thoughts or his worship.” + </p> + <p> + “You forget your friends the Mingos, and all the French savages. Is there + a spot on 'arth, Deerslayer, to which them disquiet rogues don't go? Where + is the lake, or even the deer lick, that the blackguards don't find out, + and having found out, don't, sooner or later, discolour its water with + blood.” + </p> + <p> + “I hear no good character of 'em, sartainly, friend Hurry, though I've + never been called on, yet, to meet them, or any other mortal, on the + warpath. I dare to say that such a lovely spot as this, would not be + likely to be overlooked by such plunderers, for, though I've not been in + the way of quarreling with them tribes myself, the Delawares give me such + an account of 'em that I've pretty much set 'em down in my own mind, as + thorough miscreants.” + </p> + <p> + “You may do that with a safe conscience, or for that matter, any other + savage you may happen to meet.” + </p> + <p> + Here Deerslayer protested, and as they went paddling down the lake, a hot + discussion was maintained concerning the respective merits of the + pale-faces and the red-skins. Hurry had all the prejudices and antipathies + of a white hunter, who generally regards the Indian as a sort of natural + competitor, and not unfrequently as a natural enemy. As a matter of + course, he was loud, clamorous, dogmatical and not very argumentative. + Deerslayer, on the other hand, manifested a very different temper, proving + by the moderation of his language, the fairness of his views, and the + simplicity of his distinctions, that he possessed every disposition to + hear reason, a strong, innate desire to do justice, and an ingenuousness + that was singularly indisposed to have recourse to sophism to maintain an + argument; or to defend a prejudice. Still he was not altogether free from + the influence of the latter feeling. This tyrant of the human mind, which + ruses on it prey through a thousand avenues, almost as soon as men begin + to think and feel, and which seldom relinquishes its iron sway until they + cease to do either, had made some impression on even the just propensities + of this individual, who probably offered in these particulars, a fair + specimen of what absence from bad example, the want of temptation to go + wrong, and native good feeling can render youth. + </p> + <p> + “You will allow, Deerslayer, that a Mingo is more than half devil,” cried + Hurry, following up the discussion with an animation that touched closely + on ferocity, “though you want to over-persuade me that the Delaware tribe + is pretty much made up of angels. Now, I gainsay that proposal, consarning + white men, even. All white men are not faultless, and therefore all + Indians can't be faultless. And so your argument is out at the elbow in + the start. But this is what I call reason. Here's three colors on 'arth: + white, black, and red. White is the highest color, and therefore the best + man; black comes next, and is put to live in the neighborhood of the white + man, as tolerable, and fit to be made use of; and red comes last, which + shows that those that made 'em never expected an Indian to be accounted as + more than half human.” + </p> + <p> + “God made all three alike, Hurry.” + </p> + <p> + “Alike! Do you call a nigger like a white man, or me like an Indian?” + </p> + <p> + “You go off at half-cock, and don't hear me out. God made us all, white, + black, and red; and, no doubt, had his own wise intentions in coloring us + differently. Still, he made us, in the main, much the same in feelin's; + though I'll not deny that he gave each race its gifts. A white man's gifts + are Christianized, while a red-skin's are more for the wilderness. Thus, + it would be a great offence for a white man to scalp the dead; whereas + it's a signal vartue in an Indian. Then ag'in, a white man cannot amboosh + women and children in war, while a red-skin may. 'Tis cruel work, I'll + allow; but for them it's lawful work; while for us, it would be grievous + work.” + </p> + <p> + “That depends on your inimy. As for scalping, or even skinning a savage, I + look upon them pretty much the same as cutting off the ears of wolves for + the bounty, or stripping a bear of its hide. And then you're out + significantly, as to taking the poll of a red-skin in hand, seeing that + the very colony has offered a bounty for the job; all the same as it pays + for wolves' ears and crows' heads.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, and a bad business it is, Hurry. Even the Indians themselves cry + shame on it, seeing it's ag'in a white man's gifts. I do not pretend that + all that white men do, is properly Christianized, and according to the + lights given them, for then they would be what they ought to be; which we + know they are not; but I will maintain that tradition, and use, and color, + and laws, make such a difference in races as to amount to gifts. I do not + deny that there are tribes among the Indians that are nat'rally pervarse + and wicked, as there are nations among the whites. Now, I account the + Mingos as belonging to the first, and the Frenchers, in the Canadas, to + the last. In a state of lawful warfare, such as we have lately got into, + it is a duty to keep down all compassionate feelin's, so far as life goes, + ag'in either; but when it comes to scalps, it's a very different matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Just hearken to reason, if you please, Deerslayer, and tell me if the + colony can make an onlawful law? Isn't an onlawful law more ag'in natur' + than scalpin' a savage? A law can no more be onlawful, than truth can be a + lie.” + </p> + <p> + “That sounds reasonable; but it has a most onreasonable bearing, Hurry. + Laws don't all come from the same quarter. God has given us his'n, and + some come from the colony, and others come from the King and Parliament. + When the colony's laws, or even the King's laws, run ag'in the laws of + God, they get to be onlawful, and ought not to be obeyed. I hold to a + white man's respecting white laws, so long as they do not cross the track + of a law comin' from a higher authority; and for a red man to obey his own + red-skin usages, under the same privilege. But, 't is useless talking, as + each man will think fir himself, and have his say agreeable to his + thoughts. Let us keep a good lookout for your friend Floating Tom, lest we + pass him, as he lies hidden under this bushy shore.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer had not named the borders of the lake amiss. Along their whole + length, the smaller trees overhung the water, with their branches often + dipping in the transparent element. The banks were steep, even from the + narrow strand; and, as vegetation invariably struggles towards the light, + the effect was precisely that at which the lover of the picturesque would + have aimed, had the ordering of this glorious setting of forest been + submitted to his control. The points and bays, too, were sufficiently + numerous to render the outline broken and diversified. As the canoe kept + close along the western side of the lake, with a view, as Hurry had + explained to his companion, of reconnoitering for enemies, before he + trusted himself too openly in sight, the expectations of the two + adventurers were kept constantly on the stretch, as neither could foretell + what the next turning of a point might reveal. Their progress was swift, + the gigantic strength of Hurry enabling him to play with the light bark as + if it had been a feather, while the skill of his companion almost + equalized their usefulness, notwithstanding the disparity in natural + means. + </p> + <p> + Each time the canoe passed a point, Hurry turned a look behind him, + expecting to see the “ark” anchored, or beached in the bay. He was fated + to be disappointed, however; and they had got within a mile of the + southern end of the lake, or a distance of quite two leagues from the + “castle,” which was now hidden from view by half a dozen intervening + projections of the land, when he suddenly ceased paddling, as if uncertain + in what direction next to steer. + </p> + <p> + “It is possible that the old chap has dropped into the river,” said Hurry, + after looking carefully along the whole of the eastern shore, which was + about a mile distant, and open to his scrutiny for more than half its + length; “for he has taken to trapping considerable, of late, and, barring + flood-wood, he might drop down it a mile or so; though he would have a + most scratching time in getting back again!” + </p> + <p> + “Where is this outlet?” asked Deerslayer; “I see no opening in the banks + or the trees, that looks as if it would let a river like the Susquehannah + run through it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Deerslayer, rivers are like human mortals; having small beginnings, + and ending with broad shoulders and wide mouths. You don't see the outlet, + because it passes atween high, steep banks; and the pines, and hemlocks + and bass-woods hang over it, as a roof hangs over a house. If old Tom is + not in the 'Rat's Cove,' he must have burrowed in the river; we'll look + for him first in the cove, and then we'll cross to the outlet.” + </p> + <p> + As they proceeded, Hurry explained that there was a shallow bay, formed by + a long, low point, that had got the name of the “Rat's Cove,” from the + circumstance of its being a favorite haunt of the muskrat; and which + offered so complete a cover for the “ark,” that its owner was fond of + lying in it, whenever he found it convenient. + </p> + <p> + “As a man never knows who may be his visitors, in this part of the + country,” continued Hurry, “it's a great advantage to get a good look at + 'em afore they come too near. Now it's war, such caution is more than + commonly useful, since a Canada man or a Mingo might get into his hut + afore he invited 'em. But Hutter is a first-rate look-outer, and can + pretty much scent danger, as a hound scents the deer.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think the castle so open, that it would be sartain to draw + inimies, if any happened to find the lake; a thing onlikely enough, I will + allow, as it's off the trail of the forts and settlements.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Deerslayer, I've got to believe that a man meets with inimies easier + than he meets with fri'nds. It's skearful to think for how many causes one + gets to be your inimy, and for how few your fri'nd. Some take up the + hatchet because you don't think just as they think; other some because you + run ahead of 'em in the same idees; and I once know'd a vagabond that + quarrelled with a fri'nd because he didn't think him handsome. Now, you're + no monument in the way of beauty, yourself, Deerslayer, and yet you + wouldn't be so onreasonable as to become my inimy for just saying so.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm as the Lord made me; and I wish to be accounted no better, nor any + worse. Good looks I may not have; that is to say, to a degree that the + light-minded and vain crave; but I hope I'm not altogether without some + ricommend in the way of good conduct. There's few nobler looking men to be + seen than yourself, Hurry; and I know that I am not to expect any to turn + their eyes on me, when such a one as you can be gazed on; but I do not + know that a hunter is less expart with the rifle, or less to be relied on + for food, because he doesn't wish to stop at every shining spring he may + meet, to study his own countenance in the water.” + </p> + <p> + Here Hurry burst into a fit of loud laughter; for while he was too + reckless to care much about his own manifest physical superiority, he was + well aware of it, and, like most men who derive an advantage from the + accidents of birth or nature, he was apt to think complacently on the + subject, whenever it happened to cross his mind. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Deerslayer, you're no beauty, as you will own yourself, if you'll + look over the side of the canoe,” he cried; “Jude will say that to your + face, if you start her, for a tarter tongue isn't to be found in any gal's + head, in or out of the settlements, if you provoke her to use it. My + advice to you is, never to aggravate Judith; though you may tell anything + to Hetty, and she'll take it as meek as a lamb. No, Jude will be just as + like as not to tell you her opinion consarning your looks.” + </p> + <p> + “And if she does, Hurry, she will tell me no more than you have said + already.” + </p> + <p> + “You're not thick'ning up about a small remark, I hope, Deerslayer, when + no harm is meant. You are not a beauty, as you must know, and why + shouldn't fri'nds tell each other these little trifles? If you was + handsome, or ever like to be, I'd be one of the first to tell you of it; + and that ought to content you. Now, if Jude was to tell me that I'm as + ugly as a sinner, I'd take it as a sort of obligation, and try not to + believe her.” + </p> + <p> + “It's easy for them that natur' has favored, to jest about such matters, + Hurry, though it is sometimes hard for others. I'll not deny but I've had + my cravings towards good looks; yes, I have; but then I've always been + able to get them down by considering how many I've known with fair + outsides, who have had nothing to boast of inwardly. I'll not deny, Hurry, + that I often wish I'd been created more comely to the eye, and more like + such a one as yourself in them particulars; but then I get the feelin' + under by remembering how much better off I am, in a great many respects, + than some fellow-mortals. I might have been born lame, and onfit even for + a squirrel-hunt, or blind, which would have made me a burden on myself as + well as on my fri'nds; or without hearing, which would have totally + onqualified me for ever campaigning or scouting; which I look forward to + as part of a man's duty in troublesome times. Yes, yes; it's not pleasant, + I will allow, to see them that's more comely, and more sought a'ter, and + honored than yourself; but it may all be borne, if a man looks the evil in + the face, and don't mistake his gifts and his obligations.” + </p> + <p> + Hurry, in the main, was a good-hearted as well as good-natured fellow; and + the self-abasement of his companion completely got the better of the + passing feeling of personal vanity. He regretted the allusion he had made + to the other's appearance, and endeavored to express as much, though it + was done in the uncouth manner that belonged to the habits and opinions of + the frontier. + </p> + <p> + “I meant no harm, Deerslayer,” he answered, in a deprecating manner, “and + hope you'll forget what I've said. If you're not downright handsome, + you've a sartain look that says, plainer than any words, that all's right + within. Then you set no value by looks, and will the sooner forgive any + little slight to your appearance. I will not say that Jude will greatly + admire you, for that might raise hopes that would only breed + disapp'intment; but there's Hetty, now, would be just as likely to find + satisfaction in looking at you, as in looking at any other man. Then + you're altogether too grave and considerate-like, to care much about + Judith; for, though the gal is oncommon, she is so general in her + admiration, that a man need not be exalted because she happens to smile. I + sometimes think the hussy loves herself better than she does anything else + breathin'.” + </p> + <p> + “If she did, Hurry, she'd do no more, I'm afeard, than most queens on + their thrones, and ladies in the towns,” answered Deerslayer, smiling, and + turning back towards his companion with every trace of feeling banished + from his honest-looking and frank countenance. “I never yet know'd even a + Delaware of whom you might not say that much. But here is the end of the + long p'int you mentioned, and the 'Rat's Cove' can't be far off.” + </p> + <p> + This point, instead of thrusting itself forward, like all the others, ran + in a line with the main shore of the lake, which here swept within it, in + a deep and retired bay, circling round south again, at the distance of a + quarter of a mile, and crossed the valley, forming the southern + termination of the water. In this bay Hurry felt almost certain of finding + the ark, since, anchored behind the trees that covered the narrow strip of + the point, it might have lain concealed from prying eyes an entire summer. + So complete, indeed, was the cover, in this spot, that a boat hauled close + to the beach, within the point, and near the bottom of the bay, could by + any possibility be seen from only one direction; and that was from a + densely wooded shore within the sweep of the water, where strangers would + be little apt to go. + </p> + <p> + “We shall soon see the ark,” said Hurry, as the canoe glided round the + extremity of the point, where the water was so deep as actually to appear + black; “he loves to burrow up among the rushes, and we shall be in his + nest in five minutes, although the old fellow may be off among the traps + himself.” + </p> + <p> + March proved a false prophet. The canoe completely doubled the point, so + as to enable the two travellers to command a view of the whole cove or + bay, for it was more properly the last, and no object, but those that + nature had placed there, became visible. The placid water swept round in a + graceful curve, the rushes bent gently towards its surface, and the trees + overhung it as usual; but all lay in the soothing and sublime solitude of + a wilderness. The scene was such as a poet or an artist would have + delighted in, but it had no charm for Hurry Harry, who was burning with + impatience to get a sight of his light-minded beauty. + </p> + <p> + The motion of the canoe had been attended with little or no noise, the + frontiermen habitually getting accustomed to caution in most of their + movements, and it now lay on the glassy water appearing to float in air, + partaking of the breathing stillness that seemed to pervade the entire + scene. At this instant a dry stick was heard cracking on the narrow strip + of land that concealed the bay from the open lake. Both the adventurers + started, and each extended a hand towards his rifle, the weapon never + being out of reach of the arm. + </p> + <p> + “'Twas too heavy for any light creatur',” whispered Hurry, “and it sounded + like the tread of a man!” + </p> + <p> + “Not so—not so,” returned Deerslayer; “'t was, as you say, too heavy + for one, but it was too light for the other. Put your paddle in the water, + and send the canoe in, to that log; I'll land and cut off the creatur's + retreat up the p'int, be it a Mingo, or be it a muskrat.” + </p> + <p> + As Hurry complied, Deerslayer was soon on the shore, advancing into the + thicket with a moccasined foot, and a caution that prevented the least + noise. In a minute he was in the centre of the narrow strip of land, and + moving slowly down towards its end, the bushes rendering extreme + watchfulness necessary. Just as he reached the centre of the thicket the + dried twigs cracked again, and the noise was repeated at short intervals, + as if some creature having life walked slowly towards the point. Hurry + heard these sounds also, and pushing the canoe off into the bay, he seized + his rifle to watch the result. A breathless minute succeeded, after which + a noble buck walked out of the thicket, proceeded with a stately step to + the sandy extremity of the point, and began to slake his thirst from the + water of the lake. Hurry hesitated an instant; then raising his rifle + hastily to his shoulder, he took sight and fired. The effect of this + sudden interruption of the solemn stillness of such a scene was not its + least striking peculiarity. The report of the weapon had the usual sharp, + short sound of the rifle: but when a few moments of silence had succeeded + the sudden crack, during which the noise was floating in air across the + water, it reached the rocks of the opposite mountain, where the vibrations + accumulated, and were rolled from cavity to cavity for miles along the + hills, seeming to awaken the sleeping thunders of the woods. The buck + merely shook his head at the report of the rifle and the whistling of the + bullet, for never before had he come in contact with man; but the echoes + of the hills awakened his distrust, and leaping forward, with his four + legs drawn under his body, he fell at once into deep water, and began to + swim towards the foot of the lake. Hurry shouted and dashed forward in + chase, and for one or two minutes the water foamed around the pursuer and + the pursued. The former was dashing past the point, when Deerslayer + appeared on the sand and signed to him to return. + </p> + <p> + “'Twas inconsiderate to pull a trigger, afore we had reconn'itred the + shore, and made sartain that no inimies harbored near it,” said the + latter, as his companion slowly and reluctantly complied. “This much I + have l'arned from the Delawares, in the way of schooling and traditions, + even though I've never yet been on a war-path. And, moreover, venison can + hardly be called in season now, and we do not want for food. They call me + Deerslayer, I'll own, and perhaps I desarve the name, in the way of + understanding the creatur's habits, as well as for some sartainty in the + aim, but they can't accuse me of killing an animal when there is no + occasion for the meat, or the skin. I may be a slayer, it's true, but I'm + no slaughterer.” + </p> + <p> + “'Twas an awful mistake to miss that buck!” exclaimed Hurry, doffing his + cap and running his fingers through his handsome but matted curls, as if + he would loosen his tangled ideas by the process. “I've not done so + onhandy a thing since I was fifteen.” + </p> + <p> + “Never lament it, as the creatur's death could have done neither of us any + good, and might have done us harm. Them echoes are more awful in my ears, + than your mistake, Hurry, for they sound like the voice of natur' calling + out ag'in a wasteful and onthinking action.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll hear plenty of such calls, if you tarry long in this quarter of + the world, lad,” returned the other laughing. “The echoes repeat pretty + much all that is said or done on the Glimmerglass, in this calm summer + weather. If a paddle falls you hear of it sometimes, ag'in and ag'in, as + if the hills were mocking your clumsiness, and a laugh, or a whistle, + comes out of them pines, when they're in the humour to speak, in a way to + make you believe they can r'ally convarse.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the more reason for being prudent and silent. I do not think the + inimy can have found their way into these hills yet, for I don't know what + they are to gain by it, but all the Delawares tell me that, as courage is + a warrior's first vartue, so is prudence his second. One such call from + the mountains, is enough to let a whole tribe into the secret of our + arrival.” + </p> + <p> + “If it does no other good, it will warn old Tom to put the pot over, and + let him know visiters are at hand. Come, lad; get into the canoe, and we + will hunt the ark up, while there is yet day.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer complied, and the canoe left the spot. Its head was turned + diagonally across the lake, pointing towards the south-eastern curvature + of the sheet. In that direction, the distance to the shore, or to the + termination of the lake, on the course the two were now steering, was not + quite a mile, and, their progress being always swift, it was fast + lessening under the skilful, but easy sweeps of the paddles. When about + half way across, a slight noise drew the eyes of the men towards the + nearest land, and they saw that the buck was just emerging from the lake + and wading towards the beach. In a minute, the noble animal shook the + water from his flanks, gazed up ward at the covering of trees, and, + bounding against the bank, plunged into the forest. + </p> + <p> + “That creatur' goes off with gratitude in his heart,” said Deerslayer, + “for natur' tells him he has escaped a great danger. You ought to have + some of the same feelin's, Hurry, to think your eye wasn't true, or that + your hand was onsteady, when no good could come of a shot that was + intended onmeaningly rather than in reason.” + </p> + <p> + “I deny the eye and the hand,” cried March with some heat. “You've got a + little character, down among the Delawares, there, for quickness and + sartainty, at a deer, but I should like to see you behind one of them + pines, and a full painted Mingo behind another, each with a cock'd rifle + and a striving for the chance! Them's the situations, Nathaniel, to try + the sight and the hand, for they begin with trying the narves. I never + look upon killing a creatur' as an explite; but killing a savage is. The + time will come to try your hand, now we've got to blows ag'in, and we + shall soon know what a ven'son reputation can do in the field. I deny that + either hand or eye was onsteady; it was all a miscalculation of the buck, + which stood still when he ought to have kept in motion, and so I shot + ahead of him.” + </p> + <p> + “Have it your own way, Hurry; all I contend for is, that it's lucky. I + dare say I shall not pull upon a human mortal as steadily or with as light + a heart, as I pull upon a deer.” + </p> + <p> + “Who's talking of mortals, or of human beings at all, Deerslayer? I put + the matter to you on the supposition of an Injin. I dare say any man would + have his feelin's when it got to be life or death, ag'in another human + mortal; but there would be no such scruples in regard to an Injin; nothing + but the chance of his hitting you, or the chance of your hitting him.” + </p> + <p> + “I look upon the redmen to be quite as human as we are ourselves, Hurry. + They have their gifts, and their religion, it's true; but that makes no + difference in the end, when each will be judged according to his deeds, + and not according to his skin.” + </p> + <p> + “That's downright missionary, and will find little favor up in this part + of the country, where the Moravians don't congregate. Now, skin makes the + man. This is reason; else how are people to judge of each other. The skin + is put on, over all, in order when a creatur', or a mortal, is fairly + seen, you may know at once what to make of him. You know a bear from a + hog, by his skin, and a gray squirrel from a black.” + </p> + <p> + “True, Hurry,” said the other looking back and smiling, “nevertheless, + they are both squirrels.” + </p> + <p> + “Who denies it? But you'll not say that a red man and a white man are both + Injins?” + </p> + <p> + “But I do say they are both men. Men of different races and colors, and + having different gifts and traditions, but, in the main, with the same + natur'. Both have souls; and both will be held accountable for their deeds + in this life.” + </p> + <p> + Hurry was one of those theorists who believed in the inferiority of all + the human race who were not white. His notions on the subject were not + very clear, nor were his definitions at all well settled; but his opinions + were none the less dogmatical or fierce. His conscience accused him of + sundry lawless acts against the Indians, and he had found it an + exceedingly easy mode of quieting it, by putting the whole family of + redmen, incontinently, without the category of human rights. Nothing + angered him sooner than to deny his proposition, more especially if the + denial were accompanied by a show of plausible argument; and he did not + listen to his companion's remarks with much composure of either manner or + feeling. + </p> + <p> + “You're a boy, Deerslayer, misled and misconsaited by Delaware arts, and + missionary ignorance,” he exclaimed, with his usual indifference to the + forms of speech, when excited. “You may account yourself as a red-skin's + brother, but I hold'em all to be animals; with nothing human about 'em but + cunning. That they have, I'll allow; but so has a fox, or even a bear. I'm + older than you, and have lived longer in the woods—or, for that + matter, have lived always there, and am not to be told what an Injin is or + what he is not. If you wish to be considered a savage, you've only to say + so, and I'll name you as such to Judith and the old man, and then we'll + see how you'll like your welcome.” + </p> + <p> + Here Hurry's imagination did his temper some service, since, by conjuring + up the reception his semi-aquatic acquaintance would be likely to bestow + on one thus introduced, he burst into a hearty fit of laughter. Deerslayer + too well knew the uselessness of attempting to convince such a being of + anything against his prejudices, to feel a desire to undertake the task; + and he was not sorry that the approach of the canoe to the southeastern + curve of the lake gave a new direction to his ideas. They were now, + indeed, quite near the place that March had pointed out for the position + of the outlet, and both began to look for it with a curiosity that was + increased by the expectation of the ark. + </p> + <p> + It may strike the reader as a little singular, that the place where a + stream of any size passed through banks that had an elevation of some + twenty feet, should be a matter of doubt with men who could not now have + been more than two hundred yards distant from the precise spot. It will be + recollected, however, that the trees and bushes here, as elsewhere, fairly + overhung the water, making such a fringe to the lake, as to conceal any + little variations from its general outline. + </p> + <p> + “I've not been down at this end of the lake these two summers,” said + Hurry, standing up in the canoe, the better to look about him. “Ay, + there's the rock, showing its chin above the water, and I know that the + river begins in its neighborhood.” + </p> + <p> + The men now plied the paddles again, and they were presently within a few + yards of the rock, floating towards it, though their efforts were + suspended. This rock was not large, being merely some five or six feet + high, only half of which elevation rose above the lake. The incessant + washing of the water for centuries had so rounded its summit, that it + resembled a large beehive in shape, its form being more than usually + regular and even. Hurry remarked, as they floated slowly past, that this + rock was well known to all the Indians in that part of the country, and + that they were in the practice of using it as a mark to designate the + place of meeting, when separated by their hunts and marches. + </p> + <p> + “And here is the river, Deerslayer,” he continued, “though so shut in by + trees and bushes as to look more like an and-bush, than the outlet of such + a sheet as the Glimmerglass.” + </p> + <p> + Hurry had not badly described the place, which did truly seem to be a + stream lying in ambush. The high banks might have been a hundred feet + asunder; but, on the western side, a small bit of low land extended so far + forward as to diminish the breadth of the stream to half that width. + </p> + <p> + As the bushes hung in the water beneath, and pines that had the stature of + church-steeples rose in tall columns above, all inclining towards the + light, until their branches intermingled, the eye, at a little distance, + could not easily detect any opening in the shore, to mark the egress of + the water. In the forest above, no traces of this outlet were to be seen + from the lake, the whole presenting the same connected and seemingly + interminable carpet of leaves. As the canoe slowly advanced, sucked in by + the current, it entered beneath an arch of trees, through which the light + from the heavens struggled by casual openings, faintly relieving the gloom + beneath. + </p> + <p> + “This is a nat'ral and-bush,” half whispered Hurry, as if he felt that the + place was devoted to secrecy and watchfulness; “depend on it, old Tom has + burrowed with the ark somewhere in this quarter. We will drop down with + the current a short distance, and ferret him out.” + </p> + <p> + “This seems no place for a vessel of any size,” returned the other; “it + appears to me that we shall have hardly room enough for the canoe.” + </p> + <p> + Hurry laughed at the suggestion, and, as it soon appeared, with reason; + for the fringe of bushes immediately on the shore of the lake was no + sooner passed, than the adventurers found themselves in a narrow stream, + of a sufficient depth of limpid water, with a strong current, and a canopy + of leaves upheld by arches composed of the limbs of hoary trees. Bushes + lined the shores, as usual, but they left sufficient space between them to + admit the passage of anything that did not exceed twenty feet in width, + and to allow of a perspective ahead of eight or ten times that distance. + </p> + <p> + Neither of our two adventurers used his paddle, except to keep the light + bark in the centre of the current, but both watched each turning of the + stream, of which there were two or three within the first hundred yards, + with jealous vigilance. Turn after turn, however, was passed, and the + canoe had dropped down with the current some little distance, when Hurry + caught a bush, and arrested its movement so suddenly and silently as to + denote some unusual motive for the act. Deerslayer laid his hand on the + stock of his rifle as soon as he noted this proceeding, but it was quite + as much with a hunter's habit as from any feeling of alarm. + </p> + <p> + “There the old fellow is!” whispered Hurry, pointing with a finger, and + laughing heartily, though he carefully avoided making a noise, “ratting it + away, just as I supposed; up to his knees in the mud and water, looking to + the traps and the bait. But for the life of me I can see nothing of the + ark; though I'll bet every skin I take this season, Jude isn't trusting + her pretty little feet in the neighborhood of that black mud. The gal's + more likely to be braiding her hair by the side of some spring, where she + can see her own good looks, and collect scornful feelings ag'in us men.” + </p> + <p> + “You over-judge young women—yes, you do, Hurry—who as often + bethink them of their failings as they do of their perfections. I dare to + say this Judith, now, is no such admirer of herself, and no such scorner + of our sex as you seem to think; and that she is quite as likely to be + sarving her father in the house, wherever that may be, as he is to be + sarving her among the traps.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a pleasure to hear truth from a man's tongue, if it be only once in + a girl's life,” cried a pleasant, rich, and yet soft female voice, so near + the canoe as to make both the listeners start. “As for you, Master Hurry, + fair words are so apt to choke you, that I no longer expect to hear them + from your mouth; the last you uttered sticking in your throat, and coming + near to death. But I'm glad to see you keep better society than formerly, + and that they who know how to esteem and treat women are not ashamed to + journey in your company.” + </p> + <p> + As this was said, a singularly handsome and youthful female face was + thrust through an opening in the leaves, within reach of Deerslayer's + paddle. Its owner smiled graciously on the young man; and the frown that + she cast on Hurry, though simulated and pettish, had the effect to render + her beauty more striking, by exhibiting the play of an expressive but + capricious countenance; one that seemed to change from the soft to the + severe, the mirthful to the reproving, with facility and indifference. + </p> + <p> + A second look explained the nature of the surprise. Unwittingly, the men + had dropped alongside of the ark, which had been purposely concealed in + bushes cut and arranged for the purpose; and Judith Hutter had merely + pushed aside the leaves that lay before a window, in order to show her + face, and speak to them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “And that timid fawn starts not with fear, + When I steal to her secret bower; + And that young May violet to me is dear, + And I visit the silent streamlet near, + To look on the lovely flower.” + + Bryant, “An Indian Story,” ii.11-15 +</pre> + <p> + The ark, as the floating habitation of the Hutters was generally called, + was a very simple contrivance. A large flat, or scow, composed the buoyant + part of the vessel; and in its centre, occupying the whole of its breadth, + and about two thirds of its length, stood a low fabric, resembling the + castle in construction, though made of materials so light as barely to be + bullet-proof. As the sides of the scow were a little higher than usual, + and the interior of the cabin had no more elevation than was necessary for + comfort, this unusual addition had neither a very clumsy nor a very + obtrusive appearance. It was, in short, little more than a modern + canal-boat, though more rudely constructed, of greater breadth than + common, and bearing about it the signs of the wilderness, in its + bark-covered posts and roof. The scow, however, had been put together with + some skill, being comparatively light, for its strength, and sufficiently + manageable. The cabin was divided into two apartments, one of which served + for a parlor, and the sleeping-room of the father, and the other was + appropriated to the uses of the daughters. A very simple arrangement + sufficed for the kitchen, which was in one end of the scow, and removed + from the cabin, standing in the open air; the ark being altogether a + summer habitation. + </p> + <p> + The “and-bush,” as Hurry in his ignorance of English termed it, is quite + as easily explained. In many parts of the lake and river, where the banks + were steep and high, the smaller trees and larger bushes, as has been + already mentioned, fairly overhung the stream, their branches not + unfrequently dipping into the water. In some instances they grew out in + nearly horizontal lines, for thirty or forty feet. The water being + uniformly deepest near the shores, where the banks were highest and the + nearest to a perpendicular, Hutter had found no difficulty in letting the + ark drop under one of these covers, where it had been anchored with a view + to conceal its position; security requiring some such precautions, in his + view of the case. Once beneath the trees and bushes, a few stones fastened + to the ends of the branches had caused them to bend sufficiently to dip + into the river; and a few severed bushes, properly disposed, did the rest. + The reader has seen that this cover was so complete as to deceive two men + accustomed to the woods, and who were actually in search of those it + concealed; a circumstance that will be easily understood by those who are + familiar with the matted and wild luxuriance of a virgin American forest, + more especially in a rich soil. The discovery of the ark produced very + different effects on our two adventurers. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the canoe could be got round to the proper opening, Hurry + leaped on board, and in a minute was closely engaged in a gay, and a sort + of recriminating discourse with Judith, apparently forgetful of the + existence of all the rest of the world. Not so with Deerslayer. He entered + the ark with a slow, cautious step, examining every arrangement of the + cover with curious and scrutinizing eyes. It is true, he cast one admiring + glance at Judith, which was extorted by her brilliant and singular beauty; + but even this could detain him but a single instant from the indulgence of + his interest in Hutter's contrivances. Step by step did he look into the + construction of the singular abode, investigate its fastenings and + strength, ascertain its means of defence, and make every inquiry that + would be likely to occur to one whose thoughts dwelt principally on such + expedients. Nor was the cover neglected. Of this he examined the whole + minutely, his commendation escaping him more than once in audible + comments. Frontier usages admitting of this familiarity, he passed through + the rooms, as he had previously done at the 'Castle', and opening a door + issued into the end of the scow opposite to that where he had left Hurry + and Judith. Here he found the other sister, employed at some coarse + needle-work, seated beneath the leafy canopy of the cover. + </p> + <p> + As Deerslayer's examination was by this time ended, he dropped the butt of + his rifle, and, leaning on the barrel with both hands, he turned towards + the girl with an interest the singular beauty of her sister had not + awakened. He had gathered from Hurry's remarks that Hetty was considered + to have less intellect than ordinarily falls to the share of human beings, + and his education among Indians had taught him to treat those who were + thus afflicted by Providence with more than common tenderness. Nor was + there any thing in Hetty Hutter's appearance, as so often happens, to + weaken the interest her situation excited. An idiot she could not properly + be termed, her mind being just enough enfeebled to lose most of those + traits that are connected with the more artful qualities, and to retain + its ingenuousness and love of truth. It had often been remarked of this + girl, by the few who had seen her, and who possessed sufficient knowledge + to discriminate, that her perception of the right seemed almost intuitive, + while her aversion to the wrong formed so distinctive a feature of her + mind, as to surround her with an atmosphere of pure morality; + peculiarities that are not infrequent with persons who are termed + feeble-minded; as if God had forbidden the evil spirits to invade a + precinct so defenceless, with the benign purpose of extending a direct + protection to those who had been left without the usual aids of humanity. + Her person, too, was agreeable, having a strong resemblance to that of her + sister's, of which it was a subdued and humble copy. If it had none of the + brilliancy of Judith's, the calm, quiet, almost holy expression of her + meek countenance seldom failed to win on the observer, and few noted it + long that did not begin to feel a deep and lasting interest in the girl. + She had no colour, in common, nor was her simple mind apt to present + images that caused her cheek to brighten, though she retained a modesty so + innate that it almost raised her to the unsuspecting purity of a being + superior to human infirmities. Guileless, innocent, and without distrust, + equally by nature and from her mode of life, providence had, nevertheless + shielded her from harm, by a halo of moral light, as it is said 'to temper + the wind to the shorn lamb.' + </p> + <p> + “You are Hetty Hutter,” said Deerslayer, in the way one puts a question + unconsciously to himself, assuming a kindness of tone and manner that were + singularly adapted to win the confidence of her he addressed. “Hurry Harry + has told me of you, and I know you must be the child?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I'm Hetty Hutter” returned the girl in a low, sweet voice, which + nature, aided by some education, had preserved from vulgarity of tone and + utterance—“I'm Hetty; Judith Hutter's sister; and Thomas Hutter's + youngest daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “I know your history, then, for Hurry Harry talks considerable, and he is + free of speech when he can find other people's consarns to dwell on. You + pass most of your life on the lake, Hetty.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. Mother is dead; father is gone a-trapping, and Judith and I + stay at home. What's your name?” + </p> + <p> + “That's a question more easily asked than it is answered, young woman, + seeing that I'm so young, and yet have borne more names than some of the + greatest chiefs in all America.” + </p> + <p> + “But you've got a name—you don't throw away one name, before you + come honestly by another?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not, gal—I hope not. My names have come nat'rally, and I + suppose the one I bear now will be of no great lasting, since the + Delawares seldom settle on a man's ra'al title, until such time as he has + an opportunity of showing his true natur', in the council, or on the + warpath; which has never behappened me; seeing firstly, because I'm not + born a red-skin and have no right to sit in their councillings, and am + much too humble to be called on for opinions from the great of my own + colour; and, secondly, because this is the first war that has befallen in + my time, and no inimy has yet inroaded far enough into the colony, to be + reached by an arm even longer than mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me your names,” added Hetty, looking up at him artlessly, “and, + maybe, I'll tell you your character.” + </p> + <p> + “There is some truth in that, I'll not deny, though it often fails. Men + are deceived in other men's characters, and frequently give 'em names they + by no means desarve. You can see the truth of this in the Mingo names, + which, in their own tongue, signify the same things as the Delaware names,—at + least, so they tell me, for I know little of that tribe, unless it be by + report,—and no one can say they are as honest or as upright a + nation. I put no great dependence, therefore, on names.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me all your names,” repeated the girl, earnestly, for her mind was + too simple to separate things from professions, and she did attach + importance to a name; “I want to know what to think of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sartain; I've no objection, and you shall hear them all. In the + first place, then, I'm Christian, and white-born, like yourself, and my + parents had a name that came down from father to son, as is a part of + their gifts. My father was called Bumppo; and I was named after him, of + course, the given name being Nathaniel, or Natty, as most people saw fit + to tarm it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes—Natty—and Hetty” interrupted the girl quickly, and + looking up from her work again, with a smile: “you are Natty, and I'm + Hetty—though you are Bumppo, and I'm Hutter. Bumppo isn't as pretty + as Hutter, is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, that's as people fancy. Bumppo has no lofty sound, I admit; and yet + men have bumped through the world with it. I did not go by this name, + howsoever, very long; for the Delawares soon found out, or thought they + found out, that I was not given to lying, and they called me, firstly, + 'Straight-tongue.'” + </p> + <p> + “That's a good name,” interrupted Hetty, earnestly, and in a positive + manner; “don't tell me there's no virtue in names!” + </p> + <p> + “I do not say that, for perhaps I desarved to be so called, lies being no + favorites with me, as they are with some. After a while they found out I + was quick of foot, and then they called me 'The Pigeon'; which, you know, + has a swift wing, and flies in a straight line.” + </p> + <p> + “That was a pretty name!” exclaimed Hetty; “pigeons are pretty birds!” + </p> + <p> + “Most things that God created are pretty in their way, my good gal, though + they get to be deformed by mankind, so as to change their natur's, as well + as their appearance. From carrying messages, and striking blind trails, I + got at last to following the hunters, when it was thought I was quicker + and surer at finding the game than most lads, and then they called me the + 'Lap-ear'; as, they said, I partook of the sagacity of the hound.” + </p> + <p> + “That's not so pretty,” answered Hetty; “I hope you didn't keep that name + long.” + </p> + <p> + “Not after I was rich enough to buy a rifle,” returned the other, + betraying a little pride through his usually quiet and subdued manner; + “then it was seen I could keep a wigwam in ven'son; and in time I got the + name of 'Deerslayer,' which is that I now bear; homely as some will think + it, who set more value on the scalp of a fellow-mortal than on the horns + of a buck.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Deerslayer, I'm not one of them,” answered Hetty, simply; “Judith + likes soldiers, and flary coats, and fine feathers; but they're all naught + to me. She says the officers are great, and gay, and of soft speech; but + they make me shudder, for their business is to kill their + fellow-creatures. I like your calling better; and your last name is a very + good one—better than Natty Bumppo.” + </p> + <p> + “This is nat'ral in one of your turn of mind, Hetty, and much as I should + have expected. They tell me your sister is handsome—oncommon, for a + mortal; and beauty is apt to seek admiration.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you never see Judith?” demanded the girl, with quick earnestness; “if + you never have, go at once and look at her. Even Hurry Harry isn't more + pleasant to look at though she is a woman, and he is a man.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer regarded the girl for a moment with concern. Her pale-face had + flushed a little, and her eye, usually so mild and serene, brightened as + she spoke, in the way to betray the inward impulses. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Hurry Harry,” he muttered to himself, as he walked through the cabin + towards the other end of the boat; “this comes of good looks, if a light + tongue has had no consarn in it. It's easy to see which way that poor + creatur's feelin's are leanin', whatever may be the case with your + Jude's.” + </p> + <p> + But an interruption was put to the gallantry of Hurry, the coquetry of his + intros, the thoughts of Deerslayer, and the gentle feelings of Hetty, by + the sudden appearance of the canoe of the ark's owner, in the narrow + opening among the bushes that served as a sort of moat to his position. It + would seem that Hutter, or Floating Tom, as he was familiarly called by + all the hunters who knew his habits, recognized the canoe of Hurry, for he + expressed no surprise at finding him in the scow. On the contrary, his + reception was such as to denote not only gratification, but a pleasure, + mingled with a little disappointment at his not having made his appearance + some days sooner. + </p> + <p> + “I looked for you last week,” he said, in a half-grumbling, half-welcoming + manner; “and was disappointed uncommonly that you didn't arrive. There + came a runner through, to warn all the trappers and hunters that the + colony and the Canadas were again in trouble; and I felt lonesome, up in + these mountains, with three scalps to see to, and only one pair of hands + to protect them.” + </p> + <p> + “That's reasonable,” returned March; “and 't was feeling like a parent. No + doubt, if I had two such darters as Judith and Hetty, my exper'ence would + tell the same story, though in gin'ral I am just as well satisfied with + having the nearest neighbor fifty miles off, as when he is within call.” + </p> + <p> + “Notwithstanding, you didn't choose to come into the wilderness alone, now + you knew that the Canada savages are likely to be stirring,” returned + Hutter, giving a sort of distrustful, and at the same time inquiring + glance at Deerslayer. + </p> + <p> + “Why should I? They say a bad companion, on a journey, helps to shorten + the path; and this young man I account to be a reasonably good one. This + is Deerslayer, old Tom, a noted hunter among the Delawares, and + Christian-born, and Christian-edicated, too, like you and me. The lad is + not parfect, perhaps, but there's worse men in the country that he came + from, and it's likely he'll find some that's no better, in this part of + the world. Should we have occasion to defend our traps, and the territory, + he'll be useful in feeding us all; for he's a reg'lar dealer in ven'son.” + </p> + <p> + “Young man, you are welcome,” growled Tom, thrusting a hard, bony hand + towards the youth, as a pledge of his sincerity; “in such times, a white + face is a friend's, and I count on you as a support. Children sometimes + make a stout heart feeble, and these two daughters of mine give me more + concern than all my traps, and skins, and rights in the country.” + </p> + <p> + “That's nat'ral!” cried Hurry. “Yes, Deerslayer, you and I don't know it + yet by experience; but, on the whole, I consider that as nat'ral. If we + had darters, it's more than probable we should have some such feelin's; + and I honor the man that owns 'em. As for Judith, old man, I enlist, at + once, as her soldier, and here is Deerslayer to help you to take care of + Hetty.” + </p> + <p> + “Many thanks to you, Master March,” returned the beauty, in a full, rich + voice, and with an accuracy of intonation and utterance that she shared in + common with her sister, and which showed that she had been better taught + than her father's life and appearance would give reason to expect. “Many + thanks to you; but Judith Hutter has the spirit and the experience that + will make her depend more on herself than on good-looking rovers like you. + Should there be need to face the savages, do you land with my father, + instead of burrowing in the huts, under the show of defending us females + and—” + </p> + <p> + “Girl—girl,” interrupted the father, “quiet that glib tongue of + thine, and hear the truth. There are savages on the lake shore already, + and no man can say how near to us they may be at this very moment, or when + we may hear more from them!” + </p> + <p> + “If this be true, Master Hutter,” said Hurry, whose change of countenance + denoted how serious he deemed the information, though it did not denote + any unmanly alarm, “if this be true, your ark is in a most misfortunate + position, for, though the cover did deceive Deerslayer and myself, it + would hardly be overlooked by a full-blooded Injin, who was out seriously + in s'arch of scalps!” + </p> + <p> + “I think as you do, Hurry, and wish, with all my heart, we lay anywhere + else, at this moment, than in this narrow, crooked stream, which has many + advantages to hide in, but which is almost fatal to them that are + discovered. The savages are near us, moreover, and the difficulty is, to + get out of the river without being shot down like deer standing at a + lick!” + </p> + <p> + “Are you sartain, Master Hutter, that the red-skins you dread are ra'al + Canadas?” asked Deerslayer, in a modest but earnest manner. “Have you seen + any, and can you describe their paint?” + </p> + <p> + “I have fallen in with the signs of their being in the neighborhood, but + have seen none of 'em. I was down stream a mile or so, looking to my + traps, when I struck a fresh trail, crossing the corner of a swamp, and + moving northward. The man had not passed an hour; and I know'd it for an + Indian footstep, by the size of the foot, and the intoe, even before I + found a worn moccasin, which its owner had dropped as useless. For that + matter, I found the spot where he halted to make a new one, which was only + a few yards from the place where he had dropped the old one.” + </p> + <p> + “That doesn't look much like a red-skin on the war path!” returned the + other, shaking his head. “An exper'enced warrior, at least, would have + burned, or buried, or sunk in the river such signs of his passage; and + your trail is, quite likely, a peaceable trail. But the moccasin may + greatly relieve my mind, if you bethought you of bringing it off. I've + come here to meet a young chief myself; and his course would be much in + the direction you've mentioned. The trail may have been his'n.” + </p> + <p> + “Hurry Harry, you're well acquainted with this young man, I hope, who has + meetings with savages in a part of the country where he has never been + before?” demanded Hutter, in a tone and in a manner that sufficiently + indicated the motive of the question; these rude beings seldom hesitating, + on the score of delicacy, to betray their feelings. “Treachery is an + Indian virtue; and the whites, that live much in their tribes, soon catch + their ways and practices.” + </p> + <p> + “True—true as the Gospel, old Tom; but not personable to Deerslayer, + who's a young man of truth, if he has no other ricommend. I'll answer for + his honesty, whatever I may do for his valor in battle.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to know his errand in this strange quarter of the country.” + </p> + <p> + “That is soon told, Master Hutter,” said the young man, with the composure + of one who kept a clean conscience. “I think, moreover, you've a right to + ask it. The father of two such darters, who occupies a lake, after your + fashion, has just the same right to inquire into a stranger's business in + his neighborhood, as the colony would have to demand the reason why the + Frenchers put more rijiments than common along the lines. No, no, I'll not + deny your right to know why a stranger comes into your habitation or + country, in times as serious as these.” + </p> + <p> + “If such is your way of thinking, friend, let me hear your story without + more words.” + </p> + <p> + “'T is soon told, as I said afore; and shall be honestly told. I'm a young + man, and, as yet, have never been on a war-path; but no sooner did the + news come among the Delawares, that wampum and a hatchet were about to be + sent in to the tribe, than they wished me to go out among the people of my + own color, and get the exact state of things for 'em. This I did, and, + after delivering my talk to the chiefs, on my return, I met an officer of + the crown on the Schoharie, who had messages to send to some of the + fri'ndly tribes that live farther west. This was thought a good occasion + for Chingachgook, a young chief who has never struck a foe, and myself; to + go on our first war path in company, and an app'intment was made for us, + by an old Delaware, to meet at the rock near the foot of this lake. I'll + not deny that Chingachgook has another object in view, but it has no + consarn with any here, and is his secret and not mine; therefore I'll say + no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis something about a young woman,” interrupted Judith hastily, then + laughing at her own impetuosity, and even having the grace to colour a + little, at the manner in which she had betrayed her readiness to impute + such a motive. “If 'tis neither war, nor a hunt, it must be love.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, it comes easy for the young and handsome, who hear so much of them + feelin's, to suppose that they lie at the bottom of most proceedin's; but, + on that head, I say nothin'. Chingachgook is to meet me at the rock, an + hour afore sunset to-morrow evening, after which we shall go our way + together, molesting none but the king's inimies, who are lawfully our own. + Knowing Hurry of old, who once trapped in our hunting grounds, and falling + in with him on the Schoharie, just as he was on the p'int of starting for + his summer ha'nts, we agreed to journey in company; not so much from fear + of the Mingos, as from good fellowship, and, as he says, to shorten a long + road.” + </p> + <p> + “And you think the trail I saw may have been that of your friend, ahead of + his time?” said Hutter. + </p> + <p> + “That's my idee, which may be wrong, but which may be right. If I saw the + moccasin, howsever, I could tell, in a minute, whether it is made in the + Delaware fashion, or not.” + </p> + <p> + “Here it is, then,” said the quick-witted Judith, who had already gone to + the canoe in quest of it. “Tell us what it says; friend or enemy. You look + honest, and I believe all you say, whatever father may think.” + </p> + <p> + “That's the way with you, Jude; forever finding out friends, where I + distrust foes,” grumbled Tom: “but, speak out, young man, and tell us what + you think of the moccasin.” + </p> + <p> + “That's not Delaware made,” returned Deerslayer, examining the worn and + rejected covering for the foot with a cautious eye. “I'm too young on a + war-path to be positive, but I should say that moccasin has a northern + look, and comes from beyond the Great Lakes.” + </p> + <p> + “If such is the case, we ought not to lie here a minute longer than is + necessary,” said Hutter, glancing through the leaves of his cover, as if + he already distrusted the presence of an enemy on the opposite shore of + the narrow and sinuous stream. “It wants but an hour or so of night, and + to move in the dark will be impossible, without making a noise that would + betray us. Did you hear the echo of a piece in the mountains, half-an-hour + since?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, old man, and heard the piece itself,” answered Hurry, who now felt + the indiscretion of which he had been guilty, “for the last was fired from + my own shoulder.” + </p> + <p> + “I feared it came from the French Indians; still it may put them on the + look-out, and be a means of discovering us. You did wrong to fire in + war-time, unless there was good occasion. + </p> + <p> + “So I begin to think myself, Uncle Tom; and yet, if a man can't trust + himself to let off his rifle in a wilderness that is a thousand miles + square, lest some inimy should hear it, where's the use in carrying one?” + </p> + <p> + Hutter now held a long consultation with his two guests, in which the + parties came to a true understanding of their situation. He explained the + difficulty that would exist in attempting to get the ark out of so swift + and narrow a stream, in the dark, without making a noise that could not + fail to attract Indian ears. Any strollers in their vicinity would keep + near the river or the lake; but the former had swampy shores in many + places, and was both so crooked and so fringed with bushes, that it was + quite possible to move by daylight without incurring much danger of being + seen. More was to be apprehended, perhaps, from the ear than from the eye, + especially as long as they were in the short, straitened, and canopied + reaches of the stream. + </p> + <p> + “I never drop down into this cover, which is handy to my traps, and safer + than the lake from curious eyes, without providing the means of getting + out ag'in,” continued this singular being; “and that is easier done by a + pull than a push. My anchor is now lying above the suction, in the open + lake; and here is a line, you see, to haul us up to it. Without some such + help, a single pair of hands would make heavy work in forcing a scow like + this up stream. I have a sort of a crab, too, that lightens the pull, on + occasion. Jude can use the oar astern as well as myself; and when we fear + no enemy, to get out of the river gives us but little trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “What should we gain, Master Hutter, by changing the position?” asked + Deerslayer, with a good deal of earnestness; “this is a safe cover, and a + stout defence might be made from the inside of this cabin. I've never + fou't unless in the way of tradition; but it seems to me we might beat off + twenty Mingos, with palisades like them afore us.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay; you 've never fought except in traditions, that's plain enough, + young man! Did you ever see as broad a sheet of water as this above us, + before you came in upon it with Hurry?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't say that I ever did,” Deerslayer answered, modestly. “Youth is + the time to l'arn; and I'm far from wishing to raise my voice in counsel, + afore it is justified by exper'ence.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I'll teach you the disadvantage of fighting in this position, + and the advantage of taking to the open lake. Here, you may see, the + savages will know where to aim every shot; and it would be too much to + hope that some would not find their way through the crevices of the logs. + Now, on the other hand, we should have nothing but a forest to aim at. + Then we are not safe from fire, here, the bark of this roof being little + better than so much kindling-wood. The castle, too, might be entered and + ransacked in my absence, and all my possessions overrun and destroyed. + Once in the lake, we can be attacked only in boats or on rafts—shall + have a fair chance with the enemy—and can protect the castle with + the ark. Do you understand this reasoning, youngster?” + </p> + <p> + “It sounds well—yes, it has a rational sound; and I'll not gainsay + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, old Tom,” cried Hurry, “If we are to move, the sooner we make a + beginning, the sooner we shall know whether we are to have our scalps for + night-caps, or not.” + </p> + <p> + As this proposition was self-evident, no one denied its justice. The three + men, after a short preliminary explanation, now set about their + preparations to move the ark in earnest. The slight fastenings were + quickly loosened; and, by hauling on the line, the heavy craft slowly + emerged from the cover. It was no sooner free from the incumbrance of the + branches, than it swung into the stream, sheering quite close to the + western shore, by the force of the current. Not a soul on board heard the + rustling of the branches, as the cabin came against the bushes and trees + of the western bank, without a feeling of uneasiness; for no one knew at + what moment, or in what place, a secret and murderous enemy might unmask + himself. Perhaps the gloomy light that still struggled through the + impending canopy of leaves, or found its way through the narrow, + ribbon-like opening, which seemed to mark, in the air above, the course of + the river that flowed beneath, aided in augmenting the appearance of the + danger; for it was little more than sufficient to render objects visible, + without giving up all their outlines at a glance. Although the sun had not + absolutely set, it had withdrawn its direct rays from the valley; and the + hues of evening were beginning to gather around objects that stood + uncovered, rendering those within the shadows of the woods still more + sombre and gloomy. + </p> + <p> + No interruption followed the movement, however, and, as the men continued + to haul on the line, the ark passed steadily ahead, the great breadth of + the scow preventing its sinking into the water, and from offering much + resistance to the progress of the swift element beneath its bottom. + Hutter, too, had adopted a precaution suggested by experience, which might + have done credit to a seaman, and which completely prevented any of the + annoyances and obstacles which otherwise would have attended the short + turns of the river. As the ark descended, heavy stones, attached to the + line, were dropped in the centre of the stream, forming local anchors, + each of which was kept from dragging by the assistance of those above it, + until the uppermost of all was reached, which got its “backing” from the + anchor, or grapnel, that lay well out in the lake. In consequence of this + expedient, the ark floated clear of the incumbrances of the shore, against + which it would otherwise have been unavoidably hauled at every turn, + producing embarrassments that Hutter, single-handed, would have found it + very difficult to overcome. Favored by this foresight, and stimulated by + the apprehension of discovery, Floating Tom and his two athletic + companions hauled the ark ahead with quite as much rapidity as comported + with the strength of the line. At every turn in the stream, a stone was + raised from the bottom, when the direction of the scow changed to one that + pointed towards the stone that lay above. In this manner, with the channel + buoyed out for him, as a sailor might term it, did Hutter move forward, + occasionally urging his friends, in a low and guarded voice, to increase + their exertions, and then, as occasions offered, warning them against + efforts that might, at particular moments, endanger all by too much zeal. + In spite of their long familiarity with the woods, the gloomy character of + the shaded river added to the uneasiness that each felt; and when the ark + reached the first bend in the Susquehannah, and the eye caught a glimpse + of the broader expanse of the lake, all felt a relief, that perhaps none + would have been willing to confess. Here the last stone was raised from + the bottom, and the line led directly towards the grapnel, which, as + Hutter had explained, was dropped above the suction of the current. + </p> + <p> + “Thank God!” ejaculated Hurry, “there is daylight, and we shall soon have + a chance of seeing our inimies, if we are to feel 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “That is more than you or any man can say,” growled Hutter. “There is no + spot so likely to harbor a party as the shore around the outlet, and the + moment we clear these trees and get into open water, will be the most + trying time, since it will leave the enemy a cover, while it puts us out + of one. Judith, girl, do you and Hetty leave the oar to take care of + itself; and go within the cabin; and be mindful not to show your faces at + a window; for they who will look at them won't stop to praise their + beauty. And now, Hurry, we'll step into this outer room ourselves, and + haul through the door, where we shall all be safe, from a surprise, at + least. Friend Deerslayer, as the current is lighter, and the line has all + the strain on it that is prudent, do you keep moving from window to + window, taking care not to let your head be seen, if you set any value on + life. No one knows when or where we shall hear from our neighbors.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer complied, with a sensation that had nothing in common with + fear, but which had all the interest of a perfectly novel and a most + exciting situation. For the first time in his life he was in the vicinity + of enemies, or had good reason to think so; and that, too, under all the + thrilling circumstances of Indian surprises and Indian artifices. As he + took his stand at the window, the ark was just passing through the + narrowest part of the stream, a point where the water first entered what + was properly termed the river, and where the trees fairly interlocked + overhead, causing the current to rush into an arch of verdure; a feature + as appropriate and peculiar to the country, perhaps, as that of + Switzerland, where the rivers come rushing literally from chambers of ice. + </p> + <p> + The ark was in the act of passing the last curve of this leafy entrance, + as Deerslayer, having examined all that could be seen of the eastern bank + of the river, crossed the room to look from the opposite window, at the + western. His arrival at this aperture was most opportune, for he had no + sooner placed his eye at a crack, than a sight met his gaze that might + well have alarmed a sentinel so young and inexperienced. A sapling + overhung the water, in nearly half a circle, having first grown towards + the light, and then been pressed down into this form by the weight of the + snows; a circumstance of common occurrence in the American woods. On this + no less than six Indians had already appeared, others standing ready to + follow them, as they left room; each evidently bent on running out on the + trunk, and dropping on the roof of the ark as it passed beneath. This + would have been an exploit of no great difficulty, the inclination of the + tree admitting of an easy passage, the adjoining branches offering ample + support for the hands, and the fall being too trifling to be apprehended. + When Deerslayer first saw this party, it was just unmasking itself, by + ascending the part of the tree nearest to the earth, or that which was + much the most difficult to overcome; and his knowledge of Indian habits + told him at once that they were all in their war-paint, and belonged to a + hostile tribe. + </p> + <p> + “Pull, Hurry,” he cried; “pull for your life, and as you love Judith + Hutter! Pull, man, pull!” + </p> + <p> + This call was made to one that the young man knew had the strength of a + giant. It was so earnest and solemn, that both Hutter and March felt it + was not idly given, and they applied all their force to the line + simultaneously, and at a most critical moment. The scow redoubled its + motion, and seemed to glide from under the tree as if conscious of the + danger that was impending overhead. Perceiving that they were discovered, + the Indians uttered the fearful war-whoop, and running forward on the + tree, leaped desperately towards their fancied prize. There were six on + the tree, and each made the effort. All but their leader fell into the + river more or less distant from the ark, as they came, sooner or later, to + the leaping place. The chief, who had taken the dangerous post in advance, + having an earlier opportunity than the others, struck the scow just within + the stern. The fall proving so much greater than he had anticipated, he + was slightly stunned, and for a moment he remained half bent and + unconscious of his situation. At this instant Judith rushed from the + cabin, her beauty heightened by the excitement that produced the bold act, + which flushed her cheek to crimson, and, throwing all her strength into + the effort, she pushed the intruder over the edge of the scow, headlong + into the river. This decided feat was no sooner accomplished than the + woman resumed her sway; Judith looked over the stern to ascertain what had + become of the man, and the expression of her eyes softened to concern, + next, her cheek crimsoned between shame and surprise at her own temerity, + and then she laughed in her own merry and sweet manner. All this occupied + less than a minute, when the arm of Deerslayer was thrown around her + waist, and she was dragged swiftly within the protection of the cabin. + This retreat was not effected too soon. Scarcely were the two in safety, + when the forest was filled with yells, and bullets began to patter against + the logs. + </p> + <p> + The ark being in swift motion all this while, it was beyond the danger of + pursuit by the time these little events had occurred; and the savages, as + soon as the first burst of their anger had subsided, ceased firing, with + the consciousness that they were expending their ammunition in vain. When + the scow came up over her grapnel, Hutter tripped the latter in a way not + to impede the motion; and being now beyond the influence of the current, + the vessel continued to drift ahead, until fairly in the open lake, though + still near enough to the land to render exposure to a rifle-bullet + dangerous. Hutter and March got out two small sweeps and, covered by the + cabin, they soon urged the ark far enough from the shore to leave no + inducement to their enemies to make any further attempt to injure them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Why, let the strucken deer go weep, + The hart ungalled play, + For some must watch, while some must sleep, + Thus runs the world away.” + + Hamlet, III.ii.271-74 +</pre> + <p> + Another consultation took place in the forward part of the scow, at which + both Judith and Hetty were present. As no danger could now approach + unseen, immediate uneasiness had given place to the concern which attended + the conviction that enemies were in considerable force on the shores of + the lake, and that they might be sure no practicable means of + accomplishing their own destruction would be neglected. As a matter of + course Hutter felt these truths the deepest, his daughters having an + habitual reliance on his resources, and knowing too little to appreciate + fully all the risks they ran; while his male companions were at liberty to + quit him at any moment they saw fit. His first remark showed that he had + an eye to the latter circumstance, and might have betrayed, to a keen + observer, the apprehension that was just then uppermost. + </p> + <p> + “We've a great advantage over the Iroquois, or the enemy, whoever they + are, in being afloat,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “There's not a canoe on the lake that I don't know where it's hid; and now + yours is here. Hurry, there are but three more on the land, and they're so + snug in hollow logs that I don't believe the Indians could find them, let + them try ever so long.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no telling that—no one can say that,” put in Deerslayer; “a + hound is not more sartain on the scent than a red-skin, when he expects to + get anything by it. Let this party see scalps afore 'em, or plunder, or + honor accordin' to their idees of what honor is, and 't will be a tight + log that hides a canoe from their eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “You're right, Deerslayer,” cried Harry March; “you're downright Gospel in + this matter, and I rej'ice that my bunch of bark is safe enough here, + within reach of my arm. I calcilate they'll be at all the rest of the + canoes afore to-morrow night, if they are in ra'al 'arnest to smoke you + out, old Tom, and we may as well overhaul our paddles for a pull.” + </p> + <p> + Hutter made no immediate reply. He looked about him in silence for quite a + minute, examining the sky, the lake, and the belt of forest which inclosed + it, as it might be hermetically, like one consulting their signs. Nor did + he find any alarming symptoms. The boundless woods were sleeping in the + deep repose of nature, the heavens were placid, but still luminous with + the light of the retreating sun, while the lake looked more lovely and + calm than it had before done that day. It was a scene altogether soothing, + and of a character to lull the passions into a species of holy calm. How + far this effect was produced, however, on the party in the ark, must + appear in the progress of our narrative. + </p> + <p> + “Judith,” called out the father, when he had taken this close but short + survey of the omens, “night is at hand; find our friends food; a long + march gives a sharp appetite.” + </p> + <p> + “We're not starving, Master Hutter,” March observed, “for we filled up + just as we reached the lake, and for one, I prefer the company of Jude + even to her supper. This quiet evening is very agreeable to sit by her + side.” + </p> + <p> + “Natur' is natur',” objected Hutter, “and must be fed. Judith, see to the + meal, and take your sister to help you. I've a little discourse to hold + with you, friends,” he continued, as soon as his daughters were out of + hearing, “and wish the girls away. You see my situation, and I should like + to hear your opinions concerning what is best to be done. Three times have + I been burnt out already, but that was on the shore; and I've considered + myself as pretty safe ever since I got the castle built, and the ark + afloat. My other accidents, however, happened in peaceable times, being + nothing more than such flurries as a man must meet with, in the woods; but + this matter looks serious, and your ideas would greatly relieve my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “It's my notion, old Tom, that you, and your huts, and your traps, and + your whole possessions, hereaway, are in desperate jippardy,” returned the + matter-of-fact Hurry, who saw no use in concealment. “Accordin' to my + idees of valie, they're altogether not worth half as much today as they + was yesterday, nor would I give more for 'em, taking the pay in skins.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I've children!” continued the father, making the allusion in a way + that it might have puzzled even an indifferent observer to say was + intended as a bait, or as an exclamation of paternal concern, “daughters, + as you know, Hurry, and good girls too, I may say, though I am their + father.” + </p> + <p> + “A man may say anything, Master Hutter, particularly when pressed by time + and circumstances. You've darters, as you say, and one of them hasn't her + equal on the frontiers for good looks, whatever she may have for good + behavior. As for poor Hetty, she's Hetty Hutter, and that's as much as one + can say about the poor thing. Give me Jude, if her conduct was only equal + to her looks!” + </p> + <p> + “I see, Harry March, I can only count on you as a fair-weather friend; and + I suppose that your companion will be of the same way of thinking,” + returned the other, with a slight show of pride, that was not altogether + without dignity; “well, I must depend on Providence, which will not turn a + deaf ear, perhaps, to a father's prayers.” + </p> + <p> + “If you've understood Hurry, here, to mean that he intends to desart you,” + said Deerslayer, with an earnest simplicity that gave double assurance of + its truth, “I think you do him injustice, as I know you do me, in + supposing I would follow him, was he so ontrue-hearted as to leave a + family of his own color in such a strait as this. I've come on this at + take, Master Hutter, to rende'vous a fri'nd, and I only wish he was here + himself, as I make no doubt he will be at sunset to-morrow, when you'd + have another rifle to aid you; an inexper'enced one, I'll allow, like my + own, but one that has proved true so often ag'in the game, big and little, + that I'll answer for its sarvice ag'in mortals.” + </p> + <p> + “May I depend on you to stand by me and my daughters, then, Deerslayer?” + demanded the old man, with a father's anxiety in his countenance. + </p> + <p> + “That may you, Floating Tom, if that's your name; and as a brother would + stand by a sister, a husband his wife, or a suitor his sweetheart. In this + strait you may count on me, through all advarsities; and I think Hurry + does discredit to his natur' and wishes, if you can't count on him.” + </p> + <p> + “Not he,” cried Judith, thrusting her handsome face out of the door; “his + nature is hurry, as well as his name, and he'll hurry off, as soon as he + thinks his fine figure in danger. Neither 'old Tom,' nor his 'gals,' will + depend much on Master March, now they know him, but you they will rely on, + Deerslayer; for your honest face and honest heart tell us that what you + promise you will perform.” + </p> + <p> + This was said, as much, perhaps, in affected scorn for Hurry, as in + sincerity. Still, it was not said without feeling. The fine face of Judith + sufficiently proved the latter circumstance; and if the conscious March + fancied that he had never seen in it a stronger display of contempt—a + feeling in which the beauty was apt to indulge—than while she was + looking at him, it certainly seldom exhibited more of a womanly softness + and sensibility, than when her speaking blue eyes were turned on his + travelling companion. + </p> + <p> + “Leave us, Judith,” Hutter ordered sternly, before either of the young men + could reply; “leave us; and do not return until you come with the venison + and fish. The girl has been spoilt by the flattery of the officers, who + sometimes find their way up here, Master March, and you'll not think any + harm of her silly words.” + </p> + <p> + “You never said truer syllable, old Tom,” retorted Hurry, who smarted + under Judith's observations; “the devil-tongued youngsters of the garrison + have proved her undoing! I scarce know Jude any longer, and shall soon + take to admiring her sister, who is getting to be much more to my fancy.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad to hear this, Harry, and look upon it as a sign that you're + coming to your right senses. Hetty would make a much safer and more + rational companion than Jude, and would be much the most likely to listen + to your suit, as the officers have, I greatly fear, unsettled her sister's + mind.” + </p> + <p> + “No man needs a safer wife than Hetty,” said Hurry, laughing, “though I'll + not answer for her being of the most rational. But no matter; Deerslayer + has not misconceived me, when he told you I should be found at my post. + I'll not quit you, Uncle Tom, just now, whatever may be my feelin's and + intentions respecting your eldest darter.” + </p> + <p> + Hurry had a respectable reputation for prowess among his associates, and + Hutter heard this pledge with a satisfaction that was not concealed. Even + the great personal strength of such an aid became of moment, in moving the + ark, as well as in the species of hand-to-hand conflicts, that were not + unfrequent in the woods; and no commander who was hard pressed could feel + more joy at hearing of the arrival of reinforcements, than the borderer + experienced at being told this important auxiliary was not about to quit + him. A minute before, Hutter would have been well content to compromise + his danger, by entering into a compact to act only on the defensive; but + no sooner did he feel some security on this point, than the restlessness + of man induced him to think of the means of carrying the war into the + enemy's country. + </p> + <p> + “High prices are offered for scalps on both sides,” he observed, with a + grim smile, as if he felt the force of the inducement, at the very time he + wished to affect a superiority to earning money by means that the ordinary + feelings of those who aspire to be civilized men repudiated, even while + they were adopted. “It isn't right, perhaps, to take gold for human blood; + and yet, when mankind is busy in killing one another, there can be no + great harm in adding a little bit of skin to the plunder. What's your + sentiments, Hurry, touching these p'ints?” + </p> + <p> + “That you've made a vast mistake, old man, in calling savage blood human + blood, at all. I think no more of a red-skin's scalp than I do of a pair + of wolf's ears; and would just as lief finger money for the one as for the + other. With white people 't is different, for they've a nat'ral avarsion + to being scalped; whereas your Indian shaves his head in readiness for the + knife, and leaves a lock of hair by way of braggadocio, that one can lay + hold of in the bargain.” + </p> + <p> + “That's manly, however, and I felt from the first that we had only to get + you on our side, to have your heart and hand,” returned Tom, losing all + his reserve, as he gained a renewed confidence in the disposition of his + companions. “Something more may turn up from this inroad of the red-skins + than they bargained for. Deerslayer, I conclude you're of Hurry's way of + thinking, and look upon money 'arned in this way as being as likely to + pass as money 'arned in trapping or hunting.” + </p> + <p> + “I've no such feelin', nor any wish to harbor it, not I,” returned the + other. “My gifts are not scalpers' gifts, but such as belong to my + religion and color. I'll stand by you, old man, in the ark or in the + castle, the canoe or the woods, but I'll not unhumanize my natur' by + falling into ways that God intended for another race. If you and Hurry + have got any thoughts that lean towards the colony's gold, go by + yourselves in s'arch of it, and leave the females to my care. Much as I + must differ from you both on all gifts that do not properly belong to a + white man, we shall agree that it is the duty of the strong to take care + of the weak, especially when the last belong to them that natur' intended + man to protect and console by his gentleness and strength.” + </p> + <p> + “Hurry Harry, that is a lesson you might learn and practise on to some + advantage,” said the sweet, but spirited voice of Judith, from the cabin; + a proof that she had over-heard all that had hitherto been said. + </p> + <p> + “No more of this, Jude,” called out the father angrily. “Move farther off; + we are about to talk of matters unfit for a woman to listen to.” + </p> + <p> + Hutter did not take any steps, however, to ascertain whether he was obeyed + or not; but dropping his voice a little, he pursued the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “The young man is right, Hurry,” he said; “and we can leave the children + in his care. Now, my idea is just this; and I think you'll agree that it + is rational and correct. There's a large party of these savages on shore + and, though I didn't tell it before the girls, for they're womanish, and + apt to be troublesome when anything like real work is to be done, there's + women among 'em. This I know from moccasin prints; and 't is likely they + are hunters, after all, who have been out so long that they know nothing + of the war, or of the bounties.” + </p> + <p> + “In which case, old Tom, why was their first salute an attempt to cut our + throats?” + </p> + <p> + “We don't know that their design was so bloody. It's natural and easy for + an Indian to fall into ambushes and surprises; and, no doubt they wished + to get on board the ark first, and to make their conditions afterwards. + That a disapp'inted savage should fire at us, is in rule; and I think + nothing of that. Besides, how often they burned me out, and robbed my + traps—ay, and pulled trigger on me, in the most peaceful times?” + </p> + <p> + “The blackguards will do such things, I must allow; and we pay 'em off + pretty much in their own c'ine. Women would not be on the war-path, + sartainly; and, so far, there's reason in your idee.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor would a hunter be in his war-paint,” returned Deerslayer. “I saw the + Mingos, and know that they are out on the trail of mortal men; and not for + beaver or deer.” + </p> + <p> + “There you have it ag'in, old fellow,” said Hurry. “In the way of an eye, + now, I'd as soon trust this young man, as trust the oldest settler in the + colony; if he says paint, why paint it was.” + </p> + <p> + “Then a hunting-party and a war-party have met, for women must have been + with 'em. It's only a few days since the runner went through with the + tidings of the troubles; and it may be that warriors have come out to call + in their women and children, to get an early blow.” + </p> + <p> + “That would stand the courts, and is just the truth,” cried Hurry; “you've + got it now, old Tom, and I should like to hear what you mean to make out + of it.” + </p> + <p> + “The bounty,” returned the other, looking up at his attentive companion in + a cool, sullen manner, in which, however, heartless cupidity and + indifference to the means were far more conspicuous than any feelings of + animosity or revenge. + </p> + <p> + “If there's women, there's children; and big and little have scalps; the + colony pays for all alike.” + </p> + <p> + “More shame to it, that it should do so,” interrupted Deerslayer; “more + shame to it, that it don't understand its gifts, and pay greater attention + to the will of God.” + </p> + <p> + “Hearken to reason, lad, and don't cry out afore you understand a case,” + returned the unmoved Hurry; “the savages scalp your fri'nds, the + Delawares, or Mohicans whichever they may be, among the rest; and why + shouldn't we scalp? I will own, it would be ag'in right for you and me + now, to go into the settlements and bring out scalps, but it's a very + different matter as concerns Indians. A man shouldn't take scalps, if he + isn't ready to be scalped, himself, on fitting occasions. One good turn + desarves another, the world over. That's reason, and I believe it to be + good religion.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Master Hurry,” again interrupted the rich voice of Judith, “is it + religion to say that one bad turn deserves another?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll never reason ag'in you, Judy, for you beat me with beauty, if you + can't with sense. Here's the Canadas paying their Injins for scalps, and + why not we pay—” + </p> + <p> + “Our Indians!” exclaimed the girl, laughing with a sort of melancholy + merriment. “Father, father! think no more of this, and listen to the + advice of Deerslayer, who has a conscience; which is more than I can say + or think of Harry March.” + </p> + <p> + Hutter now rose, and, entering the cabin, he compelled his daughters to go + into the adjoining room, when he secured both the doors, and returned. + Then he and Hurry pursued the subject; but, as the purport of all that was + material in this discourse will appear in the narrative, it need not be + related here in detail. The reader, however, can have no difficulty in + comprehending the morality that presided over their conference. It was, in + truth, that which, in some form or other, rules most of the acts of men, + and in which the controlling principle is that one wrong will justify + another. Their enemies paid for scalps, and this was sufficient to justify + the colony for retaliating. It is true, the French used the same argument, + a circumstance, as Hurry took occasion to observe in answer to one of + Deerslayer's objections, that proved its truth, as mortal enemies would + not be likely to have recourse to the same reason unless it were a good + one. But neither Hutter nor Hurry was a man likely to stick at trifles in + matters connected with the right of the aborigines, since it is one of the + consequences of aggression that it hardens the conscience, as the only + means of quieting it. In the most peaceable state of the country, a + species of warfare was carried on between the Indians, especially those of + the Canadas, and men of their caste; and the moment an actual and + recognized warfare existed, it was regarded as the means of lawfully + revenging a thousand wrongs, real and imaginary. Then, again, there was + some truth, and a good deal of expediency, in the principle of + retaliation, of which they both availed themselves, in particular, to + answer the objections of their juster-minded and more scrupulous + companion. + </p> + <p> + “You must fight a man with his own we'pons, Deerslayer,” cried Hurry, in + his uncouth dialect, and in his dogmatical manner of disposing of all oral + propositions; “if he's f'erce you must be f'ercer; if he's stout of heart, + you must be stouter. This is the way to get the better of Christian or + savage: by keeping up to this trail, you'll get soonest to the ind of your + journey.” + </p> + <p> + “That's not Moravian doctrine, which teaches that all are to be judged + according to their talents or l'arning; the Injin like an Injin; and the + white man like a white man. Some of their teachers say, that if you're + struck on the cheek, it's a duty to turn the other side of the face, and + take another blow, instead of seeking revenge, whereby I understand—” + </p> + <p> + “That's enough!” shouted Hurry; “that's all I want, to prove a man's + doctrine! How long would it take to kick a man through the colony—in + at one ind and out at the other, on that principle?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't mistake me, March,” returned the young hunter, with dignity; “I + don't understand by this any more than that it's best to do this, if + possible. Revenge is an Injin gift, and forgiveness a white man's. That's + all. Overlook all you can is what's meant; and not revenge all you can. As + for kicking, Master Hurry,” and Deerslayer's sunburnt cheek flushed as he + continued, “into the colony, or out of the colony, that's neither here nor + there, seeing no one proposes it, and no one would be likely to put up + with it. What I wish to say is, that a red-skin's scalping don't justify a + pale-face's scalping.” + </p> + <p> + “Do as you're done by, Deerslayer; that's ever the Christian parson's + doctrine.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Hurry, I've asked the Moravians consarning that; and it's altogether + different. 'Do as you would be done by,' they tell me, is the true saying, + while men practyse the false. They think all the colonies wrong that offer + bounties for scalps, and believe no blessing will follow the measures. + Above all things, they forbid revenge.” + </p> + <p> + “That for your Moravians!” cried March, snapping his fingers; “they're the + next thing to Quakers; and if you'd believe all they tell you, not even a + 'rat would be skinned, out of marcy. Who ever heard of marcy on a + muskrat!” + </p> + <p> + The disdainful manner of Hurry prevented a reply, and he and the old man + resumed the discussion of their plans in a more quiet and confidential + manner. This confidence lasted until Judith appeared, bearing the simple + but savory supper. March observed, with a little surprise, that she placed + the choicest bits before Deerslayer, and that in the little nameless + attentions it was in her power to bestow, she quite obviously manifested a + desire to let it be seen that she deemed him the honored guest. + Accustomed, however, to the waywardness and coquetry of the beauty, this + discovery gave him little concern, and he ate with an appetite that was in + no degree disturbed by any moral causes. The easily-digested food of the + forests offering the fewest possible obstacles to the gratification of + this great animal indulgence, Deerslayer, notwithstanding the hearty meal + both had taken in the woods, was in no manner behind his companion in + doing justice to the viands. + </p> + <p> + An hour later the scene had greatly changed. The lake was still placid and + glassy, but the gloom of the hour had succeeded to the soft twilight of a + summer evening, and all within the dark setting of the woods lay in the + quiet repose of night. The forests gave up no song, or cry, or even + murmur, but looked down from the hills on the lovely basin they encircled, + in solemn stillness; and the only sound that was audible was the regular + dip of the sweeps, at which Hurry and Deerslayer lazily pushed, impelling + the ark towards the castle. Hutter had withdrawn to the stern of the scow, + in order to steer, but, finding that the young men kept even strokes, and + held the desired course by their own skill, he permitted the oar to drag + in the water, took a seat on the end of the vessel, and lighted his pipe. + He had not been thus placed many minutes, ere Hetty came stealthily out of + the cabin, or house, as they usually termed that part of the ark, and + placed herself at his feet, on a little bench that she brought with her. + As this movement was by no means unusual in his feeble-minded child, the + old man paid no other attention to it than to lay his hand kindly on her + head, in an affectionate and approving manner; an act of grace that the + girl received in meek silence. + </p> + <p> + After a pause of several minutes, Hetty began to sing. Her voice was low + and tremulous, but it was earnest and solemn. The words and the tune were + of the simplest form, the first being a hymn that she had been taught by + her mother, and the last one of those natural melodies that find favor + with all classes, in every age, coming from and being addressed to the + feelings. Hutter never listened to this simple strain without finding his + heart and manner softened; facts that his daughter well knew, and by which + she had often profited, through the sort of holy instinct that enlightens + the weak of mind, more especially in their aims toward good. + </p> + <p> + Hetty's low, sweet tones had not been raised many moments, when the dip of + the oars ceased, and the holy strain arose singly on the breathing silence + of the wilderness. As if she gathered courage with the theme, her powers + appeared to increase as she proceeded; and though nothing vulgar or noisy + mingled in her melody, its strength and melancholy tenderness grew on the + ear, until the air was filled with this simple homage of a soul that + seemed almost spotless. That the men forward were not indifferent to this + touching interruption, was proved by their inaction; nor did their oars + again dip until the last of the sweet sounds had actually died among the + remarkable shores, which, at that witching hour, would waft even the + lowest modulations of the human voice more than a mile. Hutter was much + affected; for rude as he was by early habits, and even ruthless as he had + got to be by long exposure to the practices of the wilderness, his nature + was of that fearful mixture of good and evil that so generally enters into + the moral composition of man. + </p> + <p> + “You are sad to-night, child,” said the father, whose manner and language + usually assumed some of the gentleness and elevation of the civilized life + he had led in youth, when he thus communed with this particular child; “we + have just escaped from enemies, and ought rather to rejoice.” + </p> + <p> + “You can never do it, father!” said Hetty, in a low, remonstrating manner, + taking his hard, knotty hand into both her own; “you have talked long with + Harry March; but neither of you have the heart to do it!” + </p> + <p> + “This is going beyond your means, foolish child; you must have been + naughty enough to have listened, or you could know nothing of our talk.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should you and Hurry kill people—especially women and + children?” + </p> + <p> + “Peace, girl, peace; we are at war, and must do to our enemies as our + enemies would do to us.” + </p> + <p> + “That's not it, father! I heard Deerslayer say how it was. You must do to + your enemies as you wish your enemies would do to you. No man wishes his + enemies to kill him.” + </p> + <p> + “We kill our enemies in war, girl, lest they should kill us. One side or + the other must begin; and them that begin first, are most apt to get the + victory. You know nothing about these things, poor Hetty, and had best say + nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Judith says it is wrong, father; and Judith has sense though I have + none.” + </p> + <p> + “Jude understands better than to talk to me of these matters; for she has + sense, as you say, and knows I'll not bear it. Which would you prefer, + Hetty; to have your own scalp taken, and sold to the French, or that we + should kill our enemies, and keep them from harming us?” + </p> + <p> + “That's not it, father! Don't kill them, nor let them kill us. Sell your + skins, and get more, if you can; but don't sell human blood.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, child; let us talk of matters you understand. Are you glad to + see our old friend, March, back again? You like Hurry, and must know that + one day he may be your brother—if not something nearer.” + </p> + <p> + “That can't be, father,” returned the girl, after a considerable pause; + “Hurry has had one father, and one mother; and people never have two.” + </p> + <p> + “So much for your weak mind, Hetty. When Jude marries, her husband's + father will be her father, and her husband's sister her sister. If she + should marry Hurry, then he will be your brother.” + </p> + <p> + “Judith will never have Hurry,” returned the girl mildly, but positively; + “Judith don't like Hurry.” + </p> + <p> + “That's more than you can know, Hetty. Harry March is the handsomest, and + the strongest, and the boldest young man that ever visits the lake; and, + as Jude is the greatest beauty, I don't see why they shouldn't come + together. He has as much as promised that he will enter into this job with + me, on condition that I'll consent.” + </p> + <p> + Hetty began to move her body back and forth, and other-wise to express + mental agitation; but she made no answer for more than a minute. Her + father, accustomed to her manner, and suspecting no immediate cause of + concern, continued to smoke with the apparent phlegm which would seem to + belong to that particular species of enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + “Hurry is handsome, father,” said Hetty, with a simple emphasis, that she + might have hesitated about using, had her mind been more alive to the + inferences of others. + </p> + <p> + “I told you so, child,” muttered old Hutter, without removing the pipe + from between his teeth; “he's the likeliest youth in these parts; and Jude + is the likeliest young woman I've met with since her poor mother was in + her best days.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it wicked to be ugly, father?'” + </p> + <p> + “One might be guilty of worse things—but you're by no means ugly; + though not so comely as Jude.” + </p> + <p> + “Is Judith any happier for being so handsome?” + </p> + <p> + “She may be, child, and she may not be. But talk of other matters now, for + you hardly understand these, poor Hetty. How do you like our new + acquaintance, Deerslayer?” + </p> + <p> + “He isn't handsome, father. Hurry is far handsomer than Deerslayer.” + </p> + <p> + “That's true; but they say he is a noted hunter! His fame had reached me + before I ever saw him; and I did hope he would prove to be as stout a + warrior as he is dexterous with the deer. All men are not alike, howsever, + child; and it takes time, as I know by experience, to give a man a true + wilderness heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Have I got a wilderness heart, father—and Hurry, is his heart true + wilderness?” + </p> + <p> + “You sometimes ask queer questions, Hetty! Your heart is good, child, and + fitter for the settlements than for the woods; while your reason is fitter + for the woods than for the settlements.” + </p> + <p> + “Why has Judith more reason than I, father?” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven help thee, child: this is more than I can answer. God gives sense, + and appearance, and all these things; and he grants them as he seeth fit. + Dost thou wish for more sense?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I. The little I have troubles me; for when I think the hardest, then + I feel the unhappiest. I don't believe thinking is good for me, though I + do wish I was as handsome as Judith!” + </p> + <p> + “Why so, poor child? Thy sister's beauty may cause her trouble, as it + caused her mother before her. It's no advantage, Hetty, to be so marked + for anything as to become an object of envy, or to be sought after more + than others.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother was good, if she was handsome,” returned the girl, the tears + starting to her eyes, as usually happened when she adverted to her + deceased parent. + </p> + <p> + Old Hutter, if not equally affected, was moody and silent at this allusion + to his wife. He continued smoking, without appearing disposed to make any + answer, until his simple-minded daughter repeated her remark, in a way to + show that she felt uneasiness lest he might be inclined to deny her + assertion. Then he knocked the ashes out of his pipe, and laying his hand + in a sort of rough kindness on the girl's head, he made a reply. + </p> + <p> + “Thy mother was too good for this world,” he said; “though others might + not think so. Her good looks did not befriend her; and you have no + occasion to mourn that you are not as much like her as your sister. Think + less of beauty, child, and more of your duty, and you'll be as happy on + this lake as you could be in the king's palace.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it, father; but Hurry says beauty is everything in a young woman.” + </p> + <p> + Hutter made an ejaculation expressive of dissatisfaction, and went + forward, passing through the house in order to do so. Hetty's simple + betrayal of her weakness in behalf of March gave him uneasiness on a + subject concerning which he had never felt before, and he determined to + come to an explanation at once with his visitor; for directness of speech + and decision in conduct were two of the best qualities of this rude being, + in whom the seeds of a better education seemed to be constantly struggling + upwards, to be choked by the fruits of a life in which his hard struggles + for subsistence and security had steeled his feelings and indurated his + nature. When he reached the forward end of the scow, he manifested an + intention to relieve Deerslayer at the oar, directing the latter to take + his own place aft. By these changes, the old man and Hurry were again left + alone, while the young hunter was transferred to the other end of the ark. + </p> + <p> + Hetty had disappeared when Deerslayer reached his new post, and for some + little time he directed the course of the slow-moving craft by himself. It + was not long, however, before Judith came out of the cabin, as if disposed + to do the honors of the place to a stranger engaged in the service of her + family. The starlight was sufficient to permit objects to be plainly + distinguished when near at hand, and the bright eyes of the girl had an + expression of kindness in them, when they met those of the youth, that the + latter was easily enabled to discover. Her rich hair shaded her spirited + and yet soft countenance, even at that hour rendering it the more + beautiful—as the rose is loveliest when reposing amid the shadows + and contrasts of its native foliage. Little ceremony is used in the + intercourse of the woods; and Judith had acquired a readiness of address, + by the admiration that she so generally excited, which, if it did not + amount to forwardness, certainly in no degree lent to her charms the aid + of that retiring modesty on which poets love to dwell. + </p> + <p> + “I thought I should have killed myself with laughing, Deerslayer,” the + beauty abruptly but coquettishly commenced, “when I saw that Indian dive + into the river! He was a good-looking savage, too,” the girl always dwelt + on personal beauty as a sort of merit, “and yet one couldn't stop to + consider whether his paint would stand water!” + </p> + <p> + “And I thought they would have killed you with their we'pons, Judith,” + returned Deerslayer; “it was an awful risk for a female to run in the face + of a dozen Mingos!” + </p> + <p> + “Did that make you come out of the cabin, in spite of their rifles, too?” + asked the girl, with more real interest than she would have cared to + betray, though with an indifference of manner that was the result of a + good deal of practice united to native readiness. + </p> + <p> + “Men ar'n't apt to see females in danger, and not come to their + assistance. Even a Mingo knows that.” + </p> + <p> + This sentiment was uttered with as much simplicity of manner as of + feeling, and Judith rewarded it with a smile so sweet, that even + Deerslayer, who had imbibed a prejudice against the girl in consequence of + Hurry's suspicions of her levity, felt its charm, notwithstanding half its + winning influence was lost in the feeble light. It at once created a sort + of confidence between them, and the discourse was continued on the part of + the hunter, without the lively consciousness of the character of this + coquette of the wilderness, with which it had certainly commenced. + </p> + <p> + “You are a man of deeds, and not of words, I see plainly, Deerslayer,” + continued the beauty, taking her seat near the spot where the other stood, + “and I foresee we shall be very good friends. Hurry Harry has a tongue, + and, giant as he is, he talks more than he performs.” + </p> + <p> + “March is your fri'nd, Judith; and fri'nds should be tender of each other, + when apart.” + </p> + <p> + “We all know what Hurry's friendship comes to! Let him have his own way in + everything, and he's the best fellow in the colony; but 'head him off,' as + you say of the deer, and he is master of everything near him but himself. + Hurry is no favorite of mine, Deerslayer; and I dare say, if the truth was + known, and his conversation about me repeated, it would be found that he + thinks no better of me than I own I do of him.” + </p> + <p> + The latter part of this speech was not uttered without uneasiness. Had the + girl's companion been more sophisticated, he might have observed the + averted face, the manner in which the pretty little foot was agitated, and + other signs that, for some unexplained reason, the opinions of March were + not quite as much a matter of indifference to her as she thought fit to + pretend. Whether this was no more than the ordinary working of female + vanity, feeling keenly even when it affected not to feel at all, or + whether it proceeded from that deeply-seated consciousness of right and + wrong which God himself has implanted in our breasts that we may know good + from evil, will be made more apparent to the reader as we proceed in the + tale. Deerslayer felt embarrassed. He well remembered the cruel + imputations left by March's distrust; and, while he did not wish to injure + his associate's suit by exciting resentment against him, his tongue was + one that literally knew no guile. To answer without saying more or less + than he wished, was consequently a delicate duty. + </p> + <p> + “March has his say of all things in natur', whether of fri'nd or foe,” + slowly and cautiously rejoined the hunter. “He's one of them that speak as + they feel while the tongue's a-going, and that's sometimes different from + what they'd speak if they took time to consider. Give me a Delaware, + Judith, for one that reflects and ruminates on his idees! Inmity has made + him thoughtful, and a loose tongue is no ricommend at their council + fires.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say March's tongue goes free enough when it gets on the subject of + Judith Hutter and her sister,” said the girl, rousing herself as if in + careless disdain. “Young women's good names are a pleasant matter of + discourse with some that wouldn't dare be so open-mouthed if there was a + brother in the way. Master March may find it pleasant to traduce us, but + sooner or later he'll repent. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Judith, this is taking the matter up too much in 'arnest. Hurry has + never whispered a syllable ag'in the good name of Hetty, to begin with—” + </p> + <p> + “I see how it is—I see how it is,” impetuously interrupted Judith. + “I am the one he sees fit to scorch with his withering tongue! Hetty, + indeed! Poor Hetty!” she continued, her voice sinking into low, husky + tones, that seemed nearly to stifle her in the utterance; “she is beyond + and above his slanderous malice! Poor Hetty! If God has created her + feeble-minded, the weakness lies altogether on the side of errors of which + she seems to know nothing. The earth never held a purer being than Hetty + Hutter, Deerslayer.” + </p> + <p> + “I can believe it—yes, I can believe that, Judith, and I hope + 'arnestly that the same can be said of her handsome sister.” + </p> + <p> + There was a soothing sincerity in the voice of Deerslayer, which touched + the girl's feelings; nor did the allusion to her beauty lessen the effect + with one who only knew too well the power of her personal charms. + Nevertheless, the still, small voice of conscience was not hushed, and it + prompted the answer which she made, after giving herself time to reflect. + </p> + <p> + “I dare say Hurry had some of his vile hints about the people of the + garrisons,” she added. “He knows they are gentlemen, and can never forgive + any one for being what he feels he can never become himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Not in the sense of a king's officer, Judith, sartainly, for March has no + turn thataway; but in the sense of reality, why may not a beaver-hunter be + as respectable as a governor? Since you speak of it yourself, I'll not + deny that he did complain of one as humble as you being so much in the + company of scarlet coats and silken sashes. But 't was jealousy that + brought it out of him, and I do think he mourned over his own thoughts as + a mother would have mourned over her child.” + </p> + <p> + Perhaps Deerslayer was not aware of the full meaning that his earnest + language conveyed. It is certain that he did not see the color that + crimsoned the whole of Judith's fine face, nor detect the uncontrollable + distress that immediately after changed its hue to deadly paleness. A + minute or two elapsed in profound stillness, the splash of the water + seeming to occupy all the avenues of sound; and then Judith arose, and + grasped the hand of the hunter, almost convulsively, with one of her own. + </p> + <p> + “Deerslayer,” she said, hurriedly, “I'm glad the ice is broke between us. + They say that sudden friendships lead to long enmities, but I do not + believe it will turn out so with us. I know not how it is—but you + are the first man I ever met, who did not seem to wish to flatter—to + wish my ruin—to be an enemy in disguise—never mind; say + nothing to Hurry, and another time we'll talk together again.” + </p> + <p> + As the girl released her grasp, she vanished in the house, leaving the + astonished young man standing at the steering-oar, as motionless as one of + the pines on the hills. So abstracted, indeed, had his thoughts become, + that he was hailed by Hutter to keep the scow's head in the right + direction, before he remembered his actual situation. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “So spake the apostate Angel, though in pain, + Vaunting aloud, but racked with deep despair.” + + Paradise lost, I. 125-26. +</pre> + <p> + Shortly after the disappearance of Judith, a light southerly air arose, + and Hutter set a large square sail, that had once been the flying top-sail + of an Albany sloop, but which having become threadbare in catching the + breezes of Tappan, had been condemned and sold. He had a light, tough spar + of tamarack that he could raise on occasion, and with a little + contrivance, his duck was spread to the wind in a sufficiently + professional manner. The effect on the ark was such as to supersede the + necessity of rowing; and in about two hours the castle was seen, in the + darkness, rising out of the water, at the distance of a hundred yards. The + sail was then lowered, and by slow degrees the scow drifted up to the + building, and was secured. + </p> + <p> + No one had visited the house since Hurry and his companion left it. The + place was found in the quiet of midnight, a sort of type of the solitude + of a wilderness. As an enemy was known to be near, Hutter directed his + daughters to abstain from the use of lights, luxuries in which they seldom + indulged during the warm months, lest they might prove beacons to direct + their foes where they might be found. + </p> + <p> + “In open daylight I shouldn't fear a host of savages behind these stout + logs, and they without any cover to skulk into,” added Hutter, when he had + explained to his guests the reasons why he forbade the use of light; “for + I've three or four trusty weapons always loaded, and Killdeer, in + particular, is a piece that never misses. But it's a different thing at + night. A canoe might get upon us unseen, in the dark; and the savages have + so many cunning ways of attacking, that I look upon it as bad enough to + deal with 'em under a bright sun. I built this dwelling in order to have + 'em at arm's length, in case we should ever get to blows again. Some + people think it's too open and exposed, but I'm for anchoring out here, + clear of underbrush and thickets, as the surest means of making a safe + berth.” + </p> + <p> + “You was once a sailor, they tell me, old Tom?” said Hurry, in his abrupt + manner, struck by one or two expressions that the other had just used, + “and some people believe you could give us strange accounts of inimies and + shipwrecks, if you'd a mind to come out with all you know?” + </p> + <p> + “There are people in this world, Hurry,” returned the other, evasively, + “who live on other men's thoughts; and some such often find their way into + the woods. What I've been, or what I've seen in youth, is of less matter + now than what the savages are. It's of more account to find out what will + happen in the next twenty-four hours than to talk over what happened + twenty-four years since.” + </p> + <p> + “That's judgment, Deerslayer; yes, that's sound judgment. Here's Judith + and Hetty to take care of, to say nothing of our own top-knots; and, for + my part, I can sleep as well in the dark as I could under a noonday sun. + To me it's no great matter whether there is light or not, to see to shut + my eyes by.” + </p> + <p> + As Deerslayer seldom thought it necessary to answer his companion's + peculiar vein of humor, and Hutter was evidently indisposed to dwell + longer on the subject, it's discussion ceased with this remark. The latter + had something more on his mind, however, than recollections. His daughters + had no sooner left them, with an expressed intention of going to bed, than + he invited his two companions to follow him again into the scow. Here the + old man opened his project, keeping back the portion that he had reserved + for execution by Hurry and himself. + </p> + <p> + “The great object for people posted like ourselves is to command the + water,” he commenced. “So long as there is no other craft on the lake, a + bark canoe is as good as a man-of-war, since the castle will not be easily + taken by swimming. Now, there are but five canoes remaining in these + parts, two of which are mine, and one is Hurry's. These three we have with + us here; one being fastened in the canoe-dock beneath the house, and the + other two being alongside the scow. The other canoes are housed on the + shore, in hollow logs, and the savages, who are such venomous enemies, + will leave no likely place unexamined in the morning, if they 're serious + in s'arch of bounties—” + </p> + <p> + “Now, friend Hutter,” interrupted Hurry, “the Indian don't live that can + find a canoe that is suitably wintered. I've done something at this + business before now, and Deerslayer here knows that I am one that can hide + a craft in such a way that I can't find it myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, Hurry,” put in the person to whom the appeal had been made, + “but you overlook the sarcumstance that if you couldn't see the trail of + the man who did the job, I could. I'm of Master Hutter's mind, that it's + far wiser to mistrust a savage's ingenuity, than to build any great + expectations on his want of eye-sight. If these two canoes can be got off + to the castle, therefore, the sooner it's done the better.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you be of the party that's to do it?” demanded Hutter, in a way to + show that the proposal both surprised and pleased him. + </p> + <p> + “Sartain. I'm ready to enlist in any enterprise that's not ag'in a white + man's lawful gifts. Natur' orders us to defend our lives, and the lives of + others, too, when there's occasion and opportunity. I'll follow you, + Floating Tom, into the Mingo camp, on such an arr'nd, and will strive to + do my duty, should we come to blows; though, never having been tried in + battle, I don't like to promise more than I may be able to perform. We all + know our wishes, but none know their might till put to the proof.” + </p> + <p> + “That's modest and suitable, lad,” exclaimed Hurry. “You've never yet + heard the crack of an angry rifle; and, let me tell you, 'tis as different + from the persuasion of one of your venison speeches, as the laugh of + Judith Hutter, in her best humor, is from the scolding of a Dutch house + keeper on the Mohawk. I don't expect you'll prove much of a warrior, + Deerslayer, though your equal with the bucks and the does don't exist in + all these parts. As for the ra'al sarvice, however, you'll turn out rather + rearward, according to my consait.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll see, Hurry, we'll see,” returned the other, meekly; so far as human + eye could discover, not at all disturbed by these expressed doubts + concerning his conduct on a point on which men are sensitive, precisely in + the degree that they feel the consciousness of demerit; “having never been + tried, I'll wait to know, before I form any opinion of myself; and then + there'll be sartainty, instead of bragging. I've heard of them that was + valiant afore the fight, who did little in it; and of them that waited to + know their own tempers, and found that they weren't as bad as some + expected, when put to the proof.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, we know you can use a paddle, young man,” said Hutter, “and + that's all we shall ask of you to-night. Let us waste no more time, but + get into the canoe, and do, in place of talking.” + </p> + <p> + As Hutter led the way, in the execution of his project, the boat was soon + ready, with Hurry and Deerslayer at the paddles. Before the old man + embarked himself, however, he held a conference of several minutes with + Judith, entering the house for that purpose; then, returning, he took his + place in the canoe, which left the side of the ark at the next instant. + </p> + <p> + Had there been a temple reared to God, in that solitary wilderness, its + clock would have told the hour of midnight as the party set forth on their + expedition. The darkness had increased, though the night was still clear, + and the light of the stars sufficed for all the purposes of the + adventurers. Hutter alone knew the places where the canoes were hid, and + he directed the course, while his two athletic companions raised and + dipped their paddles with proper caution, lest the sound should be carried + to the ears of their enemies, across that sheet of placid water, in the + stillness of deep night. But the bark was too light to require any + extraordinary efforts, and skill supplying the place of strength, in about + half an hour they were approaching the shore, at a point near a league + from the castle. + </p> + <p> + “Lay on your paddles, men,” said Hutter, in a low voice, “and let us look + about us for a moment. We must now be all eyes and ears, for these vermin + have noses like bloodhounds.” + </p> + <p> + The shores of the lake were examined closely, in order to discover any + glimmering of light that might have been left in a camp; and the men + strained their eyes, in the obscurity, to see if some thread of smoke was + not still stealing along the mountainside, as it arose from the dying + embers of a fire. Nothing unusual could be traced; and as the position was + at some distance from the outlet, or the spot where the savages had been + met, it was thought safe to land. The paddles were plied again, and the + bows of the canoe ground upon the gravelly beach with a gentle motion, and + a sound barely audible. Hutter and Hurry immediately landed, the former + carrying his own and his friend's rifle, leaving Deerslayer in charge of + the canoe. The hollow log lay a little distance up the side of the + mountain, and the old man led the way towards it, using so much caution as + to stop at every third or fourth step, to listen if any tread betrayed the + presence of a foe. The same death-like stillness, however, reigned on the + midnight scene, and the desired place was reached without an occurrence to + induce alarm. + </p> + <p> + “This is it,” whispered Hutter, laying a foot on the trunk of a fallen + linden; “hand me the paddles first, and draw the boat out with care, for + the wretches may have left it for a bait, after all.” + </p> + <p> + “Keep my rifle handy, butt towards me, old fellow,” answered March. “If + they attack me loaded, I shall want to unload the piece at 'em, at least. + And feel if the pan is full.” + </p> + <p> + “All's right,” muttered the other; “move slow, when you get your load, and + let me lead the way.” + </p> + <p> + The canoe was drawn out of the log with the utmost care, raised by Hurry + to his shoulder, and the two began to return to the shore, moving but a + step at a time, lest they should tumble down the steep declivity. The + distance was not great, but the descent was extremely difficult; and, + towards the end of their little journey, Deerslayer was obliged to land + and meet them, in order to aid in lifting the canoe through the bushes. + With his assistance the task was successfully accomplished, and the light + craft soon floated by the side of the other canoe. This was no sooner + done, than all three turned anxiously towards the forest and the mountain, + expecting an enemy to break out of the one, or to come rushing down the + other. Still the silence was unbroken, and they all embarked with the + caution that had been used in coming ashore. + </p> + <p> + Hutter now steered broad off towards the centre of the lake. Having got a + sufficient distance from the shore, he cast his prize loose, knowing that + it would drift slowly up the lake before the light southerly air, and + intending to find it on his return. Thus relieved of his tow, the old man + held his way down the lake, steering towards the very point where Hurry + had made his fruitless attempt on the life of the deer. As the distance + from this point to the outlet was less than a mile, it was like entering + an enemy's country; and redoubled caution became necessary. They reached + the extremity of the point, however, and landed in safety on the little + gravelly beach already mentioned. Unlike the last place at which they had + gone ashore, here was no acclivity to ascend, the mountains looming up in + the darkness quite a quarter of a mile farther west, leaving a margin of + level ground between them and the strand. The point itself, though long, + and covered with tall trees, was nearly flat, and for some distance only a + few yards in width. Hutter and Hurry landed as before, leaving their + companion in charge of the boat. + </p> + <p> + In this instance, the dead tree that contained the canoe of which they had + come in quest lay about half-way between the extremity of the narrow slip + of land and the place where it joined the main shore; and knowing that + there was water so near him on his left, the old man led the way along the + eastern side of the belt with some confidence walking boldly, though still + with caution. He had landed at the point expressly to get a glimpse into + the bay and to make certain that the coast was clear; otherwise he would + have come ashore directly abreast of the hollow tree. There was no + difficulty in finding the latter, from which the canoe was drawn as + before, and instead of carrying it down to the place where Deerslayer lay, + it was launched at the nearest favorable spot. As soon as it was in the + water, Hurry entered it, and paddled round to the point, whither Hutter + also proceeded, following the beach. As the three men had now in their + possession all the boats on the lake, their confidence was greatly + increased, and there was no longer the same feverish desire to quit the + shore, or the same necessity for extreme caution. Their position on the + extremity of the long, narrow bit of land added to the feeling of + security, as it permitted an enemy to approach in only one direction, that + in their front, and under circumstances that would render discovery, with + their habitual vigilance, almost certain. The three now landed together, + and stood grouped in consultation on the gravelly point. + </p> + <p> + “We've fairly tree'd the scamps,” said Hurry, chuckling at their success; + “if they wish to visit the castle, let 'em wade or swim! Old Tom, that + idee of your'n, in burrowing out in the lake, was high proof, and carries + a fine bead. There be men who would think the land safer than the water; + but, after all, reason shows it isn't; the beaver, and rats, and other + l'arned creatur's taking to the last when hard pressed. I call our + position now, entrenched, and set the Canadas at defiance.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us paddle along this south shore,” said Hutter, “and see if there's + no sign of an encampment; but, first, let me have a better look into the + bay, for no one has been far enough round the inner shore of the point to + make suit of that quarter yet.” + </p> + <p> + As Hutter ceased speaking, all three moved in the direction he had named. + Scarce had they fairly opened the bottom of the bay, when a general start + proved that their eyes had lighted on a common object at the same instant. + It was no more than a dying brand, giving out its flickering and failing + light; but at that hour, and in that place, it was at once as conspicuous + as “a good deed in a naughty world.” There was not a shadow of doubt that + this fire had been kindled at an encampment of the Indians. The situation, + sheltered from observation on all sides but one, and even on that except + for a very short distance, proved that more care had been taken to conceal + the spot than would be used for ordinary purposes, and Hutter, who knew + that a spring was near at hand, as well as one of the best + fishing-stations on the lake, immediately inferred that this encampment + contained the women and children of the party. + </p> + <p> + “That's not a warrior's encampment,” he growled to Hurry; “and there's + bounty enough sleeping round that fire to make a heavy division of + head-money. Send the lad to the canoes, for there'll come no good of him + in such an onset, and let us take the matter in hand at once, like men.” + </p> + <p> + “There's judgment in your notion, old Tom, and I like it to the backbone. + Deerslayer, do you get into the canoe, lad, and paddle off into the lake + with the spare one, and set it adrift, as we did with the other; after + which you can float along shore, as near as you can get to the head of the + bay, keeping outside the point, howsever, and outside the rushes, too. You + can hear us when we want you; and if there's any delay, I'll call like a + loon—yes, that'll do it—the call of a loon shall be the + signal. If you hear rifles, and feel like sogering, why, you may close in, + and see if you can make the same hand with the savages that you do with + the deer.” + </p> + <p> + “If my wishes could be followed, this matter would not be undertaken, + Hurry——” + </p> + <p> + “Quite true—nobody denies it, boy; but your wishes can't be + followed; and that inds the matter. So just canoe yourself off into the + middle of the lake, and by the time you get back there'll be movements in + that camp!” + </p> + <p> + The young man set about complying with great reluctance and a heavy heart. + He knew the prejudices of the frontiermen too well, however, to attempt a + remonstrance. The latter, indeed, under the circumstances, might prove + dangerous, as it would certainly prove useless. He paddled the canoe, + therefore, silently and with the former caution, to a spot near the centre + of the placid sheet of water, and set the boat just recovered adrift, to + float towards the castle, before the light southerly air. This expedient + had been adopted, in both cases, under the certainty that the drift could + not carry the light barks more than a league or two, before the return of + light, when they might easily be overtaken in order to prevent any + wandering savage from using them, by swimming off and getting possession, + a possible but scarcely a probable event, all the paddles were retained. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had he set the recovered canoe adrift, than Deerslayer turned + the bows of his own towards the point on the shore that had been indicated + by Hurry. So light was the movement of the little craft, and so steady the + sweep of its master's arm, that ten minutes had not elapsed ere it was + again approaching the land, having, in that brief time, passed over fully + half a mile of distance. As soon as Deerslayer's eye caught a glimpse of + the rushes, of which there were many growing in the water a hundred feet + from the shore, he arrested the motion of the canoe, and anchored his boat + by holding fast to the delicate but tenacious stem of one of the drooping + plants. Here he remained, awaiting, with an intensity of suspense that can + be easily imagined, the result of the hazardous enterprise. + </p> + <p> + It would be difficult to convey to the minds of those who have never + witnessed it, the sublimity that characterizes the silence of a solitude + as deep as that which now reigned over the Glimmerglass. In the present + instance, this sublimity was increased by the gloom of night, which threw + its shadowy and fantastic forms around the lake, the forest, and the + hills. It is not easy, indeed, to conceive of any place more favorable to + heighten these natural impressions, than that Deerslayer now occupied. The + size of the lake brought all within the reach of human senses, while it + displayed so much of the imposing scene at a single view, giving up, as it + might be, at a glance, a sufficiency to produce the deepest impressions. + As has been said, this was the first lake Deerslayer had ever seen. + Hitherto, his experience had been limited to the courses of rivers and + smaller streams, and never before had he seen so much of that wilderness, + which he so well loved, spread before his gaze. Accustomed to the forest, + however, his mind was capable of portraying all its hidden mysteries, as + he looked upon its leafy surface. This was also the first time he had been + on a trail where human lives depended on the issue. His ears had often + drunk in the traditions of frontier warfare, but he had never yet been + confronted with an enemy. + </p> + <p> + The reader will readily understand, therefore, how intense must have been + the expectation of the young man, as he sat in his solitary canoe, + endeavoring to catch the smallest sound that might denote the course of + things on shore. His training had been perfect, so far as theory could go, + and his self-possession, notwithstanding the high excitement, that was the + fruit of novelty, would have done credit to a veteran. The visible + evidences of the existence of the camp, or of the fire could not be + detected from the spot where the canoe lay, and he was compelled to depend + on the sense of hearing alone. He did not feel impatient, for the lessons + he had heard taught him the virtue of patience, and, most of all, + inculcated the necessity of wariness in conducting any covert assault on + the Indians. Once he thought he heard the cracking of a dried twig, but + expectation was so intense it might mislead him. In this manner minute + after minute passed, until the whole time since he left his companions was + extended to quite an hour. Deerslayer knew not whether to rejoice in or to + mourn over this cautious delay, for, if it augured security to his + associates, it foretold destruction to the feeble and innocent. + </p> + <p> + It might have been an hour and a half after his companions and he had + parted, when Deerslayer was aroused by a sound that filled him equally + with concern and surprise. The quavering call of a loon arose from the + opposite side of the lake, evidently at no great distance from its outlet. + There was no mistaking the note of this bird, which is so familiar to all + who know the sounds of the American lakes. Shrill, tremulous, loud, and + sufficiently prolonged, it seems the very cry of warning. It is often + raised, also, at night, an exception to the habits of most of the other + feathered inmates of the wilderness; a circumstance which had induced + Hurry to select it as his own signal. There had been sufficient time, + certainly, for the two adventurers to make their way by land from the + point where they had been left to that whence the call had come, but it + was not probable that they would adopt such a course. Had the camp been + deserted they would have summoned Deerslayer to the shore, and, did it + prove to be peopled, there could be no sufficient motive for circling it, + in order to re-embark at so great a distance. Should he obey the signal, + and be drawn away from the landing, the lives of those who depended on him + might be the forfeit—and, should he neglect the call, on the + supposition that it had been really made, the consequences might be + equally disastrous, though from a different cause. In this indecision he + waited, trusting that the call, whether feigned or natural, would be + speedily renewed. Nor was he mistaken. A very few minutes elapsed before + the same shrill warning cry was repeated, and from the same part of the + lake. This time, being on the alert, his senses were not deceived. + Although he had often heard admirable imitations of this bird, and was no + mean adept himself in raising its notes, he felt satisfied that Hurry, to + whose efforts in that way he had attended, could never so completely and + closely follow nature. He determined, therefore, to disregard that cry, + and to wait for one less perfect and nearer at hand. + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer had hardly come to this determination, when the profound + stillness of night and solitude was broken by a cry so startling, as to + drive all recollection of the more melancholy call of the loon from the + listener's mind. It was a shriek of agony, that came either from one of + the female sex, or from a boy so young as not yet to have attained a manly + voice. This appeal could not be mistaken. Heart rending terror—if + not writhing agony—was in the sounds, and the anguish that had + awakened them was as sudden as it was fearful. The young man released his + hold of the rush, and dashed his paddle into the water; to do, he knew not + what—to steer, he knew not whither. A very few moments, however, + removed his indecision. The breaking of branches, the cracking of dried + sticks, and the fall of feet were distinctly audible; the sounds appearing + to approach the water though in a direction that led diagonally towards + the shore, and a little farther north than the spot that Deerslayer had + been ordered to keep near. Following this clue, the young man urged the + canoe ahead, paying but little attention to the manner in which he might + betray its presence. He had reached a part of the shore, where its + immediate bank was tolerably high and quite steep. Men were evidently + threshing through the bushes and trees on the summit of this bank, + following the line of the shore, as if those who fled sought a favorable + place for descending. Just at this instant five or six rifles flashed, and + the opposite hills gave back, as usual, the sharp reports in prolonged + rolling echoes. One or two shrieks, like those which escape the bravest + when suddenly overcome by unexpected anguish and alarm, followed; and then + the threshing among the bushes was renewed, in a way to show that man was + grappling with man. + </p> + <p> + “Slippery devil!” shouted Hurry with the fury of disappointment—“his + skin's greased! I sha'n't grapple! Take that for your cunning!” + </p> + <p> + The words were followed by the fall of some heavy object among the smaller + trees that fringed the bank, appearing to Deerslayer as if his gigantic + associate had hurled an enemy from him in this unceremonious manner. Again + the flight and pursuit were renewed, and then the young man saw a human + form break down the hill, and rush several yards into the water. At this + critical moment the canoe was just near enough to the spot to allow this + movement, which was accompanied by no little noise, to be seen, and + feeling that there he must take in his companion, if anywhere, Deerslayer + urged the canoe forward to the rescue. His paddle had not been raised + twice, when the voice of Hurry was heard filling the air with + imprecations, and he rolled on the narrow beach, literally loaded down + with enemies. While prostrate, and almost smothered with his foes, the + athletic frontierman gave his loon-call, in a manner that would have + excited laughter under circumstances less terrific. The figure in the + water seemed suddenly to repent his own flight, and rushed to the shore to + aid his companion, but was met and immediately overpowered by half a dozen + fresh pursuers, who, just then, came leaping down the bank. + </p> + <p> + “Let up, you painted riptyles—let up!” cried Hurry, too hard pressed + to be particular about the terms he used; “isn't it enough that I am + withed like a saw-log that ye must choke too!” + </p> + <p> + This speech satisfied Deerslayer that his friends were prisoners, and that + to land would be to share their fate. He was already within a hundred feet + of the shore, when a few timely strokes of the paddle not only arrested + his advance, but forced him off to six or eight times that distance from + his enemies. Luckily for him, all of the Indians had dropped their rifles + in the pursuit, or this retreat might not have been effected with + impunity; though no one had noted the canoe in the first confusion of the + melee. + </p> + <p> + “Keep off the land, lad,” called out Hutter; “the girls depend only on + you, now; you will want all your caution to escape these savages. Keep + off, and God prosper you, as you aid my children!” + </p> + <p> + There was little sympathy in general between Hutter and the young man, but + the bodily and mental anguish with which this appeal was made served at + the moment to conceal from the latter the former's faults. He saw only the + father in his sufferings, and resolved at once to give a pledge of + fidelity to its interests, and to be faithful to his word. + </p> + <p> + “Put your heart at ease, Master Hutter,” he called out; “the gals shall be + looked to, as well as the castle. The inimy has got the shore, 'tis no use + to deny, but he hasn't got the water. Providence has the charge of all, + and no one can say what will come of it; but, if good-will can sarve you + and your'n, depend on that much. My exper'ence is small, but my will is + good.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, Deerslayer,” returned Hurry, in this stentorian voice, which was + losing some of its heartiness, notwithstanding,—“Ay, ay, Deerslayer. + You mean well enough, but what can you do? You're no great matter in the + best of times, and such a person is not likely to turn out a miracle in + the worst. If there's one savage on this lake shore, there's forty, and + that's an army you ar'n't the man to overcome. The best way, in my + judgment, will be to make a straight course to the castle; get the gals + into the canoe, with a few eatables; then strike off for the corner of the + lake where we came in, and take the best trail for the Mohawk. These + devils won't know where to look for you for some hours, and if they did, + and went off hot in the pursuit, they must turn either the foot or the + head of the lake to get at you. That's my judgment in the matter; and if + old Tom here wishes to make his last will and testament in a manner + favorable to his darters, he'll say the same.” + </p> + <p> + “'Twill never do, young man,” rejoined Hutter. “The enemy has scouts out + at this moment, looking for canoes, and you'll be seen and taken. Trust to + the castle; and above all things, keep clear of the land. Hold out a week, + and parties from the garrisons will drive the savages off.” + </p> + <p> + “'Twon't be four-and-twenty hours, old fellow, afore these foxes will be + rafting off to storm your castle,” interrupted Hurry, with more of the + heat of argument than might be expected from a man who was bound and a + captive, and about whom nothing could be called free but his opinions and + his tongue. “Your advice has a stout sound, but it will have a fatal + tarmination. If you or I was in the house, we might hold out a few days, + but remember that this lad has never seen an inimy afore to-night, and is + what you yourself called settlement-conscienced; though for my part, I + think the consciences in the settlements pretty much the same as they are + out here in the woods. These savages are making signs, Deerslayer, for me + to encourage you to come ashore with the canoe; but that I'll never do, as + it's ag'in reason and natur'. As for old Tom and myself, whether they'll + scalp us to-night, keep us for the torture by fire, or carry us to Canada, + is more than any one knows but the devil that advises them how to act. + I've such a big and bushy head that it's quite likely they'll indivor to + get two scalps off it, for the bounty is a tempting thing, or old Tom and + I wouldn't be in this scrape. Ay—there they go with their signs + ag'in, but if I advise you to land may they eat me as well as roast me. + No, no, Deerslayer—do you keep off where you are, and after + daylight, on no account come within two hundred yards—” + </p> + <p> + This injunction of Hurry's was stopped by a hand being rudely slapped + against his mouth, the certain sign that some one in the party + sufficiently understood English to have at length detected the drift of + his discourse. Immediately after, the whole group entered the forest, + Hutter and Hurry apparently making no resistance to the movement. Just as + the sounds of the cracking bushes were ceasing, however, the voice of the + father was again heard. + </p> + <p> + “As you're true to my children, God prosper you, young man!” were the + words that reached Deerslayer's ears; after which he found himself left to + follow the dictates of his own discretion. + </p> + <p> + Several minutes elapsed, in death-like stillness, when the party on the + shore had disappeared in the woods. Owing to the distance—rather + more than two hundred yards—and the obscurity, Deerslayer had been + able barely to distinguish the group, and to see it retiring; but even + this dim connection with human forms gave an animation to the scene that + was strongly in contrast to the absolute solitude that remained. Although + the young man leaned forward to listen, holding his breath and condensing + every faculty in the single sense of hearing, not another sound reached + his ears to denote the vicinity of human beings. It seemed as if a silence + that had never been broken reigned on the spot again; and, for an instant, + even that piercing shriek, which had so lately broken the stillness of the + forest, or the execrations of March, would have been a relief to the + feeling of desertion to which it gave rise. + </p> + <p> + This paralysis of mind and body, however, could not last long in one + constituted mentally and physically like Deerslayer. Dropping his paddle + into the water, he turned the head of the canoe, and proceeded slowly, as + one walks who thinks intently, towards the centre of the lake. When he + believed himself to have reached a point in a line with that where he had + set the last canoe adrift, he changed his direction northward, keeping the + light air as nearly on his back as possible. After paddling a quarter of a + mile in this direction, a dark object became visible on the lake, a little + to the right; and turning on one side for the purpose, he had soon secured + his lost prize to his own boat. Deerslayer now examined the heavens, the + course of the air, and the position of the two canoes. Finding nothing in + either to induce a change of plan, he lay down, and prepared to catch a + few hours' sleep, that the morrow might find him equal to its exigencies. + </p> + <p> + Although the hardy and the tired sleep profoundly, even in scenes of + danger, it was some time before Deerslayer lost his recollection. His mind + dwelt on what had passed, and his half-conscious faculties kept figuring + the events of the night, in a sort of waking dream. Suddenly he was up and + alert, for he fancied he heard the preconcerted signal of Hurry summoning + him to the shore. But all was still as the grave again. The canoes were + slowly drifting northward, the thoughtful stars were glimmering in their + mild glory over his head, and the forest-bound sheet of water lay embedded + between its mountains, as calm and melancholy as if never troubled by the + winds, or brightened by a noonday sun. Once more the loon raised his + tremulous cry, near the foot of the lake, and the mystery of the alarm was + explained. Deerslayer adjusted his hard pillow, stretched his form in the + bottom of the canoe, and slept. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Clear, placid Leman I Thy contrasted lake + With the wild world I dwelt in, is a thing + Which warns me, with its stillness, to forsake + Earth's troubled waters for a purer spring. + This quiet sail is as a noiseless wing + To waft me from distraction; once I loved + Torn ocean's roar, but thy soft murmuring + Sounds sweet as if a sister's voice reproved, + That I with stern delights should e'er have been so moved.” + + BYRON. +</pre> + <p> + Day had fairly dawned before the young man, whom we have left in the + situation described in the last chapter, again opened his eyes. This was + no sooner done, than he started up, and looked about him with the + eagerness of one who suddenly felt the importance of accurately + ascertaining his precise position. His rest had been deep and undisturbed; + and when he awoke, it was with a clearness of intellect and a readiness of + resources that were very much needed at that particular moment. The sun + had not risen, it is true, but the vault of heaven was rich with the + winning softness that “brings and shuts the day,” while the whole air was + filled with the carols of birds, the hymns of the feathered tribe. These + sounds first told Deerslayer the risks he ran. The air, for wind it could + scarce be called, was still light, it is true, but it had increased a + little in the course of the night, and as the canoes were feathers on the + water, they had drifted twice the expected distance; and, what was still + more dangerous, had approached so near the base of the mountain that here + rose precipitously from the eastern shore, as to render the carols of the + birds plainly audible. This was not the worst. The third canoe had taken + the same direction, and was slowly drifting towards a point where it must + inevitably touch, unless turned aside by a shift of wind, or human hands. + In other respects, nothing presented itself to attract attention, or to + awaken alarm. The castle stood on its shoal, nearly abreast of the canoes, + for the drift had amounted to miles in the course of the night, and the + ark lay fastened to its piles, as both had been left so many hours before. + </p> + <p> + As a matter of course, Deerslayer's attention was first given to the canoe + ahead. It was already quite near the point, and a very few strokes of the + paddle sufficed to tell him that it must touch before he could possibly + overtake it. Just at this moment, too, the wind inopportunely freshened, + rendering the drift of the light craft much more rapid than certain. + Feeling the impossibility of preventing a contact with the land, the young + man wisely determined not to heat himself with unnecessary exertions; but + first looking to the priming of his piece, he proceeded slowly and warily + towards the point, taking care to make a little circuit, that he might be + exposed on only one side, as he approached. + </p> + <p> + The canoe adrift being directed by no such intelligence, pursued its + proper way, and grounded on a small sunken rock, at the distance of three + or four yards from the shore. Just at that moment, Deerslayer had got + abreast of the point, and turned the bows of his own boat to the land; + first casting loose his tow, that his movements might be unencumbered. The + canoe hung an instant to the rock; then it rose a hair's breadth on an + almost imperceptible swell of the water, swung round, floated clear, and + reached the strand. All this the young man noted, but it neither quickened + his pulses, nor hastened his hand. If any one had been lying in wait for + the arrival of the waif, he must be seen, and the utmost caution in + approaching the shore became indispensable; if no one was in ambush, hurry + was unnecessary. The point being nearly diagonally opposite to the Indian + encampment, he hoped the last, though the former was not only possible, + but probable; for the savages were prompt in adopting all the expedients + of their particular modes of warfare, and quite likely had many scouts + searching the shores for craft to carry them off to the castle. As a + glance at the lake from any height or projection would expose the smallest + object on its surface, there was little hope that either of the canoes + would pass unseen; and Indian sagacity needed no instruction to tell which + way a boat or a log would drift, when the direction of the wind was known. + As Deerslayer drew nearer and nearer to the land, the stroke of his paddle + grew slower, his eye became more watchful, and his ears and nostrils + almost dilated with the effort to detect any lurking danger. It was a + trying moment for a novice, nor was there the encouragement which even the + timid sometimes feel, when conscious of being observed and commended. He + was entirely alone, thrown on his own resources, and was cheered by no + friendly eye, emboldened by no encouraging voice. Notwithstanding all + these circumstances, the most experienced veteran in forest warfare could + not have behaved better. Equally free from recklessness and hesitation, + his advance was marked by a sort of philosophical prudence that appeared + to render him superior to all motives but those which were best calculated + to effect his purpose. Such was the commencement of a career in forest + exploits, that afterwards rendered this man, in his way, and under the + limits of his habits and opportunities, as renowned as many a hero whose + name has adorned the pages of works more celebrated than legends simple as + ours can ever become. + </p> + <p> + When about a hundred yards from the shore, Deerslayer rose in the canoe, + gave three or four vigorous strokes with the paddle, sufficient of + themselves to impel the bark to land, and then quickly laying aside the + instrument of labor, he seized that of war. He was in the very act of + raising the rifle, when a sharp report was followed by the buzz of a + bullet that passed so near his body as to cause him involuntarily to + start. The next instant Deerslayer staggered, and fell his whole length in + the bottom of the canoe. A yell—it came from a single voice—followed, + and an Indian leaped from the bushes upon the open area of the point, + bounding towards the canoe. This was the moment the young man desired. He + rose on the instant, and levelled his own rifle at his uncovered foe; but + his finger hesitated about pulling the trigger on one whom he held at such + a disadvantage. This little delay, probably, saved the life of the Indian, + who bounded back into the cover as swiftly as he had broken out of it. In + the meantime Deerslayer had been swiftly approaching the land, and his own + canoe reached the point just as his enemy disappeared. As its movements + had not been directed, it touched the shore a few yards from the other + boat; and though the rifle of his foe had to be loaded, there was not time + to secure his prize, and carry it beyond danger, before he would be + exposed to another shot. Under the circumstances, therefore, he did not + pause an instant, but dashed into the woods and sought a cover. + </p> + <p> + On the immediate point there was a small open area, partly in native + grass, and partly beach, but a dense fringe of bushes lined its upper + side. This narrow belt of dwarf vegetation passed, one issued immediately + into the high and gloomy vaults of the forest. The land was tolerably + level for a few hundred feet, and then it rose precipitously in a + mountainside. The trees were tall, large, and so free from underbrush, + that they resembled vast columns, irregularly scattered, upholding a dome + of leaves. Although they stood tolerably close together, for their ages + and size, the eye could penetrate to considerable distances; and bodies of + men, even, might have engaged beneath their cover, with concert and + intelligence. + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer knew that his adversary must be employed in reloading, unless + he had fled. The former proved to be the case, for the young man had no + sooner placed himself behind a tree, than he caught a glimpse of the arm + of the Indian, his body being concealed by an oak, in the very act of + forcing the leathered bullet home. Nothing would have been easier than to + spring forward, and decide the affair by a close assault on his unprepared + foe; but every feeling of Deerslayer revolted at such a step, although his + own life had just been attempted from a cover. He was yet unpracticed in + the ruthless expedients of savage warfare, of which he knew nothing except + by tradition and theory, and it struck him as unfair advantage to assail + an unarmed foe. His color had heightened, his eye frowned, his lips were + compressed, and all his energies were collected and ready; but, instead of + advancing to fire, he dropped his rifle to the usual position of a + sportsman in readiness to catch his aim, and muttered to himself, + unconscious that he was speaking— + </p> + <p> + “No, no—that may be red-skin warfare, but it's not a Christian's + gifts. Let the miscreant charge, and then we'll take it out like men; for + the canoe he must not, and shall not have. No, no; let him have time to + load, and God will take care of the right!” + </p> + <p> + All this time the Indian had been so intent on his own movements, that he + was even ignorant that his enemy was in the woods. His only apprehension + was, that the canoe would be recovered and carried away before he might be + in readiness to prevent it. He had sought the cover from habit, but was + within a few feet of the fringe of bushes, and could be at the margin of + the forest in readiness to fire in a moment. The distance between him and + his enemy was about fifty yards, and the trees were so arranged by nature + that the line of sight was not interrupted, except by the particular trees + behind which each party stood. + </p> + <p> + His rifle was no sooner loaded, than the savage glanced around him, and + advanced incautiously as regarded the real, but stealthily as respected + the fancied position of his enemy, until he was fairly exposed. Then + Deerslayer stepped from behind its own cover, and hailed him. + </p> + <p> + “This-a-way, red-skin; this-a-way, if you're looking for me,” he called + out. “I'm young in war, but not so young as to stand on an open beach to + be shot down like an owl, by daylight. It rests on yourself whether it's + peace or war atween us; for my gifts are white gifts, and I'm not one of + them that thinks it valiant to slay human mortals, singly, in the woods.” + </p> + <p> + The savage was a good deal startled by this sudden discovery of the danger + he ran. He had a little knowledge of English, however, and caught the + drift of the other's meaning. He was also too well schooled to betray + alarm, but, dropping the butt of his rifle to the earth, with an air of + confidence, he made a gesture of lofty courtesy. All this was done with + the ease and self-possession of one accustomed to consider no man his + superior. In the midst of this consummate acting, however, the volcano + that raged within caused his eyes to glare, and his nostrils to dilate, + like those of some wild beast that is suddenly prevented from taking the + fatal leap. + </p> + <p> + “Two canoes,” he said, in the deep guttural tones of his race, holding up + the number of fingers he mentioned, by way of preventing mistakes; “one + for you—one for me.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, Mingo, that will never do. You own neither; and neither shall you + have, as long as I can prevent it. I know it's war atween your people and + mine, but that's no reason why human mortals should slay each other, like + savage creatur's that meet in the woods; go your way, then, and leave me + to go mine. The world is large enough for us both; and when we meet fairly + in battle, why, the Lord will order the fate of each of us.” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” exclaimed the Indian; “my brother missionary—great talk; all + about Manitou.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so—not so, warrior. I'm not good enough for the Moravians, and + am too good for most of the other vagabonds that preach about in the + woods. No, no; I'm only a hunter, as yet, though afore the peace is made, + 'tis like enough there'll be occasion to strike a blow at some of your + people. Still, I wish it to be done in fair fight, and not in a quarrel + about the ownership of a miserable canoe.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! My brother very young—but he is very wise. Little warrior—great + talker. Chief, sometimes, in council.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know this, nor do I say it, Injin,” returned Deerslayer, coloring + a little at the ill-concealed sarcasm of the other's manner; “I look + forward to a life in the woods, and I only hope it may be a peaceable one. + All young men must go on the war-path, when there's occasion, but war + isn't needfully massacre. I've seen enough of the last, this very night, + to know that Providence frowns on it; and I now invite you to go your own + way, while I go mine; and hope that we may part fri'nds.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! My brother has two scalp—gray hair under 'other. Old wisdom—young + tongue.” + </p> + <p> + Here the savage advanced with confidence, his hand extended, his face + smiling, and his whole bearing denoting amity and respect. Deerslayer met + his offered friendship in a proper spirit, and they shook hands cordially, + each endeavoring to assure the other of his sincerity and desire to be at + peace. + </p> + <p> + “All have his own,” said the Indian; “my canoe, mine; your canoe, your'n. + Go look; if your'n, you keep; if mine, I keep.” + </p> + <p> + “That's just, red-skin; thought you must be wrong in thinking the canoe + your property. Howsever, seein' is believin', and we'll go down to the + shore, where you may look with your own eyes; for it's likely you'll + object to trustin' altogether to mine.” + </p> + <p> + The Indian uttered his favorite exclamation of “Good!” and then they + walked side by side, towards the shore. There was no apparent distrust in + the manner of either, the Indian moving in advance, as if he wished to + show his companion that he did not fear turning his back to him. As they + reached the open ground, the former pointed towards Deerslayer's boat, and + said emphatically—“No mine—pale-face canoe. This red man's. No + want other man's canoe—want his own.” + </p> + <p> + “You're wrong, red-skin, you're altogether wrong. This canoe was left in + old Hutter's keeping, and is his'n according to law, red or white, till + its owner comes to claim it. Here's the seats and the stitching of the + bark to speak for themselves. No man ever know'd an Injin to turn off such + work.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! My brother little old—big wisdom. Injin no make him. White + man's work.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad you think so, for holding out to the contrary might have made + ill blood atween us, every one having a right to take possession of his + own. I'll just shove the canoe out of reach of dispute at once, as the + quickest way of settling difficulties.” + </p> + <p> + While Deerslayer was speaking, he put a foot against the end of the light + boat, and giving a vigorous shove, he sent it out into the lake a hundred + feet or more, where, taking the true current, it would necessarily float + past the point, and be in no further danger of coming ashore. The savage + started at this ready and decided expedient, and his companion saw that he + cast a hurried and fierce glance at his own canoe, or that which contained + the paddles. The change of manner, however, was but momentary, and then + the Iroquois resumed his air of friendliness, and a smile of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “Good!” he repeated, with stronger emphasis than ever. “Young head, old + mind. Know how to settle quarrel. Farewell, brother. He go to house in + water—muskrat house—Injin go to camp; tell chiefs no find + canoe.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer was not sorry to hear this proposal, for he felt anxious to + join the females, and he took the offered hand of the Indian very + willingly. The parting words were friendly, and while the red man walked + calmly towards the wood, with the rifle in the hollow of his arm, without + once looking back in uneasiness or distrust, the white man moved towards + the remaining canoe, carrying his piece in the same pacific manner, it is + true, but keeping his eye fastened on the movements of the other. This + distrust, however, seemed to be altogether uncalled for, and as if ashamed + to have entertained it, the young man averted his look, and stepped + carelessly up to his boat. Here he began to push the canoe from the shore, + and to make his other preparations for departing. He might have been thus + employed a minute, when, happening to turn his face towards the land, his + quick and certain eye told him, at a glance, the imminent jeopardy in + which his life was placed. The black, ferocious eyes of the savage were + glancing on him, like those of the crouching tiger, through a small + opening in the bushes, and the muzzle of his rifle seemed already to be + opening in a line with his own body. + </p> + <p> + Then, indeed, the long practice of Deerslayer, as a hunter did him good + service. Accustomed to fire with the deer on the bound, and often when the + precise position of the animal's body had in a manner to be guessed at, he + used the same expedients here. To cock and poise his rifle were the acts + of a single moment and a single motion: then aiming almost without + sighting, he fired into the bushes where he knew a body ought to be, in + order to sustain the appalling countenance which alone was visible. There + was not time to raise the piece any higher, or to take a more deliberate + aim. So rapid were his movements that both parties discharged their pieces + at the same instant, the concussions mingling in one report. The + mountains, indeed, gave back but a single echo. Deerslayer dropped his + piece, and stood with head erect, steady as one of the pines in the calm + of a June morning, watching the result; while the savage gave the yell + that has become historical for its appalling influence, leaped through the + bushes, and came bounding across the open ground, flourishing a tomahawk. + Still Deerslayer moved not, but stood with his unloaded rifle fallen + against his shoulders, while, with a hunter's habits, his hands were + mechanically feeling for the powder-horn and charger. When about forty + feet from his enemy, the savage hurled his keen weapon; but it was with an + eye so vacant, and a hand so unsteady and feeble, that the young man + caught it by the handle as it was flying past him. At that instant the + Indian staggered and fell his whole length on the ground. + </p> + <p> + “I know'd it—I know'd it!” exclaimed Deerslayer, who was already + preparing to force a fresh bullet into his rifle; “I know'd it must come + to this, as soon as I had got the range from the creatur's eyes. A man + sights suddenly, and fires quick when his own life's in danger; yes, I + know'd it would come to this. I was about the hundredth part of a second + too quick for him, or it might have been bad for me! The riptyle's bullet + has just grazed my side—but say what you will for or ag'in 'em, a + red-skin is by no means as sartain with powder and ball as a white man. + Their gifts don't seem to lie that a way. Even Chingachgook, great as he + is in other matters, isn't downright deadly with the rifle.” + </p> + <p> + By this time the piece was reloaded, and Deerslayer, after tossing the + tomahawk into the canoe, advanced to his victim, and stood over him, + leaning on his rifle, in melancholy attention. It was the first instance + in which he had seen a man fall in battle—it was the first + fellow-creature against whom he had ever seriously raised his own hand. + The sensations were novel; and regret, with the freshness of our better + feelings, mingled with his triumph. The Indian was not dead, though shot + directly through the body. He lay on his back motionless, but his eyes, + now full of consciousness, watched each action of his victor—as the + fallen bird regards the fowler—jealous of every movement. The man + probably expected the fatal blow which was to precede the loss of his + scalp; or perhaps he anticipated that this latter act of cruelty would + precede his death. Deerslayer read his thoughts; and he found a melancholy + satisfaction in relieving the apprehensions of the helpless savage. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, red-skin,” he said; “you've nothing more to fear from me. I am of + a Christian stock, and scalping is not of my gifts. I'll just make sartain + of your rifle, and then come back and do you what sarvice I can. Though + here I can't stay much longer, as the crack of three rifles will be apt to + bring some of your devils down upon me.” + </p> + <p> + The close of this was said in a sort of a soliloquy, as the young man went + in quest of the fallen rifle. The piece was found where its owner had + dropped it, and was immediately put into the canoe. Laying his own rifle + at its side, Deerslayer then returned and stood over the Indian again. + </p> + <p> + “All inmity atween you and me's at an ind red-skin,” he said; “and you may + set your heart at rest on the score of the scalp, or any further injury. + My gifts are white, as I've told you; and I hope my conduct will be white + also.” + </p> + <p> + Could looks have conveyed all they meant, it is probable Deerslayer's + innocent vanity on the subject of color would have been rebuked a little; + but he comprehended the gratitude that was expressed in the eyes of the + dying savage, without in the least detecting the bitter sarcasm that + struggled with the better feeling. + </p> + <p> + “Water!” ejaculated the thirsty and unfortunate creature; “give poor Injin + water.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, water you shall have, if you drink the lake dry. I'll just carry you + down to it that you may take your fill. This is the way, they tell me, + with all wounded people—water is their greatest comfort and + delight.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, Deerslayer raised the Indian in his arms, and carried him to + the lake. Here he first helped him to take an attitude in which he could + appease his burning thirst; after which he seated himself on a stone, and + took the head of his wounded adversary in his own lap, and endeavored to + soothe his anguish in the best manner he could. + </p> + <p> + “It would be sinful in me to tell you your time hadn't come, warrior,” he + commenced, “and therefore I'll not say it. You've passed the middle age + already, and, considerin' the sort of lives ye lead, your days have been + pretty well filled. The principal thing now, is to look forward to what + comes next. Neither red-skin nor pale-face, on the whole, calculates much + on sleepin' forever; but both expect to live in another world. Each has + his gifts, and will be judged by 'em, and I suppose you've thought these + matters over enough not to stand in need of sarmons when the trial comes. + You'll find your happy hunting-grounds, if you've been a just Injin; if an + onjust, you'll meet your desarts in another way. I've my own idees about + these things; but you're too old and exper'enced to need any explanations + from one as young as I.” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” ejaculated the Indian, whose voice retained its depth even as life + ebbed away; “young head—old wisdom!” + </p> + <p> + “It's sometimes a consolation, when the ind comes, to know that them we've + harmed, or tried to harm, forgive us. I suppose natur' seeks this relief, + by way of getting a pardon on 'arth; as we never can know whether He + pardons, who is all in all, till judgment itself comes. It's soothing to + know that any pardon at such times; and that, I conclude, is the secret. + Now, as for myself, I overlook altogether your designs ag'in my life; + first, because no harm came of 'em; next, because it's your gifts, and + natur', and trainin', and I ought not to have trusted you at all; and, + finally and chiefly, because I can bear no ill-will to a dying man, + whether heathen or Christian. So put your heart at ease, so far as I'm + consarned; you know best what other matters ought to trouble you, or what + ought to give you satisfaction in so trying a moment.” + </p> + <p> + It is probable that the Indian had some of the fearful glimpses of the + unknown state of being which God, in mercy, seems at times to afford to + all the human race; but they were necessarily in conformity with his + habits and prejudices. Like most of his people, and like too many of our + own, he thought more of dying in a way to gain applause among those he + left than to secure a better state of existence hereafter. While + Deerslayer was speaking, his mind was a little bewildered, though he felt + that the intention was good; and when he had done, a regret passed over + his spirit that none of his own tribe were present to witness his + stoicism, under extreme bodily suffering, and the firmness with which he + met his end. With the high innate courtesy that so often distinguishes the + Indian warrior before he becomes corrupted by too much intercourse with + the worst class of the white men, he endeavored to express his + thankfulness for the other's good intentions, and to let him understand + that they were appreciated. + </p> + <p> + “Good!” he repeated, for this was an English word much used by the + savages, “good! young head; young heart, too. Old heart tough; no shed + tear. Hear Indian when he die, and no want to lie—what he call him?” + </p> + <p> + “Deerslayer is the name I bear now, though the Delawares have said that + when I get back from this war-path, I shall have a more manly title, + provided I can 'arn one.” + </p> + <p> + “That good name for boy—poor name for warrior. He get better quick. + No fear there,”—the savage had strength sufficient, under the strong + excitement he felt, to raise a hand and tap the young man on his breast,—“eye + sartain—finger lightning—aim, death—great warrior soon. + No Deerslayer—Hawkeye—Hawkeye—Hawkeye. Shake hand.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer—or Hawkeye, as the youth was then first named, for in + after years he bore the appellation throughout all that region—Deerslayer + took the hand of the savage, whose last breath was drawn in that attitude, + gazing in admiration at the countenance of a stranger, who had shown so + much readiness, skill, and firmness, in a scene that was equally trying + and novel. When the reader remembers it is the highest gratification an + Indian can receive to see his enemy betray weakness, he will be better + able to appreciate the conduct which had extorted so great a concession at + such a moment. + </p> + <p> + “His spirit has fled!” said Deerslayer, in a suppressed, melancholy voice. + “Ah's me! Well, to this we must all come, sooner or later; and he is + happiest, let his skin be what color it may, who is best fitted to meet + it. Here lies the body of no doubt a brave warrior, and the soul is + already flying towards its heaven or hell, whether that be a happy hunting + ground, a place scant of game, regions of glory, according to Moravian + doctrine, or flames of fire! So it happens, too, as regards other matters! + Here have old Hutter and Hurry Harry got themselves into difficulty, if + they haven't got themselves into torment and death, and all for a bounty + that luck offers to me in what many would think a lawful and suitable + manner. But not a farthing of such money shall cross my hand. White I was + born, and white will I die; clinging to color to the last, even though the + King's majesty, his governors, and all his councils, both at home and in + the colonies, forget from what they come, and where they hope to go, and + all for a little advantage in warfare. No, no, warrior, hand of mine shall + never molest your scalp, and so your soul may rest in peace on the p'int + of making a decent appearance when the body comes to join it, in your own + land of spirits.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer arose as soon as he had spoken. Then he placed the body of the + dead man in a sitting posture, with its back against the little rock, + taking the necessary care to prevent it from falling or in any way + settling into an attitude that might be thought unseemly by the sensitive, + though wild notions of a savage. When this duty was performed, the young + man stood gazing at the grim countenance of his fallen foe, in a sort of + melancholy abstraction. As was his practice, however, a habit gained by + living so much alone in the forest, he then began again to give utterance + to his thoughts and feelings aloud. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't wish your life, red-skin,” he said “but you left me no choice + atween killing or being killed. Each party acted according to his gifts, I + suppose, and blame can light on neither. You were treacherous, according + to your natur' in war, and I was a little oversightful, as I'm apt to be + in trusting others. Well, this is my first battle with a human mortal, + though it's not likely to be the last. I have fou't most of the creatur's + of the forest, such as bears, wolves, painters, and catamounts, but this + is the beginning with the red-skins. If I was Injin born, now, I might + tell of this, or carry in the scalp, and boast of the expl'ite afore the + whole tribe; or, if my inimy had only been even a bear, 'twould have been + nat'ral and proper to let everybody know what had happened; but I don't + well see how I'm to let even Chingachgook into this secret, so long as it + can be done only by boasting with a white tongue. And why should I wish to + boast of it a'ter all? It's slaying a human, although he was a savage; and + how do I know that he was a just Injin; and that he has not been taken + away suddenly to anything but happy hunting-grounds. When it's onsartain + whether good or evil has been done, the wisest way is not to be boastful—still, + I should like Chingachgook to know that I haven't discredited the + Delawares, or my training!” + </p> + <p> + Part of this was uttered aloud, while part was merely muttered between the + speaker's teeth; his more confident opinions enjoying the first advantage, + while his doubts were expressed in the latter mode. Soliloquy and + reflection received a startling interruption, however, by the sudden + appearance of a second Indian on the lake shore, a few hundred yards from + the point. This man, evidently another scout, who had probably been drawn + to the place by the reports of the rifles, broke out of the forest with so + little caution that Deerslayer caught a view of his person before he was + himself discovered. When the latter event did occur, as was the case a + moment later, the savage gave a loud yell, which was answered by a dozen + voices from different parts of the mountainside. There was no longer any + time for delay; in another minute the boat was quitting the shore under + long and steady sweeps of the paddle. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Deerslayer believed himself to be at a safe distance he ceased + his efforts, permitting the little bark to drift, while he leisurely took + a survey of the state of things. The canoe first sent adrift was floating + before the air, quite a quarter of a mile above him, and a little nearer + to the shore than he wished, now that he knew more of the savages were so + near at hand. The canoe shoved from the point was within a few yards of + him, he having directed his own course towards it on quitting the land. + The dead Indian lay in grim quiet where he had left him, the warrior who + had shown himself from the forest had already vanished, and the woods + themselves were as silent and seemingly deserted as the day they came + fresh from the hands of their great Creator. This profound stillness, + however, lasted but a moment. When time had been given to the scouts of + the enemy to reconnoitre, they burst out of the thicket upon the naked + point, filling the air with yells of fury at discovering the death of + their companion. These cries were immediately succeeded by shouts of + delight when they reached the body and clustered eagerly around it. + Deerslayer was a sufficient adept in the usages of the natives to + understand the reason of the change. The yell was the customary + lamentation at the loss of a warrior, the shout a sign of rejoicing that + the conqueror had not been able to secure the scalp; the trophy, without + which a victory is never considered complete. The distance at which the + canoes lay probably prevented any attempts to injure the conqueror, the + American Indian, like the panther of his own woods, seldom making any + effort against his foe unless tolerably certain it is under circumstances + that may be expected to prove effective. + </p> + <p> + As the young man had no longer any motive to remain near the point, he + prepared to collect his canoes, in order to tow them off to the castle. + That nearest was soon in tow, when he proceeded in quest of the other, + which was all this time floating up the lake. The eye of Deerslayer was no + sooner fastened on this last boat, than it struck him that it was nearer + to the shore than it would have been had it merely followed the course of + the gentle current of air. He began to suspect the influence of some + unseen current in the water, and he quickened his exertions, in order to + regain possession of it before it could drift into a dangerous proximity + to the woods. On getting nearer, he thought that the canoe had a + perceptible motion through the water, and, as it lay broadside to the air, + that this motion was taking it towards the land. A few vigorous strokes of + the paddle carried him still nearer, when the mystery was explained. + Something was evidently in motion on the off side of the canoe, or that + which was farthest from himself, and closer scrutiny showed that it was a + naked human arm. An Indian was lying in the bottom of the canoe, and was + propelling it slowly but certainly to the shore, using his hand as a + paddle. Deerslayer understood the whole artifice at a glance. A savage had + swum off to the boat while he was occupied with his enemy on the point, + got possession, and was using these means to urge it to the shore. + </p> + <p> + Satisfied that the man in the canoe could have no arms, Deerslayer did not + hesitate to dash close alongside of the retiring boat, without deeming it + necessary to raise his own rifle. As soon as the wash of the water, which + he made in approaching, became audible to the prostrate savage, the latter + sprang to his feet, and uttered an exclamation that proved how completely + he was taken by surprise. + </p> + <p> + “If you've enj'yed yourself enough in that canoe, red-skin,” Deerslayer + coolly observed, stopping his own career in sufficient time to prevent an + absolute collision between the two boats,—“if you've enj'yed + yourself enough in that canoe, you'll do a prudent act by taking to the + lake ag'in. I'm reasonable in these matters, and don't crave your blood, + though there's them about that would look upon you more as a due-bill for + the bounty than a human mortal. Take to the lake this minute, afore we get + to hot words.” + </p> + <p> + The savage was one of those who did not understand a word of English, and + he was indebted to the gestures of Deerslayer, and to the expression of an + eye that did not often deceive, for an imperfect comprehension of his + meaning. Perhaps, too, the sight of the rifle that lay so near the hand of + the white man quickened his decision. At all events, he crouched like a + tiger about to take his leap, uttered a yell, and the next instant his + naked body disappeared in the water. When he rose to take breath, it was + at the distance of several yards from the canoe, and the hasty glance he + threw behind him denoted how much he feared the arrival of a fatal + messenger from the rifle of his foe. But the young man made no indication + of any hostile intention. Deliberately securing the canoe to the others, + he began to paddle from the shore; and by the time the Indian reached the + land, and had shaken himself, like a spaniel, on quitting the water, his + dreaded enemy was already beyond rifle-shot on his way to the castle. As + was so much his practice, Deerslayer did not fail to soliloquize on what + had just occurred, while steadily pursuing his course towards the point of + destination. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well,”—he commenced,—“'twould have been wrong to kill a + human mortal without an object. Scalps are of no account with me, and life + is sweet, and ought not to be taken marcilessly by them that have white + gifts. The savage was a Mingo, it's true; and I make no doubt he is, and + will be as long as he lives, a ra'al riptyle and vagabond; but that's no + reason I should forget my gifts and color. No, no,—let him go; if + ever we meet ag'in, rifle in hand, why then 'twill be seen which has the + stoutest heart and the quickest eye. Hawkeye! That's not a bad name for a + warrior, sounding much more manful and valiant than Deerslayer! 'Twouldn't + be a bad title to begin with, and it has been fairly 'arned. If 't was + Chingachgook, now, he might go home and boast of his deeds, and the chiefs + would name him Hawkeye in a minute; but it don't become white blood to + brag, and 't isn't easy to see how the matter can be known unless I do. + Well, well,—everything is in the hands of Providence; this affair as + well as another; I'll trust to that for getting my desarts in all things.” + </p> + <p> + Having thus betrayed what might be termed his weak spot, the young man + continued to paddle in silence, making his way diligently, and as fast as + his tows would allow him, towards the castle. By this time the sun had not + only risen, but it had appeared over the eastern mountains, and was + shedding a flood of glorious light on this as yet unchristened sheet of + water. The whole scene was radiant with beauty; and no one unaccustomed to + the ordinary history of the woods would fancy it had so lately witnessed + incidents so ruthless and barbarous. As he approached the building of old + Hutter, Deerslayer thought, or rather felt that its appearance was in + singular harmony with all the rest of the scene. Although nothing had been + consulted but strength and security, the rude, massive logs, covered with + their rough bark, the projecting roof, and the form, would contribute to + render the building picturesque in almost any situation, while its actual + position added novelty and piquancy to its other points of interest. + </p> + <p> + When Deerslayer drew nearer to the castle, however, objects of interest + presented themselves that at once eclipsed any beauties that might have + distinguished the scenery of the lake, and the site of the singular + edifice. Judith and Hetty stood on the platform before the door, Hurry's + dooryard awaiting his approach with manifest anxiety; the former, from + time to time, taking a survey of his person and of the canoes through the + old ship's spyglass that has been already mentioned. Never probably did + this girl seem more brilliantly beautiful than at that moment; the flush + of anxiety and alarm increasing her color to its richest tints, while the + softness of her eyes, a charm that even poor Hetty shared with her, was + deepened by intense concern. Such, at least, without pausing or pretending + to analyze motives, or to draw any other very nice distinction between + cause and effect, were the opinions of the young man as his canoes reached + the side of the ark, where he carefully fastened all three before he put + his foot on the platform. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “His words are bonds, his oaths are oracles; + His love sincere, his thoughts immaculate; + His tears pure messengers sent from his heart; + His heart as far from fraud as heaven from earth.” + + Two Gentlemen of Verona, II.vii,75-78 +</pre> + <p> + Neither of the girls spoke as Deerslayer stood before them alone, his + countenance betraying all the apprehension he felt on account of two + absent members of their party. + </p> + <p> + “Father!” Judith at length exclaimed, succeeding in uttering the word, as + it might be by a desperate effort. + </p> + <p> + “He's met with misfortune, and there's no use in concealing it,” answered + Deerslayer, in his direct and simple minded manner. “He and Hurry are in + Mingo hands, and Heaven only knows what's to be the tarmination. I've got + the canoes safe, and that's a consolation, since the vagabonds will have + to swim for it, or raft off, to come near this place. At sunset we'll be + reinforced by Chingachgook, if I can manage to get him into a canoe; and + then, I think, we two can answer for the ark and the castle, till some of + the officers in the garrisons hear of this war-path, which sooner or later + must be the case, when we may look for succor from that quarter, if from + no other.” + </p> + <p> + “The officers!” exclaimed Judith, impatiently, her color deepening, and + her eye expressing a lively but passing emotion. “Who thinks or speaks of + the heartless gallants now? We are sufficient of ourselves to defend the + castle. But what of my father, and of poor Hurry Harry?” + </p> + <p> + “'T is natural you should feel this consarn for your own parent, Judith, + and I suppose it's equally so that you should feel it for Hurry Harry, + too.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer then commenced a succinct but clear narrative of all that + occurred during the night, in no manner concealing what had befallen his + two companions, or his own opinion of what might prove to be the + consequences. The girls listened with profound attention, but neither + betrayed that feminine apprehension and concern which would have followed + such a communication when made to those who were less accustomed to the + hazards and accidents of a frontier life. To the surprise of Deerslayer, + Judith seemed the most distressed, Hetty listening eagerly, but appearing + to brood over the facts in melancholy silence, rather than betraying any + outward signs of feeling. The former's agitation, the young man did not + fail to attribute to the interest she felt in Hurry, quite as much as to + her filial love, while Hetty's apparent indifference was ascribed to that + mental darkness which, in a measure, obscured her intellect, and which + possibly prevented her from foreseeing all the consequences. Little was + said, however, by either, Judith and her sister busying themselves in + making the preparations for the morning meal, as they who habitually + attend to such matters toil on mechanically even in the midst of suffering + and sorrow. The plain but nutritious breakfast was taken by all three in + sombre silence. The girls ate little, but Deerslayer gave proof of + possessing one material requisite of a good soldier, that of preserving + his appetite in the midst of the most alarming and embarrassing + circumstances. The meal was nearly ended before a syllable was uttered; + then, however, Judith spoke in the convulsive and hurried manner in which + feeling breaks through restraint, after the latter has become more painful + than even the betrayal of emotion. + </p> + <p> + “Father would have relished this fish,” she exclaimed; “he says the salmon + of the lakes is almost as good as the salmon of the sea.” + </p> + <p> + “Your father has been acquainted with the sea, they tell me, Judith,” + returned the young man, who could not forbear throwing a glance of inquiry + at the girl; for in common with all who knew Hutter, he had some curiosity + on the subject of his early history. “Hurry Harry tells me he was once a + sailor.” + </p> + <p> + Judith first looked perplexed; then, influenced by feelings that were + novel to her, in more ways than one, she became suddenly communicative, + and seemingly much interested in the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “If Hurry knows anything of father's history, I would he had told it to + me!” she cried. “Sometimes I think, too, he was once a sailor, and then + again I think he was not. If that chest were open, or if it could speak, + it might let us into his whole history. But its fastenings are too strong + to be broken like pack thread.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer turned to the chest in question, and for the first time + examined it closely. Although discolored, and bearing proofs of having + received much ill-treatment, he saw that it was of materials and + workmanship altogether superior to anything of the same sort he had ever + before beheld. The wood was dark, rich, and had once been highly polished, + though the treatment it had received left little gloss on its surface, and + various scratches and indentations proved the rough collisions that it had + encountered with substances still harder than itself. The corners were + firmly bound with steel, elaborately and richly wrought, while the locks, + of which it had no less than three, and the hinges, were of a fashion and + workmanship that would have attracted attention even in a warehouse of + curious furniture. This chest was quite large; and when Deerslayer arose, + and endeavored to raise an end by its massive handle, he found that the + weight fully corresponded with the external appearance. + </p> + <p> + “Did you never see that chest opened, Judith?” the young man demanded with + frontier freedom, for delicacy on such subjects was little felt among the + people on the verge of civilization, in that age, even if it be today. + </p> + <p> + “Never. Father has never opened it in my presence, if he ever opens it at + all. No one here has ever seen its lid raised, unless it be father; nor do + I even know that he has ever seen it.” + </p> + <p> + “Now you're wrong, Judith,” Hetty quietly answered. “Father has raised the + lid, and I've seen him do it.” + </p> + <p> + A feeling of manliness kept the mouth of Deerslayer shut; for, while he + would not have hesitated about going far beyond what would be thought the + bounds of propriety, in questioning the older sister, he had just scruples + about taking what might be thought an advantage of the feeble intellect of + the younger. Judith, being under no such restraint, however, turned + quickly to the last speaker and continued the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “When and where did you ever see that chest opened, Hetty?” + </p> + <p> + “Here, and again and again. Father often opens it when you are away, + though he don't in the least mind my being by, and seeing all he does, as + well as hearing all he says.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is it that he does, and what does he say?” + </p> + <p> + “That I cannot tell you, Judith,” returned the other in a low but resolute + voice. “Father's secrets are not my secrets.” + </p> + <p> + “Secrets! This is stranger still, Deerslayer, that father should tell them + to Hetty, and not tell them to me!” + </p> + <p> + “There's a good reason for that, Judith, though you're not to know it. + Father's not here to answer for himself, and I'll say no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + Judith and Deerslayer looked surprised, and for a minute the first seemed + pained. But, suddenly recollecting herself, she turned away from her + sister, as if in pity for her weakness and addressed the young man. + </p> + <p> + “You've told but half your story,” she said, “breaking off at the place + where you went to sleep in the canoe—or rather where you rose to + listen to the cry of the loon. We heard the call of the loons, too, and + thought their cries might bring a storm, though we are little used to + tempests on this lake at this season of the year.” + </p> + <p> + “The winds blow and the tempests howl as God pleases; sometimes at one + season, and sometimes at another,” answered Deerslayer; “and the loons + speak accordin' to their natur'. Better would it be if men were as honest + and frank. After I rose to listen to the birds, finding it could not be + Hurry's signal, I lay down and slept. When the day dawned I was up and + stirring, as usual, and then I went in chase of the two canoes, lest the + Mingos should lay hands on 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “You have not told us all, Deerslayer,” said Judith earnestly. “We heard + rifles under the eastern mountain; the echoes were full and long, and came + so soon after the reports, that the pieces must have been fired on or + quite near to the shore. Our ears are used to these signs, and are not to + be deceived.” + </p> + <p> + “They've done their duty, gal, this time; yes, they've done their duty. + Rifles have been sighted this morning, ay, and triggers pulled, too, + though not as often as they might have been. One warrior has gone to his + happy hunting-grounds, and that's the whole of it. A man of white blood + and white gifts is not to be expected to boast of his expl'ites and to + flourish scalps.” + </p> + <p> + Judith listened almost breathlessly; and when Deerslayer, in his quiet, + modest manner, seemed disposed to quit the subject, she rose, and crossing + the room, took a seat by his side. The manner of the girl had nothing + forward about it, though it betrayed the quick instinct of a female's + affection, and the sympathizing kindness of a woman's heart. She even took + the hard hand of the hunter, and pressed it in both her own, unconsciously + to herself, perhaps, while she looked earnestly and even reproachfully + into his sun burnt face. + </p> + <p> + “You have been fighting the savages, Deerslayer, singly and by yourself!” + she said. “In your wish to take care of us—-of Hetty—of me, + perhaps, you've fought the enemy bravely, with no eye to encourage your + deeds, or to witness your fall, had it pleased Providence to suffer so + great a calamity!” + </p> + <p> + “I've fou't, Judith; yes, I have fou't the inimy, and that too, for the + first time in my life. These things must be, and they bring with 'em a + mixed feelin' of sorrow and triumph. Human natur' is a fightin' natur', I + suppose, as all nations kill in battle, and we must be true to our rights + and gifts. What has yet been done is no great matter, but should + Chingachgook come to the rock this evening, as is agreed atween us, and I + get him off it onbeknown to the savages or, if known to them, ag'in their + wishes and designs, then may we all look to something like warfare, afore + the Mingos shall get possession of either the castle, or the ark, or + yourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is this Chingachgook; from what place does he come, and why does he + come here?” + </p> + <p> + “The questions are nat'ral and right, I suppose, though the youth has a + great name, already, in his own part of the country. Chingachgook is a + Mohican by blood, consorting with the Delawares by usage, as is the case + with most of his tribe, which has long been broken up by the increase of + our color. He is of the family of the great chiefs; Uncas, his father, + having been the considerablest warrior and counsellor of his people. Even + old Tamenund honors Chingachgook, though he is thought to be yet too young + to lead in war; and then the nation is so disparsed and diminished, that + chieftainship among 'em has got to be little more than a name. + </p> + <p> + “Well, this war having commenced in 'arnest, the Delaware and I + rendezvous'd an app'intment, to meet this evening at sunset on the + rendezvous-rock at the foot of this very lake, intending to come out on + our first hostile expedition ag'in the Mingos. Why we come exactly this a + way is our own secret; but thoughtful young men on the war-path, as you + may suppose, do nothing without a calculation and a design.” + </p> + <p> + “A Delaware can have no unfriendly intentions towards us,” said Judith, + after a moment's hesitation, “and we know you to be friendly.” + </p> + <p> + “Treachery is the last crime I hope to be accused of,” returned + Deerslayer, hurt at the gleam of distrust that had shot through Judith's + mind; “and least of all, treachery to my own color.” + </p> + <p> + “No one suspects you, Deerslayer,” the girl impetuously cried. “No—no—your + honest countenance would be sufficient surety for the truth of a thousand + hearts! If all men had as honest tongues, and no more promised what they + did not mean to perform, there would be less wrong done in the world, and + fine feathers and scarlet cloaks would not be excuses for baseness and + deception.” + </p> + <p> + The girl spoke with strong, nay, even with convulsed feeling, and her fine + eyes, usually so soft and alluring, flashed fire as she concluded. + Deerslayer could not but observe this extraordinary emotion; but with the + tact of a courtier, he avoided not only any allusion to the circumstance, + but succeeded in concealing the effect of his discovery on himself. Judith + gradually grew calm again, and as she was obviously anxious to appear to + advantage in the eyes of the young man, she was soon able to renew the + conversation as composedly as if nothing had occurred to disturb her. + </p> + <p> + “I have no right to look into your secrets, or the secrets of your friend, + Deerslayer,” she continued, “and am ready to take all you say on trust. If + we can really get another male ally to join us at this trying moment, it + will aid us much; and I am not without hope that when the savages find + that we are able to keep the lake, they will offer to give up their + prisoners in exchange for skins, or at least for the keg of powder that we + have in the house.” + </p> + <p> + The young man had the words “scalps” and “bounty” on his lips, but a + reluctance to alarm the feelings of the daughters prevented him from + making the allusion he had intended to the probable fate of their father. + Still, so little was he practised in the arts of deception, that his + expressive countenance was, of itself, understood by the quick-witted + Judith, whose intelligence had been sharpened by the risks and habits of + her life. + </p> + <p> + “I understand what you mean,” she continued, hurriedly, “and what you + would say, but for the fear of hurting me—us, I mean; for Hetty + loves her father quite as well as I do. But this is not as we think of + Indians. They never scalp an unhurt prisoner, but would rather take him + away alive, unless, indeed, the fierce wish for torturing should get the + mastery of them. I fear nothing for my father's scalp, and little for his + life. Could they steal on us in the night, we should all probably suffer + in this way; but men taken in open strife are seldom injured; not, at + least, until the time of torture comes.” + </p> + <p> + “That's tradition, I'll allow, and it's accordin' to practice—but, + Judith, do you know the arr'nd on which your father and Hurry went ag'in + the savages?” + </p> + <p> + “I do; and a cruel errand it was! But what will you have? Men will be men, + and some even that flaunt in their gold and silver, and carry the King's + commission in their pockets, are not guiltless of equal cruelty.” Judith's + eye again flashed, but by a desperate struggle she resumed her composure. + “I get warm when I think of all the wrong that men do,” she added, + affecting to smile, an effort in which she only succeeded indifferently + well. “All this is silly. What is done is done, and it cannot be mended by + complaints. But the Indians think so little of the shedding of blood, and + value men so much for the boldness of their undertakings, that, did they + know the business on which their prisoners came, they would be more likely + to honor than to injure them for it.” + </p> + <p> + “For a time, Judith; yes, I allow that, for a time. But when that feelin' + dies away, then will come the love of revenge. We must indivor,—Chingachgook + and I,—we must indivor to see what we can do to get Hurry and your + father free; for the Mingos will no doubt hover about this lake some days, + in order to make the most of their success.” + </p> + <p> + “You think this Delaware can be depended on, Deerslayer?” demanded the + girl, thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + “As much as I can myself. You say you do not suspect me, Judith?” + </p> + <p> + “You!” taking his hand again, and pressing it between her own, with a + warmth that might have awakened the vanity of one less simple-minded, and + more disposed to dwell on his own good qualities, “I would as soon suspect + a brother! I have known you but a day, Deerslayer, but it has awakened the + confidence of a year. Your name, however, is not unknown to me; for the + gallants of the garrisons frequently speak of the lessons you have given + them in hunting, and all proclaim your honesty.” + </p> + <p> + “Do they ever talk of the shooting, gal?” inquired the other eagerly, + after, however, laughing in a silent but heartfelt manner. “Do they ever + talk of the shooting? I want to hear nothing about my own, for if that + isn't sartified to by this time, in all these parts, there's little use in + being skilful and sure; but what do the officers say of their own—yes, + what do they say of their own? Arms, as they call it, is their trade, and + yet there's some among 'em that know very little how to use 'em!” + </p> + <p> + “Such I hope will not be the case with your friend Chingachgook, as you + call him—what is the English of his Indian name?” + </p> + <p> + “Big Sarpent—so called for his wisdom and cunning, Uncas is his + ra'al name—all his family being called Uncas until they get a title + that has been 'arned by deeds.” + </p> + <p> + “If he has all this wisdom, we may expect a useful friend in him, unless + his own business in this part of the country should prevent him from + serving us.” + </p> + <p> + “I see no great harm in telling you his arr'nd, a'ter all, and, as you may + find means to help us, I will let you and Hetty into the whole matter, + trusting that you'll keep the secret as if it was your own. You must know + that Chingachgook is a comely Injin, and is much looked upon and admired + by the young women of his tribe, both on account of his family, and on + account of himself. Now, there is a chief that has a daughter called + Wah-ta-Wah, which is intarpreted into Hist-oh-Hist, in the English tongue, + the rarest gal among the Delawares, and the one most sought a'ter and + craved for a wife by all the young warriors of the nation. Well, + Chingachgook, among others, took a fancy to Wah-ta-Wah, and Wah-ta-Wah + took a fancy to him.” Here Deerslayer paused an instant; for, as he got + thus far in his tale, Hetty Hutter arose, approached, and stood attentive + at his knee, as a child draws near to listen to the legends of its mother. + “Yes, he fancied her, and she fancied him,” resumed Deerslayer, casting a + friendly and approving glance at the innocent and interested girl; “and + when that is the case, and all the elders are agreed, it does not often + happen that the young couple keep apart. Chingachgook couldn't well carry + off such a prize without making inimies among them that wanted her as much + as he did himself. A sartain Briarthorn, as we call him in English, or + Yocommon, as he is tarmed in Injin, took it most to heart, and we mistrust + him of having a hand in all that followed.” + </p> + <p> + “Wah-ta-Wah went with her father and mother, two moons ago, to fish for + salmon on the western streams, where it is agreed by all in these parts + that fish most abounds, and while thus empl'yed the gal vanished. For + several weeks we could get no tidings of her; but here, ten days since, a + runner, that came through the Delaware country, brought us a message, by + which we learn that Wah-ta-Wah was stolen from her people, we think, but + do not know it, by Briarthorn's sarcumventions,—and that she was now + with the inimy, who had adopted her, and wanted her to marry a young + Mingo. The message said that the party intended to hunt and forage through + this region for a month or two, afore it went back into the Canadas, and + that if we could contrive to get on a scent in this quarter, something + might turn up that would lead to our getting the maiden off.” + </p> + <p> + “And how does that concern you, Deerslayer?” demanded Judith, a little + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “It consarns me, as all things that touches a fri'nd consarns a fri'nd. + I'm here as Chingachgook's aid and helper, and if we can get the young + maiden he likes back ag'in, it will give me almost as much pleasure as if + I had got back my own sweetheart.” + </p> + <p> + “And where, then, is your sweetheart, Deerslayer?” + </p> + <p> + “She's in the forest, Judith—hanging from the boughs of the trees, + in a soft rain—in the dew on the open grass—the clouds that + float about in the blue heavens—the birds that sing in the woods—the + sweet springs where I slake my thirst—and in all the other glorious + gifts that come from God's Providence!” + </p> + <p> + “You mean that, as yet, you've never loved one of my sex, but love best + your haunts, and your own manner of life.” + </p> + <p> + “That's it—that's just it. I am white—have a white heart and + can't, in reason, love a red-skinned maiden, who must have a red-skin + heart and feelin's. No, no, I'm sound enough in them partic'lars, and hope + to remain so, at least till this war is over. I find my time too much + taken up with Chingachgook's affair, to wish to have one of my own on my + hands afore that is settled.” + </p> + <p> + “The girl that finally wins you, Deerslayer, will at least win an honest + heart,—one without treachery or guile; and that will be a victory + that most of her sex ought to envy.” + </p> + <p> + As Judith uttered this, her beautiful face had a resentful frown on it; + while a bitter smile lingered around a mouth that no derangement of the + muscles could render anything but handsome. Her companion observed the + change, and though little skilled in the workings of the female heart, he + had sufficient native delicacy to understand that it might be well to drop + the subject. + </p> + <p> + As the hour when Chingachgook was expected still remained distant, + Deerslayer had time enough to examine into the state of the defences, and + to make such additional arrangements as were in his power, and the + exigency of the moment seemed to require. The experience and foresight of + Hutter had left little to be done in these particulars; still, several + precautions suggested themselves to the young man, who may be said to have + studied the art of frontier warfare, through the traditions and legends of + the people among whom he had so long lived. The distance between the + castle and the nearest point on the shore, prevented any apprehension on + the subject of rifle-bullets thrown from the land. The house was within + musket-shot in one sense, it was true, but aim was entirely out of the + question, and even Judith professed a perfect disregard of any danger from + that source. So long, then, as the party remained in possession of the + fortress, they were safe, unless their assailants could find the means to + come off and carry it by fire or storm, or by some of the devices of + Indian cunning and Indian treachery. + </p> + <p> + Against the first source of danger Hutter had made ample provision, and + the building itself, the bark roof excepted, was not very combustible. The + floor was scuttled in several places, and buckets provided with ropes were + in daily use, in readiness for any such emergency. One of the girls could + easily extinguish any fire that might be lighted, provided it had not time + to make much headway. Judith, who appeared to understand all her father's + schemes of defence, and who had the spirit to take no unimportant share in + the execution of them, explained all these details to the young man, who + was thus saved much time and labor in making his investigations. + </p> + <p> + Little was to be apprehended during the day. In possession of the canoes + and of the ark, no other vessel was to be found on the lake. Nevertheless, + Deerslayer well knew that a raft was soon made, and, as dead trees were to + be found in abundance near the water, did the savages seriously + contemplate the risks of an assault, it would not be a very difficult + matter to find the necessary means. The celebrated American axe, a tool + that is quite unrivalled in its way, was then not very extensively known, + and the savages were far from expert in the use of its hatchet-like + substitute; still, they had sufficient practice in crossing streams by + this mode to render it certain they would construct a raft, should they + deem it expedient to expose themselves to the risks of an assault. The + death of their warrior might prove a sufficient incentive, or it might act + as a caution; but Deerslayer thought it more than possible that the + succeeding night would bring matters to a crisis, and in this precise way. + This impression caused him to wish ardently for the presence and succor of + his Mohican friend, and to look forward to the approach of sunset with an + increasing anxiety. + </p> + <p> + As the day advanced, the party in the castle matured their plans, and made + their preparations. Judith was active, and seemed to find a pleasure in + consulting and advising with her new acquaintance, whose indifference to + danger, manly devotion to herself and sister, guilelessness of manner, and + truth of feeling, had won rapidly on both her imagination and her + affections. Although the hours appeared long in some respects to + Deerslayer, Judith did not find them so, and when the sun began to descend + towards the pine-clad summits of the western hills, she felt and expressed + her surprise that the day should so soon be drawing to a close. On the + other hand, Hetty was moody and silent. She was never loquacious, or if + she occasionally became communicative, it was under the influence of some + temporary excitement that served to arouse her unsophisticated mind; but, + for hours at a time, in the course of this all-important day, she seemed + to have absolutely lost the use of her tongue. Nor did apprehension on + account of her father materially affect the manner of either sister. + Neither appeared seriously to dread any evil greater than captivity, and + once or twice, when Hetty did speak, she intimated the expectation that + Hutter would find the means to liberate himself. Although Judith was less + sanguine on this head, she too betrayed the hope that propositions for a + ransom would come, when the Indians discovered that the castle set their + expedients and artifices at defiance. Deerslayer, however, treated these + passing suggestions as the ill-digested fancies of girls, making his own + arrangements as steadily, and brooding over the future as seriously, as if + they had never fallen from their lips. + </p> + <p> + At length the hour arrived when it became necessary to proceed to the + place of rendezvous appointed with the Mohican, or Delaware, as + Chingachgook was more commonly called. As the plan had been matured by + Deerslayer, and fully communicated to his companions, all three set about + its execution, in concert, and intelligently. Hetty passed into the ark, + and fastening two of the canoes together, she entered one, and paddled up + to a sort of gateway in the palisadoes that surrounded the building, + through which she carried both; securing them beneath the house by chains + that were fastened within the building. These palisadoes were trunks of + trees driven firmly into the mud, and served the double purpose of a small + inclosure that was intended to be used in this very manner, and to keep + any enemy that might approach in boats at arm's length. Canoes thus docked + were, in a measure, hid from sight, and as the gate was properly barred + and fastened, it would not be an easy task to remove them, even in the + event of their being seen. Previously, however, to closing the gate, + Judith also entered within the inclosure with the third canoe, leaving + Deerslayer busy in securing the door and windows inside the building, over + her head. As everything was massive and strong, and small saplings were + used as bars, it would have been the work of an hour or two to break into + the building, when Deerslayer had ended his task, even allowing the + assailants the use of any tools but the axe, and to be unresisted. This + attention to security arose from Hutter's having been robbed once or twice + by the lawless whites of the frontiers, during some of his many absences + from home. + </p> + <p> + As soon as all was fast in the inside of the dwelling, Deerslayer appeared + at a trap, from which he descended into the canoe of Judith. When this was + done, he fastened the door with a massive staple and stout padlock. Hetty + was then received in the canoe, which was shoved outside of the + palisadoes. The next precaution was to fasten the gate, and the keys were + carried into the ark. The three were now fastened out of the dwelling, + which could only be entered by violence, or by following the course taken + by the young man in quitting it. The glass had been brought outside as a + preliminary step, and Deerslayer next took a careful survey of the entire + shore of the lake, as far as his own position would allow. Not a living + thing was visible, a few birds excepted, and even the last fluttered about + in the shades of the trees, as if unwilling to encounter the heat of a + sultry afternoon. All the nearest points, in particular, were subjected to + severe scrutiny, in order to make certain that no raft was in preparation; + the result everywhere giving the same picture of calm solitude. A few + words will explain the greatest embarrassment belonging to the situation + of our party. Exposed themselves to the observation of any watchful eyes, + the movements of their enemies were concealed by the drapery of a dense + forest. While the imagination would be very apt to people the latter with + more warriors than it really contained, their own weakness must be too + apparent to all who might chance to cast a glance in their direction. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing is stirring, howsever,” exclaimed Deerslayer, as he finally + lowered the glass, and prepared to enter the ark. “If the vagabonds do + harbor mischief in their minds, they are too cunning to let it be seen; + it's true, a raft may be in preparation in the woods, but it has not yet + been brought down to the lake. They can't guess that we are about to quit + the castle, and, if they did, they've no means of knowing where we intend + to go.” + </p> + <p> + “This is so true, Deerslayer,” returned Judith, “that now all is ready, we + may proceed at once, boldly, and without the fear of being followed; else + we shall be behind our time.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; the matter needs management; for, though the savages are in the + dark as to Chingachgook and the rock, they've eyes and legs, and will see + in what direction we steer, and will be sartain to follow us. I shall + strive to baffle 'em, howsever, by heading the scow in all manner of ways, + first in one quarter and then in another, until they get to be + a-leg-weary, and tired of tramping a'ter us.” + </p> + <p> + So far as it was in his power, Deerslayer was as good as his word. In less + than five minutes after this speech was made, the whole party was in the + ark, and in motion. There was a gentle breeze from the north, and boldly + hoisting the sail, the young man laid the head of the unwieldy craft in + such a direction, as, after making a liberal but necessary allowance for + leeway, would have brought it ashore a couple of miles down the lake, and + on its eastern side. The sailing of the ark was never very swift, though, + floating as it did on the surface, it was not difficult to get it in + motion, or to urge it along over the water at the rate of some three or + four miles in the hour. The distance between the castle and the rock was a + little more than two leagues. Knowing the punctuality of an Indian, + Deerslayer had made his calculations closely, and had given himself a + little more time than was necessary to reach the place of rendezvous, with + a view to delay or to press his arrival, as might prove most expedient. + When he hoisted the sail, the sun lay above the western hills, at an + elevation that promised rather more than two hours of day; and a few + minutes satisfied him that the progress of the scow was such as to equal + his expectations. + </p> + <p> + It was a glorious June afternoon, and never did that solitary sheet of + water seem less like an arena of strife and bloodshed. The light air + scarce descended as low as the bed of the lake, hovering over it, as if + unwilling to disturb its deep tranquillity, or to ruffle its mirror-like + surface. Even the forests appeared to be slumbering in the sun, and a few + piles of fleecy clouds had lain for hours along the northern horizon like + fixtures in the atmosphere, placed there purely to embellish the scene. A + few aquatic fowls occasionally skimmed along the water, and a single raven + was visible, sailing high above the trees, and keeping a watchful eye on + the forest beneath him, in order to detect anything having life that the + mysterious woods might offer as prey. + </p> + <p> + The reader will probably have observed, that, amidst the frankness and + abruptness of manner which marked the frontier habits of Judith, her + language was superior to that used by her male companions, her own father + included. This difference extended as well to pronunciation as to the + choice of words and phrases. Perhaps nothing so soon betrays the education + and association as the modes of speech; and few accomplishments so much + aid the charm of female beauty as a graceful and even utterance, while + nothing so soon produces the disenchantment that necessarily follows a + discrepancy between appearance and manner, as a mean intonation of voice, + or a vulgar use of words. Judith and her sister were marked exceptions to + all the girls of their class, along that whole frontier; the officers of + the nearest garrison having often flattered the former with the belief + that few ladies of the towns acquitted themselves better than herself, in + this important particular. This was far from being literally true, but it + was sufficiently near the fact to give birth to the compliment. The girls + were indebted to their mother for this proficiency, having acquired from + her, in childhood, an advantage that no subsequent study or labor can give + without a drawback, if neglected beyond the earlier periods of life. Who + that mother was, or rather had been, no one but Hutter knew. She had now + been dead two summers, and, as was stated by Hurry, she had been buried in + the lake; whether in indulgence of a prejudice, or from a reluctance to + take the trouble to dig her grave, had frequently been a matter of + discussion between the rude beings of that region. Judith had never + visited the spot, but Hetty was present at the interment, and she often + paddled a canoe, about sunset or by the light of the moon, to the place, + and gazed down into the limpid water, in the hope of being able to catch a + glimpse of the form that she had so tenderly loved from infancy to the sad + hour of their parting. + </p> + <p> + “Must we reach the rock exactly at the moment the sun sets?” Judith + demanded of the young man, as they stood near each other, Deerslayer + holding the steering-oar, and she working with a needle at some ornament + of dress, that much exceeded her station in life, and was altogether a + novelty in the woods. “Will a few minutes, sooner or later, alter the + matter? It will be very hazardous to remain long as near the shore as that + rock!” + </p> + <p> + “That's it, Judith; that's the very difficulty! The rock's within p'int + blank for a shot-gun, and 'twill never do to hover about it too close and + too long. When you have to deal with an Injin, you must calculate and + manage, for a red natur' dearly likes sarcumvention. Now you see, Judith, + that I do not steer towards the rock at all, but here to the eastward of + it, whereby the savages will be tramping off in that direction, and get + their legs a-wearied, and all for no advantage.” + </p> + <p> + “You think, then, they see us, and watch our movements, Deerslayer? I was + in hopes they might have fallen back into the woods, and left us to + ourselves for a few hours.” + </p> + <p> + “That's altogether a woman's consait. There's no let-up in an Injin's + watchfulness when he's on a war-path, and eyes are on us at this minute, + 'though the lake presarves us. We must draw near the rock on a + calculation, and indivor to get the miscreants on a false scent. The + Mingos have good noses, they tell me; but a white man's reason ought + always to equalize their instinct.” + </p> + <p> + Judith now entered into a desultory discourse with Deerslayer, in which + the girl betrayed her growing interest in the young man; an interest that + his simplicity of mind and her decision of character, sustained as it was + by the consciousness awakened by the consideration her personal charms so + universally produced, rendered her less anxious to conceal than might + otherwise have been the case. She was scarcely forward in her manner, + though there was sometimes a freedom in her glances that it required all + the aid of her exceeding beauty to prevent from awakening suspicions + unfavorable to her discretion, if not to her morals. With Deerslayer, + however, these glances were rendered less obnoxious to so unpleasant a + construction; for she seldom looked at him without discovering much of the + sincerity and nature that accompany the purest emotions of woman. It was a + little remarkable that, as his captivity lengthened, neither of the girls + manifested any great concern for her father; but, as has been said + already, their habits gave them confidence, and they looked forward to his + liberation, by means of a ransom, with a confidence that might, in a great + degree, account for their apparent indifference. Once before, Hutter had + been in the hands of the Iroquois, and a few skins had readily effected + his release. This event, however, unknown to the sisters, had occurred in + a time of peace between England and France, and when the savages were + restrained, instead of being encouraged to commit their excesses, by the + policy of the different colonial governments. + </p> + <p> + While Judith was loquacious and caressing in her manner, Hetty remained + thoughtful and silent. Once, indeed, she drew near to Deerslayer, and + questioned him a little closely as to his intentions, as well as + concerning the mode of effecting his purpose; but her wish to converse + went no further. As soon as her simple queries were answered—and + answered they all were, in the fullest and kindest manner—she + withdrew to her seat, and continued to work on a coarse garment that she + was making for her father, sometimes humming a low melancholy air, and + frequently sighing. + </p> + <p> + In this manner the time passed away; and when the sun was beginning to + glow behind the fringe of the pines that bounded the western hill, or + about twenty minutes before it actually set, the ark was nearly as low as + the point where Hutter and Hurry had been made prisoners. By sheering + first to one side of the lake, and then to the other, Deerslayer managed + to create an uncertainty as to his object; and, doubtless, the savages, + who were unquestionably watching his movements, were led to believe that + his aim was to communicate with them, at or near this spot, and would + hasten in that direction, in order to be in readiness to profit by + circumstances. This artifice was well managed; since the sweep of the bay, + the curvature of the lake, and the low marshy land that intervened, would + probably allow the ark to reach the rock before its pursuers, if really + collected near this point, could have time to make the circuit that would + be required to get there by land. With a view to aid this deception, + Deerslayer stood as near the western shore as was at all prudent; and then + causing Judith and Hetty to enter the house, or cabin, and crouching + himself so as to conceal his person by the frame of the scow, he suddenly + threw the head of the latter round, and began to make the best of his way + towards the outlet. Favored by an increase in the wind, the progress of + the ark was such as to promise the complete success of this plan, though + the crab-like movement of the craft compelled the helmsman to keep its + head looking in a direction very different from that in which it was + actually moving. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Yet art thou prodigal of smiles— + Smiles, sweeter than thy frowns are stern: + Earth sends from all her thousand isles, + A shout at thy return. + The glory that comes down from thee + Bathes, in deep joy, the land and sea.” + + Bryant, “The Firmament,” 11.19-24 +</pre> + <p> + It may assist the reader in understanding the events we are about to + record, if he has a rapidly sketched picture of the scene, placed before + his eyes at a single view. It will be remembered that the lake was an + irregularly shaped basin, of an outline that, in the main, was oval, but + with bays and points to relieve its formality and ornament its shores. The + surface of this beautiful sheet of water was now glittering like a gem, in + the last rays of the evening sun, and the setting of the whole, hills + clothed in the richest forest verdure, was lighted up with a sort of + radiant smile, that is best described in the beautiful lines we have + placed at the head of this chapter. As the banks, with few exceptions, + rose abruptly from the water, even where the mountain did not immediately + bound the view, there was a nearly unbroken fringe of leaves overhanging + the placid lake, the trees starting out of the acclivities, inclining to + the light, until, in many instances they extended their long limbs and + straight trunks some forty or fifty feet beyond the line of the + perpendicular. In these cases we allude only to the giants of the forest, + pines of a hundred or a hundred and fifty feet in height, for of the + smaller growth, very many inclined so far as to steep their lower branches + in the water. In the position in which the Ark had now got, the castle was + concealed from view by the projection of a point, as indeed was the + northern extremity of the lake itself. A respectable mountain, forest + clad, and rounded, like all the rest, limited the view in that direction, + stretching immediately across the whole of the fair scene, with the + exception of a deep bay that passed the western end, lengthening the + basin, for more than a mile. + </p> + <p> + The manner in which the water flowed out of the lake, beneath the leafy + arches of the trees that lined the sides of the stream, has already been + mentioned, and it has also been said that the rock, which was a favorite + place of rendezvous throughout all that region, and where Deerslayer now + expected to meet his friend, stood near this outlet, and at no great + distance from the shore. It was a large, isolated stone that rested on the + bottom of the lake, apparently left there when the waters tore away the + earth from around it, in forcing for themselves a passage down the river, + and which had obtained its shape from the action of the elements, during + the slow progress of centuries. The height of this rock could scarcely + equal six feet, and, as has been said, its shape was not unlike that which + is usually given to beehives, or to a hay-cock. The latter, indeed, gives + the best idea not only of its form, but of its dimensions. It stood, and + still stands, for we are writing of real scenes, within fifty feet of the + bank, and in water that was only two feet in depth, though there were + seasons in which its rounded apex, if such a term can properly be used, + was covered by the lake. Many of the trees stretched so far forward, as + almost to blend the rock with the shore, when seen from a little distance, + and one tall pine in particular overhung it in a way to form a noble and + appropriate canopy to a seat that had held many a forest chieftain, during + the long succession of unknown ages, in which America, and all it + contained, had existed apart, in mysterious solitude, a world by itself; + equally without a familiar history, and without an origin that the annals + of man can reach. + </p> + <p> + When distant some two or three hundred feet from the shore, Deerslayer + took in his sail. He dropped his grapnel, as soon as he found the Ark had + drifted in a line that was directly to windward of the rock. The motion of + the scow was then checked, when it was brought head to wind, by the action + of the breeze. As soon as this was done, Deerslayer “paid out line,” and + suffered the vessel to “set down” upon the rock, as fast as the light air + could force it to leeward. Floating entirely on the surface, this was soon + effected, and the young man checked the drift when he was told that the + stern of the scow was within fifteen or eighteen feet of the desired spot. + </p> + <p> + In executing this maneuver, Deerslayer had proceeded promptly, for, while + he did not in the least doubt that he was both watched and followed by the + foe, he believed he distracted their movements, by the apparent + uncertainty of his own, and he knew they could have no means of + ascertaining that the rock was his aim, unless indeed one of their + prisoners had betrayed him; a chance so improbable in itself, as to give + him no concern. Notwithstanding the celerity and decision his movements, + he did not, however, venture so near the shore without taking due + precautions to effect a retreat, in the event of its becoming necessary. + He held the line in his hand, and Judith was stationed at a loop, on the + side of the cabin next the shore, where she could watch the beach and the + rock, and give timely notice of the approach of either friend or foe. + Hetty was also placed on watch, but it was to keep the trees overhead in + view, lest some enemy might ascend one, and, by completely commanding the + interior of the scow render the defence of the hut, or cabin, useless. + </p> + <p> + The sun had disappeared from the lake and valley, when Deerslayer checked + the Ark, in the manner mentioned. Still it wanted a few minutes to the + true sunset, and he knew Indian punctuality too well to anticipate any + unmanly haste in his friend. The great question was, whether, surrounded + by enemies as he was known to be, he had escaped their toils. The + occurrences of the last twenty-four hours must be a secret to him, and + like himself, Chingachgook was yet young on a path. It was true, he came + prepared to encounter the party that withheld his promised bride, but he + had no means ascertaining the extent of the danger he ran, or the precise + positions occupied by either friends, or foes. In a word, the trained + sagacity, and untiring caution of an Indian were all he had to rely on, + amid the critical risks he unavoidably ran. + </p> + <p> + “Is the rock empty, Judith?” inquired Deerslayer, as soon as he had + checked the drift of the Ark, deeming it imprudent to venture + unnecessarily near the shore. “Is any thing to be seen of the Delaware + chief?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, Deerslayer. Neither rock, shore, trees, nor lake seems to have + ever held a human form.” + </p> + <p> + 'Keep close, Judith—keep close, Hetty—a rifle has a prying + eye, a nimble foot, and a desperate fatal tongue. Keep close then, but + keep up actyve looks, and be on the alart. 'Twould grieve me to the heart, + did any harm befall either of you.' + </p> + <p> + “And you Deerslayer—” exclaimed Judith, turning her handsome face + from the loop, to bestow a gracious and grateful look on the young man—“do + you 'keep close', and have a proper care that the savages do not catch a + glimpse of you! A bullet might be as fatal to you as to one of us; and the + blow that you felt, would be felt by us all.” + </p> + <p> + “No fear of me, Judith—no fear of me, my good gal. Do not look + this-a-way, although you look so pleasant and comely, but keep your eyes + on the rock, and the shore, and the—” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer was interrupted by a slight exclamation from the girl, who, in + obedience to his hurried gestures, as much as in obedience to his words, + had immediately bent her looks again, in the opposite direction. + </p> + <p> + “What is't?—What is't, Judith?” he hastily demanded—“Is any + thing to be seen?” + </p> + <p> + “There is a man on the rock!—An Indian warrior, in his paint—and + armed!” + </p> + <p> + “Where does he wear his hawk's feather?” eagerly added Deerslayer, + relaxing his hold of the line, in readiness to drift nearer to the place + of rendezvous. “Is it fast to the war-lock, or does he carry it above the + left ear?” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis as you say, above the left ear; he smiles, too, and mutters the word + 'Mohican.'” + </p> + <p> + “God be praised, 'tis the Sarpent, at last!” exclaimed the young man, + suffering the line to slip through his hands, until hearing a light bound, + in the other end of the craft, he instantly checked the rope, and began to + haul it in, again, under the assurance that his object was effected. At + that moment the door of the cabin was opened hastily, and, a warrior, + darting through the little room, stood at Deerslayer's side, simply + uttering the exclamation “Hugh!” At the next instant, Judith and Hetty + shrieked, and the air was filled with the yell of twenty savages, who came + leaping through the branches, down the bank, some actually falling + headlong into the water, in their haste. + </p> + <p> + “Pull, Deerslayer,” cried Judith, hastily barring the door, in order to + prevent an inroad by the passage through which the Delaware had just + entered; “pull, for life and death—the lake is full of savages, + wading after us!” + </p> + <p> + The young men—for Chingachgook immediately came to his friend's + assistance—needed no second bidding, but they applied themselves to + their task in a way that showed how urgent they deemed the occasion. The + great difficulty was in suddenly overcoming the inertia of so large a + mass, for once in motion, it was easy to cause the scow to skim the water + with all the necessary speed. + </p> + <p> + “Pull, Deerslayer, for Heaven's sake!” cried Judith, again at the loop. + “These wretches rush into the water like hounds following their prey! Ah—the + scow moves! and now, the water deepens, to the arm-pits of the foremost, + but they reach forward, and will seize the Ark!” + </p> + <p> + A slight scream, and then a joyous laugh followed from the girl; the first + produced by a desperate effort of their pursuers, and the last by its + failure; the scow, which had now got fairly in motion gliding ahead into + deep water, with a velocity that set the designs of their enemies at + nought. As the two men were prevented by the position of the cabin from + seeing what passed astern, they were compelled to inquire of the girls + into the state of the chase. + </p> + <p> + “What now, Judith?—What next?—Do the Mingos still follow, or + are we quit of 'em, for the present,” demanded Deerslayer, when he felt + the rope yielding as if the scow was going fast ahead, and heard the + scream and the laugh of the girl, almost in the same breath. + </p> + <p> + “They have vanished!—One—the last—is just burying + himself in the bushes of the bank—There, he has disappeared in the + shadows of the trees! You have got your friend, and we are all safe!” + </p> + <p> + The two men now made another great effort, pulled the Ark up swiftly to + the grapnel, tripped it, and when the scow had shot some distance and lost + its way, they let the anchor drop again. Then, for the first time since + their meeting, they ceased their efforts. As the floating house now lay + several hundred feet from the shore, and offered a complete protection + against bullets, there was no longer any danger or any motive for + immediate exertion. + </p> + <p> + The manner in which the two friends now recognized each other, was highly + characteristic. Chingachgook, a noble, tall, handsome and athletic young + Indian warrior, first examined his rifle with care, opening the pan to + make sure that the priming was not wet, and, assured of this important + fact, he next cast furtive but observant glances around him, at the + strange habitation and at the two girls. Still he spoke not, and most of + all did he avoid the betrayal of a womanish curiosity, by asking + questions. + </p> + <p> + “Judith and Hetty” said Deerslayer, with an untaught, natural courtesy—“this + is the Mohican chief of whom you've heard me speak; Chingachgook as he is + called; which signifies Big Sarpent; so named for his wisdom and prudence, + and cunning, and my 'arliest and latest fri'nd. I know'd it must be he, by + the hawk's feather over the left ear, most other warriors wearing 'em on + the war-lock.” + </p> + <p> + As Deerslayer ceased speaking, he laughed heartily, excited more perhaps + by the delight of having got his friend safe at his side, under + circumstances so trying, than by any conceit that happened to cross his + fancy, and exhibiting this outbreaking of feeling in a manner that was a + little remarkable, since his merriment was not accompanied by any noise. + Although Chingachgook both understood and spoke English, he was unwilling + to communicate his thoughts in it, like most Indians, and when he had met + Judith's cordial shake of the hand, and Hetty's milder salute, in the + courteous manner that became a chief, he turned away, apparently to await + the moment when it might suit his friend to enter into an explanation of + his future intentions, and to give a narrative of what had passed since + their separation. The other understood his meaning, and discovered his own + mode of reasoning in the matter, by addressing the girls. + </p> + <p> + “This wind will soon die away altogether, now the sun is down,” he said, + “and there is no need for rowing ag'in it. In half an hour, or so, it will + either be a flat calm, or the air will come off from the south shore, when + we will begin our journey back ag'in to the castle; in the meanwhile, the + Delaware and I will talk over matters, and get correct idees of each + other's notions consarning the course we ought to take.” + </p> + <p> + No one opposed this proposition, and the girls withdrew into the cabin to + prepare the evening meal, while the two young men took their seats on the + head of the scow and began to converse. The dialogue was in the language + of the Delawares. As that dialect, however, is but little understood, even + by the learned; we shall not only on this, but on all subsequent occasions + render such parts as it may be necessary to give closely, into liberal + English; preserving, as far as possible, the idiom and peculiarities of + the respective speakers, by way of presenting the pictures in the most + graphic forms to the minds of the readers. + </p> + <p> + It is unnecessary to enter into the details first related by Deerslayer, + who gave a brief narrative of the facts that are already familiar to those + who have read our pages. In relating these events, however, it may be well + to say that the speaker touched only on the outlines, more particularly + abstaining from saying anything about his encounter with, and victory over + the Iroquois, as well as to his own exertions in behalf of the two + deserted young women. When Deerslayer ended, the Delaware took up the + narrative, in turn, speaking sententiously and with grave dignity. His + account was both clear and short, nor was it embellished by any incidents + that did not directly concern the history of his departure from the + villages of his people, and his arrival in the valley of the Susquehannah. + On reaching the latter, which was at a point only half a mile south of the + outlet, he had soon struck a trail, which gave him notice of the probable + vicinity of enemies. Being prepared for such an occurrence, the object of + the expedition calling him directly into the neighborhood of the party of + Iroquois that was known to be out, he considered the discovery as + fortunate, rather than the reverse, and took the usual precautions to turn + it to account. First following the river to its source, and ascertaining + the position of the rock, he met another trail, and had actually been + hovering for hours on the flanks of his enemies, watching equally for an + opportunity to meet his mistress, and to take a scalp; and it may be + questioned which he most ardently desired. He kept near the lake, and + occasionally he ventured to some spot where he could get a view of what + was passing on its surface. The Ark had been seen and watched, from the + moment it hove in sight, though the young chief was necessarily ignorant + that it was to be the instrument of his effecting the desired junction + with his friend. The uncertainty of its movements, and the fact that it + was unquestionably managed by white men, soon led him to conjecture the + truth, however, and he held himself in readiness to get on board whenever + a suitable occasion might offer. As the sun drew near the horizon he + repaired to the rock, where, on emerging from the forest, he was gratified + in finding the Ark lying, apparently in readiness to receive him. The + manner of his appearance, and of his entrance into the craft is known. + </p> + <p> + Although Chingachgook had been closely watching his enemies for hours, + their sudden and close pursuit as he reached the scow was as much a matter + of surprise to himself, as it had been to his friend. He could only + account for it by the fact of their being more numerous than he had at + first supposed, and by their having out parties of the existence of which + he was ignorant. Their regular, and permanent encampment, if the word + permanent can be applied to the residence of a party that intended to + remain out, in all probability, but a few weeks, was not far from the spot + where Hutter and Hurry had fallen into their hands, and, as a matter of + course, near a spring. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Sarpent,” asked Deerslayer, when the other had ended his brief but + spirited narrative, speaking always in the Delaware tongue, which for the + reader's convenience only we render into the peculiar vernacular of the + speaker—“Well, Sarpent, as you've been scouting around these Mingos, + have you anything to tell us of their captyves, the father of these young + women, and of another, who, I somewhat conclude, is the lovyer of one of + 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Chingachgook has seen them. An old man, and a young warrior—the + falling hemlock and the tall pine.” + </p> + <p> + “You're not so much out, Delaware; you're not so much out. Old Hutter is + decaying, of a sartainty, though many solid blocks might be hewn out of + his trunk yet, and, as for Hurry Harry, so far as height and strength and + comeliness go, he may be called the pride of the human forest. Were the + men bound, or in any manner suffering torture? I ask on account of the + young women, who, I dare to say, would be glad to know.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not so, Deerslayer. The Mingos are too many to cage their game. + Some watch; some sleep; some scout; some hunt. The pale-faces are treated + like brothers to-day; to-morrow they will lose their scalps.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's red natur', and must be submitted to! Judith and Hetty, + here's comforting tidings for you, the Delaware telling me that neither + your father nor Hurry Harry is in suffering, but, bating the loss of + liberty, as well off as we are ourselves. Of course they are kept in the + camp; otherwise they do much as they please.” + </p> + <p> + “I rejoice to hear this, Deerslayer,” returned Judith, “and now we are + joined by your friend, I make no manner of question that we shall find an + opportunity to ransom the prisoners. If there are any women in the camp, I + have articles of dress that will catch their eyes, and, should the worst + come to the worst, we can open the great chest, which I think will be + found to hold things that may tempt the chiefs.” + </p> + <p> + “Judith,” said the young man, looking up at her with a smile and an + expression of earnest curiosity, that in spite of the growing obscurity + did not escape the watchful looks of the girl, “can you find it in your + heart, to part with your own finery, to release prisoners; even though one + be your own father, and the other is your sworn suitor and lovyer?” + </p> + <p> + The flush on the face of the girl arose in part from resentment, but more + perhaps from a gentler and a novel feeling, that, with the capricious + waywardness of taste, had been rapidly rendering her more sensitive to the + good opinion of the youth who questioned her, than to that of any other + person. Suppressing the angry sensation, with instinctive quickness, she + answered with a readiness and truth, that caused her sister to draw near + to listen, though the obtuse intellect of the latter was far from + comprehending the workings of a heart as treacherous, as uncertain, and as + impetuous in its feelings, as that of the spoiled and flattered beauty. + </p> + <p> + “Deerslayer,” answered Judith, after a moment's pause, “I shall be honest + with you. I confess that the time has been when what you call finery, was + to me the dearest thing on earth; but I begin to feel differently. Though + Hurry Harry is nought to me nor ever can be, I would give all I own to set + him free. If I would do this for blustering, bullying, talking Hurry, who + has nothing but good looks to recommend him, you may judge what I would do + for my own father.” + </p> + <p> + “This sounds well, and is according to woman's gifts. Ah's, me! The same + feelin's is to be found among the young women of the Delawares. I've known + 'em, often and often, sacrifice their vanity to their hearts. Tis as it + should be—'tis as it should be I suppose, in both colours. Woman was + created for the feelin's, and is pretty much ruled by feelin'.” + </p> + <p> + “Would the savages let father go, if Judith and I give them all our best + things?” demanded Hetty, in her innocent, mild, manner. + </p> + <p> + “Their women might interfere, good Hetty; yes, their women might interfere + with such an ind in view. But, tell me, Sarpent, how is it as to squaws + among the knaves; have they many of their own women in the camp?” + </p> + <p> + The Delaware heard and understood all that passed, though with Indian + gravity and finesse he had sat with averted face, seemingly inattentive to + a discourse in which he had no direct concern. Thus appealed to, however, + he answered his friend in his ordinary sententious manner. + </p> + <p> + “Six—” he said, holding up all the fingers of one hand, and the + thumb of the other, “besides this.” The last number denoted his betrothed, + whom, with the poetry and truth of nature, he described by laying his hand + on his own heart. + </p> + <p> + “Did you see her, chief—did you get a glimpse of her pleasant + countenance, or come close enough to her ear, to sing in it the song she + loves to hear?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Deerslayer—the trees were too many, and leaves covered their + boughs like clouds hiding the heavens in a storm. But”—and the young + warrior turned his dark face towards his friend, with a smile on it that + illuminated its fierce-looking paint and naturally stern lineaments with a + bright gleam of human feeling, “Chingachgook heard the laugh of + Wah-ta-Wah, and knew it from the laugh of the women of the Iroquois. It + sounded in his ears, like the chirp of the wren.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, trust a lovyer's ear for that, and a Delaware's ear for all sounds + that are ever heard in the woods. I know not why it is so, Judith, but + when young men—and I dares to say it may be all the same with young + women, too—but when they get to have kind feelin's towards each + other, it's wonderful how pleasant the laugh, or the speech becomes, to + the other person. I've seen grim warriors listening to the chattering and + the laughing of young gals, as if it was church music, such as is heard in + the old Dutch church that stands in the great street of Albany, where I've + been, more than once, with peltry and game.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, Deerslayer,” said Judith quickly, and with more sensibility than + marked her usually light and thoughtless manner,—“have you never + felt how pleasant it is to listen to the laugh of the girl you love?” + </p> + <p> + “Lord bless you gal!—Why I've never lived enough among my own colour + to drop into them sort of feelin's,—no never! I dares to say, they + are nat'ral and right, but to me there's no music so sweet as the sighing + of the wind in the tree tops, and the rippling of a stream from a full, + sparkling, natyve fountain of pure forest water—unless, indeed,” he + continued, dropping his head for an instant in a thoughtful manner—“unless + indeed it be the open mouth of a sartain hound, when I'm on the track of a + fat buck. As for unsartain dogs, I care little for their cries, seein' + they are as likely to speak when the deer is not in sight, as when it is.” + </p> + <p> + Judith walked slowly and pensively away, nor was there any of her ordinary + calculating coquetry in the light tremulous sigh that, unconsciously to + herself, arose to her lips. On the other hand Hetty listened with + guileless attention, though it struck her simple mind as singular that the + young man should prefer the melody of the woods, to the songs of girls, or + even to the laugh of innocence and joy. Accustomed, however, to defer in + most things to her sister, she soon followed Judith into the cabin, where + she took a seat and remained pondering intensely over some occurrence, or + resolution, or opinion—which was a secret to all but herself. Left + alone, Deerslayer and his friend resumed their discourse. + </p> + <p> + “Has the young pale-face hunter been long on this lake?” demanded the + Delaware, after courteously waiting for the other to speak first. + </p> + <p> + “Only since yesterday noon, Sarpent, though that has been long enough to + see and do much.” The gaze that the Indian fastened on his companion was + so keen that it seemed to mock the gathering darkness of the night. As the + other furtively returned his look, he saw the two black eyes glistening on + him, like the balls of the panther, or those of the penned wolf. He + understood the meaning of this glowing gaze, and answered evasively, as he + fancied would best become the modesty of a white man's gifts. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis as you suspect, Sarpent; yes, 'tis somewhat that-a-way. I have fell + in with the inimy, and I suppose it may be said I've fou't them, too.” + </p> + <p> + An exclamation of delight and exultation escaped the Indian, and then + laying his hand eagerly on the arm of his friend, he asked if there were + any scalps taken. + </p> + <p> + “That I will maintain in the face of all the Delaware tribe, old Tamenund, + and your own father the great Uncas, as well as the rest, is ag'in white + gifts! My scalp is on my head, as you can see, Sarpent, and that was the + only scalp that was in danger, when one side was altogether Christian and + white.” + </p> + <p> + “Did no warrior fall?—Deerslayer did not get his name by being slow + of sight, or clumsy with the rifle!” + </p> + <p> + “In that particular, chief, you're nearer reason, and therefore nearer + being right. I may say one Mingo fell.” + </p> + <p> + “A chief!” demanded the other with startling vehemence. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, that's more than I know, or can say. He was artful, and treacherous, + and stout-hearted, and may well have gained popularity enough with his + people to be named to that rank. The man fou't well, though his eye + was'n't quick enough for one who had had his schooling in your company, + Delaware.” + </p> + <p> + “My brother and friend struck the body?” + </p> + <p> + “That was uncalled for, seeing that the Mingo died in my arms. The truth + may as well be said, at once; he fou't like a man of red gifts, and I + fou't like a man with gifts of my own colour. God gave me the victory; I + coul'n't fly in the face of his Providence by forgetting my birth and + natur'. White he made me, and white I shall live and die.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! Deerslayer is a pale-face, and has pale-face hands. A Delaware will + look for the scalp, and hang it on a pole, and sing a song in his honour, + when we go back to our people. The glory belongs to the tribe; it must not + be lost.” + </p> + <p> + “This is easy talking, but 'twill not be as easy doing. The Mingo's body + is in the hands of his fri'nds and, no doubt, is hid in some hole where + Delaware cunning will never be able to get at the scalp.” + </p> + <p> + The young man then gave his friend a succinct, but clear account, of the + event of the morning, concealing nothing of any moment, and yet touching + on every thing modestly and with a careful attention to avoid the Indian + habit of boasting. Chingachgook again expressed his satisfaction at the + honour won by his friend, and then both arose, the hour having arrived + when it became prudent to move the Ark further from the land. + </p> + <p> + It was now quite dark, the heavens having become clouded, and the stars + hid. The north wind had ceased—as was usual with the setting of the + sun, and a light air arose from the south. This change favoring the design + of Deerslayer, he lifted his grapnel, and the scow immediately and quite + perceptibly began to drift more into the lake. The sail was set, when the + motion of the craft increased to a rate not much less than two miles in + the hour. As this superseded the necessity of rowing, an occupation that + an Indian would not be likely to desire, Deerslayer, Chingachgook and + Judith seated themselves in the stern of the scow, where they first + governed its movements by holding the oar. Here they discoursed on their + future movements, and on the means that ought to be used in order to + effect the liberation of their friends. + </p> + <p> + In this dialogue Judith held a material part, the Delaware readily + understanding all she said, while his own replies and remarks, both of + which were few and pithy, were occasionally rendered into English by his + friend. Judith rose greatly in the estimation of her companions, in the + half hour that followed. Prompt of resolution and firm of purpose, her + suggestions and expedients partook of her spirit and sagacity, both of + which were of a character to find favor with men of the frontier. The + events that had occurred since their meeting, as well as her isolated and + dependant situation, induced the girl to feel towards Deerslayer like the + friend of a year instead of an acquaintance of a day, and so completely + had she been won by his guileless truth of character and of feeling, pure + novelties in our sex, as respected her own experience, that his + peculiarities excited her curiosity, and created a confidence that had + never been awakened by any other man. Hitherto she had been compelled to + stand on the defensive in her intercourse with men, with what success was + best known to herself, but here had she been suddenly thrown into the + society and under the protection of a youth, who evidently as little + contemplated evil towards herself as if he had been her brother. The + freshness of his integrity, the poetry and truth of his feelings, and even + the quaintness of his forms of speech, all had their influence, and aided + in awakening an interest that she found as pure as it was sudden and deep. + Hurry's fine face and manly form had never compensated for his boisterous + and vulgar tone, and her intercourse with the officers had prepared her to + make comparisons under which even his great natural advantages suffered. + But this very intercourse with the officers who occasionally came upon the + lake to fish and hunt, had an effect in producing her present sentiments + towards the young stranger. With them, while her vanity had been + gratified, and her self-love strongly awakened, she had many causes deeply + to regret the acquaintance—if not to mourn over it, in secret sorrow—for + it was impossible for one of her quick intellect not to perceive how + hollow was the association between superior and inferior, and that she was + regarded as the play thing of an idle hour, rather than as an equal and a + friend, by even the best intentioned and least designing of her + scarlet-clad admirers. Deerslayer, on the other hand, had a window in his + breast through which the light of his honesty was ever shining; and even + his indifference to charms that so rarely failed to produce a sensation, + piqued the pride of the girl, and gave him an interest that another, + seemingly more favored by nature, might have failed to excite. + </p> + <p> + In this manner half an hour passed, during which time the Ark had been + slowly stealing over the water, the darkness thickening around it; though + it was easy to see that the gloom of the forest at the southern end of the + lake was getting to be distant, while the mountains that lined the sides + of the beautiful basin were overshadowing it, nearly from side to side. + There was, indeed, a narrow stripe of water, in the centre of the lake + where the dim light that was still shed from the heavens, fell upon its + surface in a line extending north and south; and along this faint track, a + sort of inverted milky way, in which the obscurity was not quite as dense + as in other places, the scow held her course, he who steered well knowing + that it led in the direction he wished to go. The reader is not to + suppose, however, that any difficulty could exist as to the course. This + would have been determined by that of the air, had it not been possible to + distinguish the mountains, as well as by the dim opening to the south, + which marked the position of the valley in that quarter, above the plain + of tall trees, by a sort of lessened obscurity; the difference between the + darkness of the forest, and that of the night, as seen only in the air. + The peculiarities at length caught the attention of Judith and the + Deerslayer, and the conversation ceased, to allow each to gaze at the + solemn stillness and deep repose of nature. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis a gloomy night—” observed the girl, after a pause of several + minutes—“I hope we may be able to find the castle.” + </p> + <p> + “Little fear of our missing that, if we keep this path in the middle of + the lake,” returned the young man. “Natur' has made us a road here, and, + dim as it is, there'll be little difficulty following it.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you hear nothing, Deerslayer?—It seemed as if the water was + stirring quite near us!” + </p> + <p> + “Sartainly something did move the water, oncommon like; must have been a + fish. Them creatur's prey upon each other like men and animals on the + land; one has leaped into the air and fallen hard, back into his own + element. 'Tis of little use Judith, for any to strive to get out of their + elements, since it's natur' to stay in 'em, and natur' will have its way. + Ha! That sounds like a paddle, used with more than common caution!” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the Delaware bent forward and pointed significantly into + the boundary of gloom, as if some object had suddenly caught his eye. Both + Deerslayer and Judith followed the direction of his gesture, and each got + a view of a canoe at the same instant. The glimpse of this startling + neighbor was dim, and to eyes less practised it might have been uncertain, + though to those in the Ark the object was evidently a canoe with a single + individual in it; the latter standing erect and paddling. How many lay + concealed in its bottom, of course could not be known. Flight, by means of + oars, from a bark canoe impelled by vigorous and skilful hands, was + utterly impracticable, and each of the men seized his rifle in expectation + of a conflict. + </p> + <p> + “I can easily bring down the paddler,” whispered Deerslayer, “but we'll + first hail him, and ask his arrn'd.” Then raising his voice, he continued + in a solemn manner—“hold! If ye come nearer, I must fire, though + contrary to my wishes, and then sartain death will follow. Stop paddling, + and answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Fire, and slay a poor defenseless girl,” returned a soft tremulous female + voice. “And God will never forgive you! Go your way, Deerslayer, and let + me go mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Hetty!” exclaimed the young man and Judith in a breath; and the former + sprang instantly to the spot where he had left the canoe they had been + towing. It was gone, and he understood the whole affair. As for the + fugitive, frightened at the menace she ceased paddling, and remained dimly + visible, resembling a spectral outline of a human form, standing on the + water. At the next moment the sail was lowered, to prevent the Ark from + passing the spot where the canoe lay. This last expedient, however, was + not taken in time, for the momentum of so heavy a craft, and the impulsion + of the air, soon set her by, bringing Hetty directly to windward, though + still visible, as the change in the positions of the two boats now placed + her in that species of milky way which has been mentioned. + </p> + <p> + “What can this mean, Judith?” demanded Deerslayer—“Why has your + sister taken the canoe, and left us?” + </p> + <p> + “You know she is feeble-minded, poor girl!—and she has her own ideas + of what ought to be done. She loves her father more than most children + love their parents—and—then—” + </p> + <p> + “Then, what, gal? This is a trying moment; one in which truth must be + spoken!” + </p> + <p> + Judith felt a generous and womanly regret at betraying her sister, and she + hesitated ere she spoke again. But once more urged by Deerslayer, and + conscious herself of all the risks the whole party was running by the + indiscretion of Hetty, she could refrain no longer. + </p> + <p> + “Then, I fear, poor, weak-minded Hetty has not been altogether able to see + all the vanity, and rudeness and folly, that lie hid behind the handsome + face and fine form of Hurry Harry. She talks of him in her sleep, and + sometimes betrays the inclination in her waking moments.” + </p> + <p> + “You think, Judith, that your sister is now bent on some mad scheme to + serve her father and Hurry, which will, in all likelihood, give them + riptyles the Mingos, the mastership of a canoe?” + </p> + <p> + “Such, I fear, will turn out to be the fact, Deerslayer. Poor Hetty has + hardly sufficient cunning to outwit a savage.” + </p> + <p> + All this while the canoe, with the form of Hetty erect in one end of it, + was dimly perceptible, though the greater drift of the Ark rendered it, at + each instant, less and less distinct. It was evident no time was to be + lost, lest it should altogether disappear. The rifles were now laid aside + as useless, the two men seizing the oars and sweeping the head of the scow + round in the direction of the canoe. Judith, accustomed to the office, + flew to the other end of the Ark, and placed herself at what might be + called the helm. Hetty took the alarm at these preparations, which could + not be made without noise, and started off like a bird that had been + suddenly put up by the approach of unexpected danger. + </p> + <p> + As Deerslayer and his companion rowed with the energy of those who felt + the necessity of straining every nerve, and Hetty's strength was impaired + by a nervous desire to escape, the chase would have quickly terminated in + the capture of the fugitive, had not the girl made several short and + unlooked-for deviations in her course. These turnings gave her time, and + they had also the effect of gradually bringing both canoe and Ark within + the deeper gloom, cast by the shadows from the hills. They also gradually + increased the distance between the fugitive and her pursuers, until Judith + called out to her companions to cease rowing, for she had completely lost + sight of the canoe. + </p> + <p> + When this mortifying announcement was made, Hetty was actually so near as + to understand every syllable her sister uttered, though the latter had + used the precaution of speaking as low as circumstances would allow her to + do, and to make herself heard. Hetty stopped paddling at the same moment, + and waited the result with an impatience that was breathless, equally from + her late exertions, and her desire to land. A dead silence immediately + fell on the lake, during which the three in the Ark were using their + senses differently, in order to detect the position of the canoe. Judith + bent forward to listen, in the hope of catching some sound that might + betray the direction in which her sister was stealing away, while her two + companions brought their eyes as near as possible to a level with the + water, in order to detect any object that might be floating on its + surface. All was vain, however, for neither sound nor sight rewarded their + efforts. All this time Hetty, who had not the cunning to sink into the + canoe, stood erect, a finger pressed on her lips, gazing in the direction + in which the voices had last been heard, resembling a statue of profound + and timid attention. Her ingenuity had barely sufficed to enable her to + seize the canoe and to quit the Ark, in the noiseless manner related, and + then it appeared to be momentarily exhausted. Even the doublings of the + canoe had been as much the consequence of an uncertain hand and of nervous + agitation, as of any craftiness or calculation. + </p> + <p> + The pause continued several minutes, during which Deerslayer and the + Delaware conferred together in the language of the latter. Then the oars + dipped, again, and the Ark moved away, rowing with as little noise as + possible. It steered westward, a little southerly, or in the direction of + the encampment of the enemy. Having reached a point at no great distance + from the shore, and where the obscurity was intense on account of the + proximity of the land, it lay there near an hour, in waiting for the + expected approach of Hetty, who, it was thought, would make the best of + her way to that spot as soon as she believed herself released from the + danger of pursuit. No success rewarded this little blockade, however, + neither appearance nor sound denoting the passage of the canoe. + Disappointed at this failure, and conscious of the importance of getting + possession of the fortress before it could be seized by the enemy, + Deerslayer now took his way towards the castle, with the apprehension that + all his foresight in securing the canoes would be defeated by this + unguarded and alarming movement on the part of the feeble-minded Hetty. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “But who in this wild wood + May credit give to either eye, or ear? + From rocky precipice or hollow cave, + 'Midst the confused sound of rustling leaves, + And creaking boughs, and cries of nightly birds, + Returning seeming answer!” + + Joanna Baihie, “Rayner: A Tragedy,” II.L3-4, 6-g. +</pre> + <p> + Fear, as much as calculation, had induced Hetty to cease paddling, when + she found that her pursuers did not know in which direction to proceed. + She remained stationary until the Ark had pulled in near the encampment, + as has been related in the preceding chapter, when she resumed the paddle + and with cautious strokes made the best of her way towards the western + shore. In order to avoid her pursuers, however, who, she rightly + suspected, would soon be rowing along that shore themselves, the head of + the canoe was pointed so far north as to bring her to land on a point that + thrust itself into the lake, at the distance of near a league from the + outlet. Nor was this altogether the result of a desire to escape, for, + feeble minded as she was, Hetty Hutter had a good deal of that instinctive + caution which so often keeps those whom God has thus visited from harm. + She was perfectly aware of the importance of keeping the canoes from + falling into the hands of the Iroquois, and long familiarity with the lake + had suggested one of the simplest expedients, by which this great object + could be rendered compatible with her own purpose. + </p> + <p> + The point in question was the first projection that offered on that side + of the lake, where a canoe, if set adrift with a southerly air would float + clear of the land, and where it would be no great violation of + probabilities to suppose it might even hit the castle; the latter lying + above it, almost in a direct line with the wind. Such then was Hetty's + intention, and she landed on the extremity of the gravelly point, beneath + an overhanging oak, with the express intention of shoving the canoe off + from the shore, in order that it might drift up towards her father's + insulated abode. She knew, too, from the logs that occasionally floated + about the lake, that did it miss the castle and its appendages the wind + would be likely to change before the canoe could reach the northern + extremity of the lake, and that Deerslayer might have an opportunity of + regaining it in the morning, when no doubt he would be earnestly sweeping + the surface of the water, and the whole of its wooded shores, with glass. + In all this, too, Hetty was less governed by any chain of reasoning than + by her habits, the latter often supplying the place of mind, in human + beings, as they perform the same for animals of the inferior classes. + </p> + <p> + The girl was quite an hour finding her way to the point, the distance and + the obscurity equally detaining her, but she was no sooner on the gravelly + beach than she prepared to set the canoe adrift, in the manner mentioned. + While in the act of pushing it from her, she heard low voices that seemed + to come among the trees behind her. Startled at this unexpected danger + Hetty was on the point of springing into the canoe in order to seek safety + in flight, when she thought she recognized the tones of Judith's melodious + voice. Bending forward so as to catch the sounds more directly, they + evidently came from the water, and then she understood that the Ark was + approaching from the south, and so close in with the western shore, as + necessarily to cause it to pass the point within twenty yards of the spot + where she stood. Here, then, was all she could desire; the canoe was + shoved off into the lake, leaving its late occupant alone on the narrow + strand. + </p> + <p> + When this act of self-devotion was performed, Hetty did not retire. The + foliage of the overhanging trees and bushes would have almost concealed + her person, had there been light, but in that obscurity it was utterly + impossible to discover any object thus shaded, at the distance of a few + feet. Flight, too, was perfectly easy, as twenty steps would effectually + bury her in the forest. She remained, therefore, watching with intense + anxiety the result of her expedient, intending to call the attention of + the others to the canoe with her voice, should they appear to pass without + observing it. The Ark approached under its sail, again, Deerslayer + standing in its bow, with Judith near him, and the Delaware at the helm. + It would seem that in the bay below it had got too close to the shore, in + the lingering hope of intercepting Hetty, for, as it came nearer, the + latter distinctly heard the directions that the young man forward gave to + his companion aft, in order to clear the point. + </p> + <p> + “Lay her head more off the shore, Delaware,” said Deerslayer for the third + time, speaking in English that his fair companion might understand his + words—“Lay her head well off shore. We have got embayed here, and + needs keep the mast clear of the trees. Judith, there's a canoe!” + </p> + <p> + The last words were uttered with great earnestness, and Deerslayer's hand + was on his rifle ere they were fairly out of his mouth. But the truth + flashed on the mind of the quick-witted girl, and she instantly told her + companion that the boat must be that in which her sister had fled. + </p> + <p> + “Keep the scow straight, Delaware; steer as straight as your bullet flies + when sent ag'in a buck; there—I have it.” + </p> + <p> + The canoe was seized, and immediately secured again to the side of the + Ark. At the next moment the sail was lowered, and the motion of the Ark + arrested by means of the oars. + </p> + <p> + “Hetty!” called out Judith, concern, even affection betraying itself in + her tones. “Are you within hearing, sister—for God's sake answer, + and let me hear the sound of your voice, again! Hetty!—dear Hetty.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm here, Judith—here on the shore, where it will be useless to + follow me, as I will hide in the woods.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Hetty what is't you do! Remember 'tis drawing near midnight, and that + the woods are filled with savages and wild beasts!” + </p> + <p> + “Neither will harm a poor half-witted girl, Judith. God is as much with + me, here, as he would be in the Ark or in the hut. I am going to help my + father, and poor Hurry Harry, who will be tortured and slain unless some + one cares for them.” + </p> + <p> + “We all care for them, and intend to-morrow to send them a flag of truce, + to buy their ransom. Come back then, sister; trust to us, who have better + heads than you, and who will do all we can for father.” + </p> + <p> + “I know your head is better than mine, Judith, for mine is very weak, to + be sure; but I must go to father and poor Hurry. Do you and Deerslayer + keep the castle, sister; leave me in the hands of God.” + </p> + <p> + “God is with us all, Hetty—in the castle, or on the shore—father + as well as ourselves, and it is sinful not to trust to his goodness. You + can do nothing in the dark; will lose your way in the forest, and perish + for want of food.” + </p> + <p> + “God will not let that happen to a poor child that goes to serve her + father, sister. I must try and find the savages.” + </p> + <p> + “Come back for this night only; in the morning, we will put you ashore, + and leave you to do as you may think right.” + </p> + <p> + “You say so, Judith, and you think so; but you would not. Your heart would + soften, and you'd see tomahawks and scalping knives in the air. Besides, + I've got a thing to tell the Indian chief that will answer all our wishes, + and I'm afraid I may forget it, if I don't tell it to him at once. You'll + see that he will let father go, as soon as he hears it!” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Hetty! What can you say to a ferocious savage that will be likely to + change his bloody purpose!” + </p> + <p> + “That which will frighten him, and make him let father go—” returned + the simple-minded girl, positively. “You'll see, sister; you'll see, how + soon it will bring him to, like a gentle child!” + </p> + <p> + “Will you tell me, Hetty, what you intend to say?” asked Deerslayer. “I + know the savages well, and can form some idee how far fair words will be + likely, or not, to work on their bloody natur's. If it's not suited to the + gifts of a red-skin, 'twill be of no use; for reason goes by gifts, as + well as conduct.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” answered Hetty, dropping her voice to a low, confidential, + tone, for the stillness of the night, and the nearness of the Ark, + permitted her to do this and still to be heard—“Well, then, + Deerslayer, as you seem a good and honest young man I will tell you. I + mean not to say a word to any of the savages until I get face to face with + their head chief, let them plague me with as many questions as they please + I'll answer none of them, unless it be to tell them to lead me to their + wisest man—Then, Deerslayer, I'll tell him that God will not forgive + murder, and thefts; and that if father and Hurry did go after the scalps + of the Iroquois, he must return good for evil, for so the Bible commands, + else he will go into everlasting punishment. When he hears this, and feels + it to be true, as feel it he must, how long will it be before he sends + father, and Hurry, and me to the shore, opposite the castle, telling us + all three to go our way in peace?” + </p> + <p> + The last question was put in a triumphant manner, and then the + simple-minded girl laughed at the impression she never doubted that her + project had made on her auditors. Deerslayer was dumb-founded at this + proof of guileless feebleness of mind, but Judith had suddenly bethought + her of a means of counteracting this wild project, by acting on the very + feelings that had given it birth. Without adverting to the closing + question, or the laugh, therefore, she hurriedly called to her sister by + name, as one suddenly impressed with the importance of what she had to + say. But no answer was given to the call. + </p> + <p> + By the snapping of twigs, and the rustling of leaves, Hetty had evidently + quitted the shore, and was already burying herself in the forest. To + follow would have been fruitless, since the darkness, as well as the dense + cover that the woods everywhere offered, would have rendered her capture + next to impossible, and there was also the never ceasing danger of falling + into the hands of their enemies. After a short and melancholy discussion, + therefore, the sail was again set, and the Ark pursued its course towards + its habitual moorings, Deerslayer silently felicitating himself on the + recovery of the canoe, and brooding over his plans for the morrow. The + wind rose as the party quitted the point, and in less than an hour they + reached the castle. Here all was found as it had been left, and the + reverse of the ceremonies had to be taken in entering the building, that + had been used on quitting it. Judith occupied a solitary bed that night + bedewing the pillow with her tears, as she thought of the innocent and + hitherto neglected creature, who had been her companion from childhood, + and bitter regrets came over her mind, from more causes than one, as the + weary hours passed away, making it nearly morning before she lost her + recollection in sleep. Deerslayer and the Delaware took their rest in the + Ark, where we shall leave them enjoying the deep sleep of the honest, the + healthful and fearless, to return to the girl we have last seen in the + midst of the forest. + </p> + <p> + When Hetty left the shore, she took her way unhesitatingly into the woods, + with a nervous apprehension of being followed. Luckily, this course was + the best she could have hit on to effect her own purpose, since it was the + only one that led her from the point. The night was so intensely dark, + beneath the branches of the trees, that her progress was very slow, and + the direction she went altogether a matter of chance, after the first few + yards. The formation of the ground, however, did not permit her to deviate + far from the line in which she desired to proceed. On one hand it was soon + bounded by the acclivity of the hill, while the lake, on the other, served + as a guide. For two hours did this single-hearted and simple-minded girl + toil through the mazes of the forest, sometimes finding herself on the + brow of the bank that bounded the water, and at others struggling up an + ascent that warned her to go no farther in that direction, since it + necessarily ran at right angles to the course on which she wished to + proceed. Her feet often slid from beneath her, and she got many falls, + though none to do her injury; but, by the end of the period mentioned, she + had become so weary as to want strength to go any farther. Rest was + indispensable, and she set about preparing a bed, with the readiness and + coolness of one to whom the wilderness presented no unnecessary terrors. + She knew that wild beasts roamed through all the adjacent forest, but + animals that preyed on the human species were rare, and of dangerous + serpents there were literally none. These facts had been taught her by her + father, and whatever her feeble mind received at all, it received so + confidingly as to leave her no uneasiness from any doubts, or scepticism. + To her the sublimity of the solitude in which she was placed, was + soothing, rather than appalling, and she gathered a bed of leaves, with as + much indifference to the circumstances that would have driven the thoughts + of sleep entirely from the minds of most of her sex, as if she had been + preparing her place of nightly rest beneath the paternal roof. As soon as + Hetty had collected a sufficient number of the dried leaves to protect her + person from the damps of the ground, she kneeled beside the humble pile, + clasped her raised hands in an attitude of deep devotion, and in a soft, + low, but audible voice repeated the Lord's Prayer. This was followed by + those simple and devout verses, so familiar to children, in which she + recommended her soul to God, should it be called away to another state of + existence, ere the return of morning. This duty done, she lay down and + disposed herself to sleep. The attire of the girl, though suited to the + season, was sufficiently warm for all ordinary purposes, but the forest is + ever cool, and the nights of that elevated region of country, have always + a freshness about them, that renders clothing more necessary than is + commonly the case in the summers of a low latitude. This had been foreseen + by Hetty, who had brought with her a coarse heavy mantle, which, when laid + over her body, answered all the useful purposes of a blanket. Thus + protected, she dropped asleep in a few minutes, as tranquilly as if + watched over by the guardian care of that mother, who had so recently been + taken from her forever, affording in this particular a most striking + contrast between her own humble couch, and the sleepless pillow of her + sister. + </p> + <p> + Hour passed after hour, in a tranquility as undisturbed and a rest as + sweet as if angels, expressly commissioned for that object, watched around + the bed of Hetty Hutter. Not once did her soft eyes open, until the grey + of the dawn came struggling through the tops of the trees, falling on + their lids, and, united to the freshness of a summer's morning, giving the + usual summons to awake. Ordinarily, Hetty was up ere the rays of the sun + tipped the summits of the mountains, but on this occasion her fatigue had + been so great, and her rest was so profound, that the customary warnings + failed of their effect. The girl murmured in her sleep, threw an arm + forward, smiled as gently as an infant in its cradle, but still slumbered. + In making this unconscious gesture, her hand fell on some object that was + warm, and in the half unconscious state in which she lay, she connected + the circumstance with her habits. At the next moment, a rude attack was + made on her side, as if a rooting animal were thrusting its snout beneath, + with a desire to force her position, and then, uttering the name of + “Judith” she awoke. As the startled girl arose to a sitting attitude she + perceived that some dark object sprang from her, scattering the leaves and + snapping the fallen twigs in its haste. Opening her eyes, and recovering + from the first confusion and astonishment of her situation, Hetty + perceived a cub, of the common American brown bear, balancing itself on + its hinder legs, and still looking towards her, as if doubtful whether it + would be safe to trust itself near her person again. The first impulse of + Hetty, who had been mistress of several of these cubs, was to run and + seize the little creature as a prize, but a loud growl warned her of the + danger of such a procedure. Recoiling a few steps, the girl looked + hurriedly round, and perceived the dam, watching her movements with fiery + eyes at no great distance. A hollow tree, that once been the home of bees, + having recently fallen, the mother with two more cubs was feasting on the + dainty food that this accident had placed within her reach; while the + first kept a jealous eye on the situation of its truant and reckless + young. + </p> + <p> + It would exceed all the means of human knowledge to presume to analyze the + influences that govern the acts of the lower animals. On this occasion, + the dam, though proverbially fierce when its young is thought to be in + danger, manifested no intention to attack the girl. It quitted the honey, + and advanced to a place within twenty feet of her, where it raised itself + on its hind legs and balanced its body in a sort of angry, growling + discontent, but approached no nearer. Happily, Hetty did not fly. On the + contrary, though not without terror, she knelt with her face towards the + animal, and with clasped hands and uplifted eyes, repeated the prayer of + the previous night. This act of devotion was not the result of alarm, but + it was a duty she never neglected to perform ere she slept, and when the + return of consciousness awoke her to the business of the day. As the girl + arose from her knees, the bear dropped on its feet again, and collecting + its cubs around her, permitted them to draw their natural sustenance. + Hetty was delighted with this proof of tenderness in an animal that has + but a very indifferent reputation for the gentler feelings, and as a cub + would quit its mother to frisk and leap about in wantonness, she felt a + strong desire again to catch it up in her arms, and play with it. But + admonished by the growl, she had self-command sufficient not to put this + dangerous project in execution, and recollecting her errand among the + hills, she tore herself away from the group, and proceeded on her course + along the margin of the lake, of which she now caught glimpses again + through the trees. To her surprise, though not to her alarm, the family of + bears arose and followed her steps, keeping a short distance behind her; + apparently watching every movement as if they had a near interest in all + she did. + </p> + <p> + In this manner, escorted by the dam and cubs, the girl proceeded nearly a + mile, thrice the distance she had been able to achieve in the darkness, + during the same period of time. She then reached a brook that had dug a + channel for itself into the earth, and went brawling into the lake, + between steep and high banks, covered with trees. Here Hetty performed her + ablutions; then drinking of the pure mountain water, she went her way, + refreshed and lighter of heart, still attended by her singular companions. + Her course now lay along a broad and nearly level terrace, which stretched + from the top of the bank that bounded the water, to a low acclivity that + rose to a second and irregular platform above. This was at a part of the + valley where the mountains ran obliquely, forming the commencement of a + plain that spread between the hills, southward of the sheet of water. + Hetty knew, by this circumstance, that she was getting near to the + encampment, and had she not, the bears would have given her warning of the + vicinity of human beings. Snuffing the air, the dam refused to follow any + further, though the girl looked back and invited her to come by childish + signs, and even by direct appeals made in her own sweet voice. It was + while making her way slowly through some bushes, in this manner, with + averted face and eyes riveted on the immovable animals, that the girl + suddenly found her steps arrested by a human hand, that was laid lightly + on her shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Where go?—” said a soft female voice, speaking hurriedly, and in + concern.—“Indian—red man savage—wicked warrior—that-a-way.” + </p> + <p> + This unexpected salutation alarmed the girl no more than the presence of + the fierce inhabitants of the woods. It took her a little by surprise, it + is true, but she was in a measure prepared for some such meeting, and the + creature who stopped her was as little likely to excite terror as any who + ever appeared in the guise of an Indian. It was a girl, not much older + than herself, whose smile was sunny as Judith's in her brightest moments, + whose voice was melody itself, and whose accents and manner had all the + rebuked gentleness that characterizes the sex among a people who + habitually treat their women as the attendants and servitors of the + warriors. Beauty among the women of the aboriginal Americans, before they + have become exposed to the hardships of wives and mothers, is by no means + uncommon. In this particular, the original owners of the country were not + unlike their more civilized successors, nature appearing to have bestowed + that delicacy of mien and outline that forms so great a charm in the + youthful female, but of which they are so early deprived; and that, too, + as much by the habits of domestic life as from any other cause. + </p> + <p> + The girl who had so suddenly arrested the steps of Hetty was dressed in a + calico mantle that effectually protected all the upper part of her person, + while a short petticoat of blue cloth edged with gold lace, that fell no + lower than her knees, leggings of the same, and moccasins of deer-skin, + completed her attire. Her hair fell in long dark braids down her shoulders + and back, and was parted above a low smooth forehead, in a way to soften + the expression of eyes that were full of archness and natural feeling. Her + face was oval, with delicate features, the teeth were even and white, + while the mouth expressed a melancholy tenderness, as if it wore this + peculiar meaning in intuitive perception of the fate of a being who was + doomed from birth to endure a woman's sufferings, relieved by a woman's + affections. Her voice, as has been already intimated, was soft as the + sighing of the night air, a characteristic of the females of her race, but + which was so conspicuous in herself as to have produced for her the name + of Wah-ta-Wah; which rendered into English means Hist-oh-Hist. + </p> + <p> + In a word, this was the betrothed of Chingachgook, who—having + succeeded in lulling their suspicions, was permitted to wander around the + encampment of her captors. This indulgence was in accordance with the + general policy of the red man, who well knew, moreover, that her trail + could have been easily followed in the event of flight. It will also be + remembered that the Iroquois, or Hurons, as it would be better to call + them, were entirely ignorant of the proximity of her lover, a fact, + indeed, that she did not know herself. + </p> + <p> + It is not easy to say which manifested the most self-possession at this + unexpected meeting; the pale-face, or the red girl. But, though a little + surprised, Wah-ta-Wah was the most willing to speak, and far the readier + in foreseeing consequences, as well as in devising means to avert them. + Her father, during her childhood, had been much employed as a warrior by + the authorities of the Colony, and dwelling for several years near the + forts, she had caught a knowledge of the English tongue, which she spoke + in the usual, abbreviated manner of an Indian, but fluently, and without + any of the ordinary reluctance of her people. + </p> + <p> + “Where go?—” repeated Wah-ta-Wah, returning the smile of Hetty, in + her own gentle, winning, manner—“wicked warrior that-a-way—good + warrior, far off.” + </p> + <p> + “What's your name?” asked Hetty, with the simplicity of a child. + </p> + <p> + “Wah-ta-Wah. I no Mingo—good Delaware—Yengeese friend. Mingo + cruel, and love scalp, for blood—Delaware love him, for honor. Come + here, where no eyes.” + </p> + <p> + Wah-ta-Wah now led her companion towards the lake, descending the bank so + as to place its overhanging trees and bushes between them and any probable + observers. Nor did she stop until they were both seated, side by side, on + a fallen log, one end of which actually lay buried in the water. + </p> + <p> + “Why you come for?” the young Indian eagerly inquired—“Where you + come for?” Hetty told her tale in her own simple and truth-loving manner. + She explained the situation of her father, and stated her desire to serve + him, and if possible to procure his release. + </p> + <p> + “Why your father come to Mingo camp in night?” asked the Indian girl, with + a directness, which if not borrowed from the other, partook largely of its + sincerity. “He know it war-time, and he no boy—he no want beard—no + want to be told Iroquois carry tomahawk, and knife, and rifle. Why he come + night time, seize me by hair, and try to scalp Delaware girl?” + </p> + <p> + “You!” said Hetty, almost sickening with horror—“Did he seize you—did + he try to scalp you?” + </p> + <p> + “Why no? Delaware scalp sell for much as Mingo scalp. Governor no tell + difference. Wicked t'ing for pale-face to scalp. No his gifts, as the good + Deerslayer always tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you know the Deerslayer?” said Hetty, coloring with delight and + surprise; forgetting her regrets, at the moment, in the influence of this + new feeling. “I know him, too. He is now in the Ark, with Judith and a + Delaware who is called the Big Serpent. A bold and handsome warrior is + this Serpent, too!” + </p> + <p> + Spite of the rich deep colour that nature had bestowed on the Indian + beauty, the tell-tale blood deepened on her cheeks, until the blush gave + new animation and intelligence to her jet-black eyes. Raising a finger in + an attitude of warning, she dropped her voice, already so soft and sweet, + nearly to a whisper, as she continued the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “Chingachgook!” returned the Delaware girl, sighing out the harsh name, in + sounds so softly guttural, as to cause it to reach the ear in melody—“His + father, Uncas—great chief of the Mahicanni—next to old + Tamenund!—More as warrior, not so much gray hair, and less at + Council Fire. You know Serpent?” + </p> + <p> + “He joined us last evening, and was in the Ark with me, for two or three + hours before I left it. I'm afraid, Hist—” Hetty could not pronounce + the Indian name of her new friend, but having heard Deerslayer give her + this familiar appellation, she used it without any of the ceremony of + civilized life—“I'm afraid Hist, he has come after scalps, as well + as my poor father and Hurry Harry.” + </p> + <p> + “Why he shouldn't—ha? Chingachgook red warrior—very red—scalp + make his honor—Be sure he take him.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Hetty, earnestly, “he will be as wicked as any other. God + will not pardon in a red man, what he will not pardon in a white man. + </p> + <p> + “No true—” returned the Delaware girl, with a warmth that nearly + amounted to passion. “No true, I tell you! The Manitou smile and pleased + when he see young warrior come back from the war path, with two, ten, + hundred scalp on a pole! Chingachgook father take scalp—grandfather + take scalp—all old chief take scalp, and Chingachgook take as many + scalp as he can carry, himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Hist, his sleep of nights must be terrible to think of. No one can + be cruel, and hope to be forgiven.” + </p> + <p> + “No cruel—plenty forgiven—” returned Wah-ta-Wah, stamping her + little foot on the stony strand, and shaking her head in a way to show how + completely feminine feeling, in one of its aspects, had gotten the better + of feminine feeling in another. “I tell you, Serpent brave; he go home, + this time, with four,—yes—two scalp.” + </p> + <p> + “And is that his errand, here?—Did he really come all this distance, + across mountain, and valley, rivers and lakes, to torment his fellow + creatures, and do so wicked a thing?” + </p> + <p> + This question at once appeased the growing ire of the half-offended Indian + beauty. It completely got the better of the prejudices of education, and + turned all her thoughts to a gentler and more feminine channel. At first, + she looked around her, suspiciously, as if distrusting eavesdroppers; then + she gazed wistfully into the face of her attentive companion; after which + this exhibition of girlish coquetry and womanly feeling, terminated by her + covering her face with both her hands, and laughing in a strain that might + well be termed the melody of the woods. Dread of discovery, however, soon + put a stop to this naive exhibition of feeling, and removing her hands, + this creature of impulses gazed again wistfully into the face of her + companion, as if inquiring how far she might trust a stranger with her + secret. Although Hetty had no claims to her sister's extraordinary beauty, + many thought her countenance the most winning of the two. It expressed all + the undisguised sincerity of her character, and it was totally free from + any of the unpleasant physical accompaniments that so frequently attend + mental imbecility. It is true that one accustomed to closer observations + than common, might have detected the proofs of her feebleness of intellect + in the language of her sometimes vacant eyes, but they were signs that + attracted sympathy by their total want of guile, rather than by any other + feeling. The effect on Hist, to use the English and more familiar + translation of the name, was favorable, and yielding to an impulse of + tenderness, she threw her arms around Hetty, and embraced her with an + outpouring emotion, so natural that it was only equaled by its warmth. + </p> + <p> + “You good—” whispered the young Indian—“you good, I know; it + so long since Wah-ta-Wah have a friend—a sister—any body to + speak her heart to! You Hist friend; don't I say trut'?” + </p> + <p> + “I never had a friend,” answered Hetty returning the warm embrace with + unfeigned earnestness. “I've a sister, but no friend. Judith loves me, and + I love Judith; but that's natural, and as we are taught in the Bible—but + I should like to have a friend! I'll be your friend, with all my heart, + for I like your voice and your smile, and your way of thinking in every + thing, except about the scalps—” + </p> + <p> + “No t'ink more of him—no say more of scalp—” interrupted Hist, + soothingly—“You pale-face, I red-skin; we bring up different + fashion. Deerslayer and Chingachgook great friend, and no the same colour, + Hist and—what your name, pretty pale-face?” + </p> + <p> + “I am called Hetty, though when they spell the name in the bible, they + always spell it Esther.” + </p> + <p> + “What that make?—no good, no harm. No need to spell name at all—Moravian + try to make Wah-ta-Wah spell, but no won't let him. No good for Delaware + girl to know too much—know more than warrior some time; that great + shame. My name Wah-ta-Wah that say Hist in your tongue; you call him, Hist—I + call him, Hetty.” + </p> + <p> + These preliminaries settled to their mutual satisfaction, the two girls + began to discourse of their several hopes and projects. Hetty made her new + friend more fully acquainted with her intentions in behalf of her father, + and, to one in the least addicted to prying into the affairs, Hist would + have betrayed her own feelings and expectations in connection with the + young warrior of her own tribe. Enough was revealed on both sides, + however, to let each party get a tolerable insight into the views of the + other, though enough still remained in mental reservation, to give rise to + the following questions and answers, with which the interview in effect + closed. As the quickest witted, Hist was the first with her + interrogatories. Folding an arm about the waist of Hetty, she bent her + head so as to look up playfully into the face of the other, and, laughing, + as if her meaning were to be extracted from her looks, she spoke more + plainly. + </p> + <p> + “Hetty got broder, as well as fader?—” she said—“Why no talk + of broder, as well as fader?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no brother, Hist. I had one once, they say, but he is dead many a + year, and lies buried in the lake, by the side of my mother.” + </p> + <p> + “No got broder—got a young warrior—Love him, almost as much as + fader, eh? Very handsome, and brave-looking; fit to be chief, if he good + as he seem to be.” + </p> + <p> + “It's wicked to love any man as well as I love my father, and so I strive + not to do it, Hist,” returned the conscientious Hetty, who knew not how to + conceal an emotion, by an approach to an untruth as venial as an evasion, + though powerfully tempted by female shame to err, “though I sometimes + think wickedness will get the better of me, if Hurry comes so often to the + lake. I must tell you the truth, dear Hist, because you ask me, but I + should fall down and die in the woods, if he knew it!” + </p> + <p> + “Why he no ask you, himself?—Brave looking—why not bold + speaking? Young warrior ought to ask young girl, no make young girl speak + first. Mingo girls too shame for that.” + </p> + <p> + This was said indignantly, and with the generous warmth a young female of + spirit would be apt to feel, at what she deemed an invasion of her sex's + most valued privilege. It had little influence on the simple-minded, but + also just-minded Hetty, who, though inherently feminine in all her + impulses, was much more alive to the workings of her own heart, than to + any of the usages with which convention has protected the sensitiveness of + her sex. + </p> + <p> + “Ask me what?' the startled girl demanded, with a suddenness that proved + how completely her fears had been aroused. 'Ask me, if I like him as well + as I do my own father! Oh! I hope he will never put such a question to me, + for I should have to answer, and that would kill me!” + </p> + <p> + “No—no—no kill, quite—almost,” returned the other, + laughing in spite of herself. “Make blush come—make shame come too; + but he no stay great while; then feel happier than ever. Young warrior + must tell young girl he want to make wife, else never can live in his + wigwam.” + </p> + <p> + “Hurry don't want to marry me—nobody will ever want to marry me, + Hist.” + </p> + <p> + “How you can know? P'raps every body want to marry you, and by-and-bye, + tongue say what heart feel. Why nobody want to marry you?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not full witted, they say. Father often tells me this; and so does + Judith, sometimes, when she is vexed; but I shouldn't so much mind them, + as I did mother. She said so once and then she cried as if her heart would + break; and, so, I know I'm not full witted.” + </p> + <p> + Hist gazed at the gentle, simple girl, for quite a minute without + speaking, and then the truth appeared to flash all at once on the mind of + the young Indian maid. Pity, reverence and tenderness seemed struggling + together in her breast, and then rising suddenly, she indicated a wish to + her companion that she would accompany her to the camp, which was situated + at no great distance. This unexpected change from the precautions that + Hist had previously manifested a desire to use, in order to prevent being + seen, to an open exposure of the person of her friend, arose from the + perfect conviction that no Indian would harm a being whom the Great Spirit + had disarmed, by depriving it of its strongest defence, reason. In this + respect, nearly all unsophisticated nations resemble each other, appearing + to offer spontaneously, by a feeling creditable to human nature, that + protection by their own forbearance, which has been withheld by the + inscrutable wisdom of Providence. Wah-ta-Wah, indeed, knew that in many + tribes the mentally imbecile and the mad were held in a species of + religious reverence, receiving from these untutored inhabitants of the + forest respect and honors, instead of the contumely and neglect that it is + their fortune to meet with among the more pretending and sophisticated. + </p> + <p> + Hetty accompanied her new friend without apprehension or reluctance. It + was her wish to reach the camp, and, sustained by her motives, she felt no + more concern for the consequences than did her companion herself, now the + latter was apprised of the character of the protection that the pale-face + maiden carried with her. Still, as they proceeded slowly along a shore + that was tangled with overhanging bushes, Hetty continued the discourse, + assuming the office of interrogating which the other had instantly + dropped, as soon as she ascertained the character of the mind to which her + questions had been addressed. + </p> + <p> + “But you are not half-witted,” said Hetty, “and there's no reason why the + Serpent should not marry you.” + </p> + <p> + “Hist prisoner, and Mingo got big ear. No speak of Chingachgook when they + by. Promise Hist that, good Hetty.” + </p> + <p> + “I know—I know—” returned Hetty, half-whispering, in her + eagerness to let the other see she understood the necessity of caution. “I + know—Deerslayer and the Serpent mean to get you away from the + Iroquois, and you wish me not to tell the secret.” + </p> + <p> + “How you know?” said Hist, hastily, vexed at the moment that the other was + not even more feeble minded than was actually the case. “How you know? + Better not talk of any but fader and Hurry—Mingo understand dat; he + no understand t'udder. Promise you no talk about what you no understand.” + </p> + <p> + “But I do understand this, Hist, and so I must talk about it. Deerslayer + as good as told father all about it, in my presence, and as nobody told me + not to listen, I overheard it all, as I did Hurry and father's discourse + about the scalps.” + </p> + <p> + “Very bad for pale-faces to talk about scalps, and very bad for young + woman to hear! Now you love Hist, I know, Hetty, and so, among Injins, + when love hardest never talk most.” + </p> + <p> + “That's not the way among white people, who talk most about them they love + best. I suppose it's because I'm only half-witted that I don't see the + reason why it should be so different among red people.” + </p> + <p> + “That what Deerslayer call gift. One gift to talk; t'udder gift to hold + tongue. Hold tongue your gift, among Mingos. If Sarpent want to see Hist, + so Hetty want to see Hurry. Good girl never tell secret of friend.” + </p> + <p> + Hetty understood this appeal, and she promised the Delaware girl not to + make any allusion to the presence of Chingachgook, or to the motive of his + visit to the lake. + </p> + <p> + “Maybe he get off Hurry and fader, as well as Hist, if let him have his + way,” whispered Wah-ta-Wah to her companion, in a confiding flattering + way, just as they got near enough to the encampment to hear the voices of + several of their own sex, who were apparently occupied in the usual toils + of women of their class. “Tink of dat, Hetty, and put two, twenty finger + on mouth. No get friend free without Sarpent do it.” + </p> + <p> + A better expedient could not have been adopted, to secure the silence and + discretion of Hetty, than that which was now presented to her mind. As the + liberation of her father and the young frontier man was the great object + of her adventure, she felt the connection between it and the services of + the Delaware, and with an innocent laugh, she nodded her head, and in the + same suppressed manner, promised a due attention to the wishes of her + friend. Thus assured, Hist tarried no longer, but immediately and openly + led the way into the encampment of her captors. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The great King of Kings + Hath in the table of his law commanded, + That thou shalt do no murder. + Take heed; for he holds vengeance in his hand, + To hurl upon their heads that break his law.” + + Richard III, I.iv.i95-97 199-200. +</pre> + <p> + That the party to which Hist compulsorily belonged was not one that was + regularly on the war path, was evident by the presence of females. It was + a small fragment of a tribe that had been hunting and fishing within the + English limits, where it was found by the commencement of hostilities, + and, after passing the winter and spring by living on what was strictly + the property of its enemies, it chose to strike a hostile blow before it + finally retired. There was also deep Indian sagacity in the manoeuvre + which had led them so far into the territory of their foes. When the + runner arrived who announced the breaking out of hostilities between the + English and French—a struggle that was certain to carry with it all + the tribes that dwelt within the influence of the respective belligerents—this + particular party of the Iroquois were posted on the shores of the Oneida, + a lake that lies some fifty miles nearer to their own frontier than that + which is the scene of our tale. + </p> + <p> + To have fled in a direct line for the Canadas would have exposed them to + the dangers of a direct pursuit, and the chiefs had determined to adopt + the expedient of penetrating deeper into a region that had now become + dangerous, in the hope of being able to retire in the rear of their + pursuers, instead of having them on their trail. The presence of the women + had induced the attempt at this ruse, the strength of these feebler + members of the party being unequal to the effort of escaping from the + pursuit of warriors. When the reader remembers the vast extent of the + American wilderness, at that early day, he will perceive that it was + possible for even a tribe to remain months undiscovered in particular + portions of it; nor was the danger of encountering a foe, the usual + precautions being observed, as great in the woods, as it is on the high + seas, in a time of active warfare. + </p> + <p> + The encampment being temporary, it offered to the eye no more than the + rude protection of a bivouac, relieved in some slight degree by the + ingenious expedients which suggested themselves to the readiness of those + who passed their lives amid similar scenes. One fire, that had been + kindled against the roots of a living oak, sufficed for the whole party; + the weather being too mild to require it for any purpose but cooking. + Scattered around this centre of attraction, were some fifteen or twenty + low huts, or perhaps kennels would be a better word, into which their + different owners crept at night, and which were also intended to meet the + exigencies of a storm. + </p> + <p> + These little huts were made of the branches of trees, put together with + some ingenuity, and they were uniformly topped with bark that had been + stripped from fallen trees; of which every virgin forest possesses + hundreds, in all stages of decay. Of furniture they had next to none. + Cooking utensils of the simplest sort were lying near the fire, a few + articles of clothing were to be seen in or around the huts, rifles, horns, + and pouches leaned against the trees, or were suspended from the lower + branches, and the carcasses of two or three deer were stretched to view on + the same natural shambles. + </p> + <p> + As the encampment was in the midst of a dense wood, the eye could not take + in its tout ensemble at a glance, but hut after hut started out of the + gloomy picture, as one gazed about him in quest of objects. There was no + centre, unless the fire might be so considered, no open area where the + possessors of this rude village might congregate, but all was dark, covert + and cunning, like its owners. A few children strayed from hut to hut, + giving the spot a little of the air of domestic life, and the suppressed + laugh and low voices of the women occasionally broke in upon the deep + stillness of the sombre forest. As for the men, they either ate, slept, or + examined their arms. They conversed but little, and then usually apart, or + in groups withdrawn from the females, whilst an air of untiring, innate + watchfulness and apprehension of danger seemed to be blended even with + their slumbers. + </p> + <p> + As the two girls came near the encampment, Hetty uttered a slight + exclamation, on catching a view of the person of her father. He was seated + on the ground with his back to a tree, and Hurry stood near him indolently + whittling a twig. Apparently they were as much at liberty as any others in + or about the camp, and one unaccustomed to Indian usages would have + mistaken them for visitors, instead of supposing them to be captives. + Wah-ta-Wah led her new friend quite near them, and then modestly withdrew, + that her own presence might be no restraint on her feelings. But Hetty was + not sufficiently familiar with caresses or outward demonstrations of + fondness, to indulge in any outbreaking of feeling. She merely approached + and stood at her father's side without speaking, resembling a silent + statue of filial affection. The old man expressed neither alarm nor + surprise at her sudden appearance. In these particulars he had caught the + stoicism of the Indians, well knowing that there was no more certain mode + of securing their respect than by imitating their self-command. Nor did + the savages themselves betray the least sign of surprise at this sudden + appearance of a stranger among them. In a word, this arrival produced much + less visible sensation, though occurring under circumstances so peculiar, + than would be seen in a village of higher pretensions to civilization did + an ordinary traveler drive up to the door of its principal inn. + </p> + <p> + Still a few warriors collected, and it was evident by the manner in which + they glanced at Hetty as they conversed together, that she was the subject + of their discourse, and probable that the reasons of her unlooked-for + appearance were matters of discussion. This phlegm of manner is + characteristic of the North American Indian—some say of his white + successor also—but, in this case much should be attributed to the + peculiar situation in which the party was placed. The force in the Ark, + the presence of Chingachgook excepted, was well known, no tribe or body of + troops was believed to be near, and vigilant eyes were posted round the + entire lake, watching day and night the slightest movement of those whom + it would not be exaggerated now to term the besieged. + </p> + <p> + Hutter was inwardly much moved by the conduct of Hetty, though he affected + so much indifference of manner. He recollected her gentle appeal to him + before he left the Ark, and misfortune rendered that of weight which might + have been forgotten amid the triumph of success. Then he knew the simple, + single-hearted fidelity of his child, and understood why she had come, and + the total disregard of self that reigned in all her acts. + </p> + <p> + “This is not well, Hetty,” he said, deprecating the consequences to the + girl herself more than any other evil. “These are fierce Iroquois, and are + as little apt to forget an injury, as a favor.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, father—” returned the girl, looking furtively about her as + if fearful of being overheard, “did God let you do the cruel errand on + which you came? I want much to know this, that I may speak to the Indians + plainly, if he did not.” + </p> + <p> + “You should not have come hither, Hetty; these brutes will not understand + your nature or your intentions!” + </p> + <p> + “How was it, father; neither you nor Hurry seems to have any thing that + looks like scalps.” + </p> + <p> + “If that will set your mind at peace, child, I can answer you, no. I had + caught the young creatur' who came here with you, but her screeches soon + brought down upon me a troop of the wild cats, that was too much for any + single Christian to withstand. If that will do you any good, we are as + innocent of having taken a scalp, this time, as I make no doubt we shall + also be innocent of receiving the bounty.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God for that, father! Now I can speak boldly to the Iroquois, and + with an easy conscience. I hope Hurry, too, has not been able to harm any + of the Indians?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, as to that matter, Hetty,” returned the individual in question, + “you've put it pretty much in the natyve character of the religious truth. + Hurry has not been able, and that is the long and short of it. I've seen + many squalls, old fellow, both on land and on the water, but never did I + feel one as lively and as snappish as that which come down upon us, night + afore last, in the shape of an Indian hurrah-boys! Why, Hetty, you're no + great matter at a reason, or an idee that lies a little deeper than + common, but you're human and have some human notions—now I'll just + ask you to look at them circumstances. Here was old Tom, your father, and + myself, bent on a legal operation, as is to be seen in the words of the + law and the proclamation; thinking no harm; when we were set upon by + critturs that were more like a pack of hungry wolves than mortal savages + even, and there they had us tethered like two sheep, in less time than it + has taken me to tell you the story.” + </p> + <p> + “You are free now, Hurry,” returned Hetty, glancing timidly at the fine + unfettered limbs of the young giant—“You have no cords, or withes, + to pain your arms, or legs, now.” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, Hetty. Natur' is natur', and freedom is natur', too. My limbs have + a free look, but that's pretty much the amount of it, sin' I can't use + them in the way I should like. Even these trees have eyes; ay, and tongues + too; for was the old man, here, or I, to start one single rod beyond our + gaol limits, sarvice would be put on the bail afore we could 'gird up our + loins' for a race, and, like as not, four or five rifle bullets would be + travelling arter us, carrying so many invitations to curb our impatience. + There isn't a gaol in the colony as tight as this we are now in; for I've + tried the vartues of two or three on 'em, and I know the mater'als they + are made of, as well as the men that made 'em; takin' down being the next + step in schoolin', to puttin' up, in all such fabrications.” + </p> + <p> + Lest the reader should get an exaggerated opinion of Hurry's demerits from + this boastful and indiscreet revelation, it may be well to say that his + offences were confined to assaults and batteries, for several of which he + had been imprisoned, when, as he has just said, he often escaped by + demonstrating the flimsiness of the constructions in which he was + confined, by opening for himself doors in spots where the architects had + neglected to place them. But Hetty had no knowledge of gaols, and little + of the nature of crimes, beyond what her unadulterated and almost + instinctive perceptions of right and wrong taught her, and this sally of + the rude being who had spoken was lost upon her. She understood his + general meaning, however, and answered in reference to that alone. + </p> + <p> + “It's so best, Hurry,” she said. “It is best father and you should be + quiet and peaceable, 'till I have spoken to the Iroquois, when all will be + well and happy. I don't wish either of you to follow, but leave me to + myself. As soon as all is settled, and you are at liberty to go back to + the castle, I will come and let you know it.” + </p> + <p> + Hetty spoke with so much simple earnestness, seemed so confident of + success, and wore so high an air of moral feeling and truth, that both the + listeners felt more disposed to attach an importance to her mediation, + than might otherwise have happened. When she manifested an intention to + quit them, therefore, they offered no obstacle, though they saw she was + about to join the group of chiefs who were consulting apart, seemingly on + the manner and motive of her own sudden appearance. + </p> + <p> + When Hist—for so we love best to call her—quitted her + companion, she strayed near one or two of the elder warriors, who had + shown her most kindness in her captivity, the principal man of whom had + even offered to adopt her as his child if she would consent to become a + Huron. In taking this direction, the shrewd girl did so to invite inquiry. + She was too well trained in the habits of her people to obtrude the + opinions of one of her sex and years on men and warriors, but nature had + furnished a tact and ingenuity that enabled her to attract the attention + she desired, without wounding the pride of those to whom it was her duty + to defer and respect. Even her affected indifference stimulated curiosity, + and Hetty had hardly reached the side of her father, before the Delaware + girl was brought within the circle of the warriors, by a secret but + significant gesture. Here she was questioned as to the person of her + companion, and the motives that had brought her to the camp. This was all + that Hist desired. She explained the manner in which she had detected the + weakness of Hetty's reason, rather exaggerating than lessening the + deficiency in her intellect, and then she related in general terms the + object of the girl in venturing among her enemies. The effect was all that + the speaker expected, her account investing the person and character of + their visitor with a sacredness and respect that she well knew would prove + her protection. As soon as her own purpose was attained, Hist withdrew to + a distance, where, with female consideration and a sisterly tenderness she + set about the preparation of a meal, to be offered to her new friend as + soon as the latter might be at liberty to partake of it. While thus + occupied, however, the ready girl in no degree relaxed in her + watchfulness, noting every change of countenance among the chiefs, every + movement of Hetty's, and the smallest occurrence that could be likely to + affect her own interests, or that of her new friend. + </p> + <p> + As Hetty approached the chiefs they opened their little circle, with an + ease and deference of manner that would have done credit to men of more + courtly origin. A fallen tree lay near, and the oldest of the warriors + made a quiet sign for the girl to be seated on it, taking his place at her + side with the gentleness of a father. The others arranged themselves + around the two with grave dignity, and then the girl, who had sufficient + observation to perceive that such a course was expected of her, began to + reveal the object of her visit. The moment she opened her mouth to speak, + however, the old chief gave a gentle sign for her to forbear, said a few + words to one of his juniors, and then waited in silent patience until the + latter had summoned Hist to the party. This interruption proceeded from + the chief's having discovered that there existed a necessity for an + interpreter, few of the Hurons present understanding the English language, + and they but imperfectly. + </p> + <p> + Wah-ta-Wah was not sorry to be called upon to be present at the interview, + and least of all in the character in which she was now wanted. She was + aware of the hazards she ran in attempting to deceive one or two of the + party, but was none the less resolved to use every means that offered, and + to practice every artifice that an Indian education could supply, to + conceal the facts of the vicinity of her betrothed, and of the errand on + which he had come. One unpracticed in the expedients and opinions of + savage life would not have suspected the readiness of invention, the + wariness of action, the high resolution, the noble impulses, the deep + self-devotion, and the feminine disregard of self when the affections were + concerned, that lay concealed beneath the demure looks, the mild eyes, and + the sunny smiles of this young Indian beauty. As she approached them, the + grim old warriors regarded her with pleasure, for they had a secret pride + in the hope of engrafting so rare a scion on the stock of their own + nation; adoption being as regularly practised, and as distinctly + recognized among the tribes of America, as it ever had been among those + nations that submit to the sway of the Civil Law. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Hist was seated by the side of Hetty, the old chief desired her + to ask “the fair young pale-face” what had brought her among the Iroquois, + and what they could do to serve her. + </p> + <p> + “Tell them, Hist, who I am—Thomas Hutter's youngest daughter; Thomas + Hutter, the oldest of their two prisoners; he who owns the castle and the + Ark, and who has the best right to be thought the owner of these hills, + and that lake, since he has dwelt so long, and trapped so long, and fished + so long, among them—They'll know whom you mean by Thomas Hutter, if + you tell them, that. And then tell them that I've come here to convince + them they ought not to harm father and Hurry, but let them go in peace, + and to treat them as brethren rather than as enemies. Now tell them all + this plainly, Hist, and fear nothing for yourself or me. God will protect + us.” + </p> + <p> + Wah-ta-Wah did as the other desired, taking care to render the words of + her friend as literally as possible into the Iroquois tongue, a language + she used with a readiness almost equal to that with which she spoke her + own. The chiefs heard this opening explanation with grave decorum, the two + who had a little knowledge of English intimating their satisfaction with + the interpreter by furtive but significant glances of the eyes. + </p> + <p> + “And, now, Hist,” continued Hetty, as soon as it was intimated to her that + she might proceed, “and, now, Hist, I wish you to tell these red men, word + for word, what I am about to say. Tell them first, that father and Hurry + came here with an intention to take as many scalps as they could, for the + wicked governor and the province have offered money for scalps, whether of + warriors, or women, men or children, and the love of gold was too strong + for their hearts to withstand it. Tell them this, dear Hist, just as you + have heard it from me, word for word.” + </p> + <p> + Wah-ta-Wah hesitated about rendering this speech as literally as had been + desired, but detecting the intelligence of those who understood English, + and apprehending even a greater knowledge than they actually possessed she + found herself compelled to comply. Contrary to what a civilized man would + have expected, the admission of the motives and of the errands of their + prisoners produced no visible effect on either the countenances or the + feelings of the listeners. They probably considered the act meritorious, + and that which neither of them would have hesitated to perform in his own + person, he would not be apt to censure in another. + </p> + <p> + “And, now, Hist,” resumed Hetty, as soon as she perceived that her first + speeches were understood by the chiefs, “you can tell them more. They know + that father and Hurry did not succeed, and therefore they can bear them no + grudge for any harm that has been done. If they had slain their children + and wives it would not alter the matter, and I'm not certain that what I + am about to tell them would not have more weight had there been mischief + done. But ask them first, Hist, if they know there is a God, who reigns + over the whole earth, and is ruler and chief of all who live, let them be + red, or white, or what color they may?” + </p> + <p> + Wah-ta-Wah looked a little surprised at this question, for the idea of the + Great Spirit is seldom long absent from the mind of an Indian girl. She + put the question as literally as possible, however, and received a grave + answer in the affirmative. + </p> + <p> + “This is right,” continued Hetty, “and my duty will now be light. This + Great Spirit, as you call our God, has caused a book to be written, that + we call a Bible, and in this book have been set down all his commandments, + and his holy will and pleasure, and the rules by which all men are to + live, and directions how to govern the thoughts even, and the wishes, and + the will. Here, this is one of these holy books, and you must tell the + chiefs what I am about to read to them from its sacred pages.” + </p> + <p> + As Hetty concluded, she reverently unrolled a small English Bible from its + envelope of coarse calico, treating the volume with the sort of external + respect that a Romanist would be apt to show to a religious relic. As she + slowly proceeded in her task the grim warriors watched each movement with + riveted eyes, and when they saw the little volume appear a slight + expression of surprise escaped one or two of them. But Hetty held it out + towards them in triumph, as if she expected the sight would produce a + visible miracle, and then, without betraying either surprise or + mortification at the Stoicism of the Indian, she turned eagerly to her new + friend, in order to renew the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “This is the sacred volume, Hist,” she said—“and these words, and + lines, and verses, and chapters, all came from God.” + </p> + <p> + “Why Great Spirit no send book to Injin, too?” demanded Hist, with the + directness of a mind that was totally unsophisticated. + </p> + <p> + “Why?” answered Hetty, a little bewildered by a question so unexpected. + “Why?—Ah! you know the Indians don't know how to read.” + </p> + <p> + If Hist was not satisfied with this explanation, she did not deem the + point of sufficient importance to be pressed. Simply bending her body, in + a gentle admission of the truth of what she heard, she sat patiently + awaiting the further arguments of the pale-face enthusiast. + </p> + <p> + “You can tell these chiefs that throughout this book, men are ordered to + forgive their enemies; to treat them as they would brethren; and never to + injure their fellow creatures, more especially on account of revenge or + any evil passions. Do you think you can tell them this, so that they will + understand it, Hist?” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him well enough, but he no very easy to understand.” Hist then + conveyed the ideas of Hetty, in the best manner she could, to the + attentive Indians, who heard her words with some such surprise as an + American of our own times would be apt to betray at a suggestion that the + great modern but vacillating ruler of things human, public opinion, might + be wrong. One or two of their number, however, having met with + missionaries, said a few words in explanation, and then the group gave all + its attention to the communications that were to follow. Before Hetty + resumed she inquired earnestly of Hist if the chiefs had understood her, + and receiving an evasive answer, was fain to be satisfied. + </p> + <p> + “I will now read to the warriors some of the verses that it is good for + them to know,” continued the girl, whose manner grew more solemn and + earnest as she proceeded—“and they will remember that they are the + very words of the Great Spirit. First, then, ye are commanded to 'love thy + neighbor as Thyself.' Tell them that, dear Hist.” + </p> + <p> + “Neighbor, for Injin, no mean pale-face,” answered the Delaware girl, with + more decision than she had hitherto thought it necessary to use. “Neighbor + mean Iroquois for Iroquois, Mohican for Mohican, Pale-face for pale face. + No need tell chief any thing else.” + </p> + <p> + “You forget, Hist, these are the words of the Great Spirit, and the chiefs + must obey them as well as others. Here is another commandment—'Whosoever + shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.'” + </p> + <p> + “What that mean?” demanded Hist, with the quickness of lightning. + </p> + <p> + Hetty explained that it was an order not to resent injuries, but rather to + submit to receive fresh wrongs from the offender. + </p> + <p> + “And hear this, too, Hist,” she added. “'Love your enemies, bless them + that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which + despitefully use you and persecute you.'” + </p> + <p> + By this time Hetty had become excited; her eye gleamed with the + earnestness of her feelings, her cheeks flushed, and her voice, usually so + low and modulated, became stronger and more impressive. With the Bible she + had been early made familiar by her mother, and she now turned from + passage to passage with surprising rapidity, taking care to cull such + verses as taught the sublime lessons of Christian charity and Christian + forgiveness. To translate half she said, in her pious earnestness, + Wah-ta-Wah would have found impracticable, had she made the effort, but + wonder held her tongue tied, equally with the chiefs, and the young, + simple-minded enthusiast had fairly become exhausted with her own efforts, + before the other opened her mouth, again, to utter a syllable. Then, + indeed, the Delaware girl gave a brief translation of the substance of + what had been both read and said, confining herself to one or two of the + more striking of the verses, those that had struck her own imagination as + the most paradoxical, and which certainly would have been the most + applicable to the case, could the uninstructed minds of the listeners + embrace the great moral truths they conveyed. + </p> + <p> + It will be scarcely necessary to tell the reader the effect that such + novel duties would be likely to produce among a group of Indian warriors, + with whom it was a species of religious principle never to forget a + benefit, or to forgive an injury. Fortunately, the previous explanations + of Hist had prepared the minds of the Hurons for something extravagant, + and most of that which to them seemed inconsistent and paradoxical, was + accounted for by the fact that the speaker possessed a mind that was + constituted differently from those of most of the human race. Still there + were one or two old men who had heard similar doctrines from the + missionaries, and these felt a desire to occupy an idle moment by pursuing + a subject that they found so curious. + </p> + <p> + “This is the Good Book of the pale-faces,” observed one of these chiefs, + taking the volume from the unresisting hands of Hetty, who gazed anxiously + at his face while he turned the leaves, as if she expected to witness some + visible results from the circumstance. “This is the law by which my white + brethren professes to live?” + </p> + <p> + Hist, to whom this question was addressed, if it might be considered as + addressed to any one, in particular, answered simply in the affirmative; + adding that both the French of the Canadas, and the Yengeese of the + British provinces equally admitted its authority, and affected to revere + its principles. + </p> + <p> + “Tell my young sister,” said the Huron, looking directly at Hist, “that I + will open my mouth and say a few words.” + </p> + <p> + “The Iroquois chief go to speak—my pale-face friend listen,” said + Hist. + </p> + <p> + “I rejoice to hear it!” exclaimed Hetty. “God has touched his heart, and + he will now let father and Hurry go.” + </p> + <p> + “This is the pale-face law,” resumed the chief. “It tells him to do good + to them that hurt him, and when his brother asks him for his rifle to give + him the powder horn, too. Such is the pale-face law?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so—not so—” answered Hetty earnestly, when these words + had been interpreted—“There is not a word about rifles in the whole + book, and powder and bullets give offence to the Great Spirit.” + </p> + <p> + “Why then does the pale-face use them? If he is ordered to give double to + him that asks only for one thing, why does he take double from the poor + Indian who ask for no thing. He comes from beyond the rising sun, with + this book in his hand, and he teaches the red man to read it, but why does + he forget himself all it says? When the Indian gives, he is never + satisfied; and now he offers gold for the scalps of our women and + children, though he calls us beasts if we take the scalp of a warrior + killed in open war. My name is Rivenoak.” + </p> + <p> + When Hetty had got this formidable question fairly presented to her mind + in the translation, and Hist did her duty with more than usual readiness + on this occasion, it scarcely need be said that she was sorely perplexed. + Abler heads than that of this poor girl have frequently been puzzled by + questions of a similar drift, and it is not surprising that with all her + own earnestness and sincerity she did not know what answer to make. + </p> + <p> + “What shall I tell them, Hist,” she asked imploringly—“I know that + all I have read from the book is true, and yet it wouldn't seem so, would + it, by the conduct of those to whom the book was given?” + </p> + <p> + “Give 'em pale-face reason,” returned Hist, ironically—“that always + good for one side; though he bad for t'other.” + </p> + <p> + “No—no—Hist, there can't be two sides to truth—and yet + it does seem strange! I'm certain I have read the verses right, and no one + would be so wicked as to print the word of God wrong. That can never be, + Hist.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, to poor Injin girl, it seem every thing can be to pale-faces,” + returned the other, coolly. “One time 'ey say white, and one time 'ey say + black. Why never can be?” + </p> + <p> + Hetty was more and more embarrassed, until overcome with the apprehension + that she had failed in her object, and that the lives of her father and + Hurry would be the forfeit of some blunder of her own, she burst into + tears. From that moment the manner of Hist lost all its irony and cool + indifference, and she became the fond caressing friend again. Throwing her + arms around the afflicted girl, she attempted to soothe her sorrows by the + scarcely ever failing remedy of female sympathy. + </p> + <p> + “Stop cry—no cry—” she said, wiping the tears from the face of + Hetty, as she would have performed the same office for a child, and + stopping to press her occasionally to her own warm bosom with the + affection of a sister. “Why you so trouble? You no make he book, if he be + wrong, and you no make he pale-face if he wicked. There wicked red man, + and wicked white man—no colour all good—no colour all wicked. + Chiefs know that well enough.” + </p> + <p> + Hetty soon recovered from this sudden burst of grief, and then her mind + reverted to the purpose of her visit, with all its single-hearted + earnestness. Perceiving that the grim looking chiefs were still standing + around her in grave attention, she hoped that another effort to convince + them of the right might be successful. “Listen, Hist,” she said, + struggling to suppress her sobs, and to speak distinctly—“Tell the + chiefs that it matters not what the wicked do—right is right—The + words of The Great Spirit are the words of The Great Spirit—and no + one can go harmless for doing an evil act, because another has done it + before him. 'Render good for evil,' says this book, and that is the law + for the red man as well as for the white man.” + </p> + <p> + “Never hear such law among Delaware, or among Iroquois—” answered + Hist soothingly. “No good to tell chiefs any such laws as dat. Tell 'em + somet'ing they believe.” + </p> + <p> + Hist was about to proceed, notwithstanding, when a tap on the shoulder + from the finger of the oldest chief caused her to look up. She then + perceived that one of the warriors had left the group, and was already + returning to it with Hutter and Hurry. Understanding that the two last + were to become parties in the inquiry, she became mute, with the + unhesitating obedience of an Indian woman. In a few seconds the prisoners + stood face to face with the principal men of the captors. + </p> + <p> + “Daughter,” said the senior chief to the young Delaware, “ask this grey + beard why he came into our camp?” + </p> + <p> + The question was put by Hist, in her own imperfect English, but in a way + that was easy to be understood. Hutter was too stern and obdurate by + nature to shrink from the consequences of any of his acts, and he was also + too familiar with the opinions of the savages not to understand that + nothing was to be gained by equivocation or an unmanly dread of their + anger. Without hesitating, therefore, he avowed the purpose with which he + had landed, merely justifying it by the fact that the government of the + province had bid high for scalps. This frank avowal was received by the + Iroquois with evident satisfaction, not so much, however, on account of + the advantage it gave them in a moral point of view, as by its proving + that they had captured a man worthy of occupying their thoughts and of + becoming a subject of their revenge. Hurry, when interrogated, confessed + the truth, though he would have been more disposed to concealment than his + sterner companion, did the circumstances very well admit of its adoption. + But he had tact enough to discover that equivocation would be useless, at + that moment, and he made a merit of necessity by imitating a frankness, + which, in the case of Hutter, was the offspring of habits of indifference + acting on a disposition that was always ruthless, and reckless of personal + consequences. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the chiefs had received the answers to their questions, they + walked away in silence, like men who deemed the matter disposed of, all + Hetty's dogmas being thrown away on beings trained in violence from + infancy to manhood. Hetty and Hist were now left alone with Hutter and + Hurry, no visible restraint being placed on the movements of either; + though all four, in fact, were vigilantly and unceasingly watched. As + respects the men, care was had to prevent them from getting possession of + any of the rifles that lay scattered about, their own included; and there + all open manifestations of watchfulness ceased. But they, who were so + experienced in Indian practices, knew too well how great was the distance + between appearances and reality, to become the dupes of this seeming + carelessness. Although both thought incessantly of the means of escape, + and this without concert, each was aware of the uselessness of attempting + any project of the sort that was not deeply laid, and promptly executed. + They had been long enough in the encampment, and were sufficiently + observant to have ascertained that Hist, also, was a sort of captive, and, + presuming on the circumstance, Hutter spoke in her presence more openly + than he might otherwise have thought it prudent to do; inducing Hurry to + be equally unguarded by his example. + </p> + <p> + “I'll not blame you, Hetty, for coming on this errand, which was well + meant if not very wisely planned,” commenced the father, seating himself + by the side of his daughter and taking her hand; a sign of affection that + this rude being was accustomed to manifest to this particular child. “But + preaching, and the Bible, are not the means to turn an Indian from his + ways. Has Deerslayer sent any message; or has he any scheme by which he + thinks to get us free?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that's the substance of it!” put in Hurry. “If you can help us, gal, + to half a mile of freedom, or even a good start of a short quarter, I'll + answer for the rest. Perhaps the old man may want a little more, but for + one of my height and years that will meet all objections.” + </p> + <p> + Hetty looked distressed, turning her eyes from one to the other, but she + had no answer to give to the question of the reckless Hurry. + </p> + <p> + “Father,” she said, “neither Deerslayer nor Judith knew of my coming until + I had left the Ark. They are afraid the Iroquois will make a raft and try + to get off to the hut, and think more of defending that than of coming to + aid you.” + </p> + <p> + “No—no—no—” said Hist hurriedly, though in a low voice, + and with her face bent towards the earth, in order to conceal from those + whom she knew to be watching them the fact of her speaking at all. “No—no—no—Deerslayer + different man. He no t'ink of defending 'self, with friend in danger. Help + one another, and all get to hut.” + </p> + <p> + “This sounds well, old Tom,” said Hurry, winking and laughing, though he + too used the precaution to speak low—“Give me a ready witted squaw + for a fri'nd, and though I'll not downright defy an Iroquois, I think I + would defy the devil.” + </p> + <p> + “No talk loud,” said Hist. “Some Iroquois got Yengeese tongue, and all got + Yengeese ear.” + </p> + <p> + “Have we a friend in you, young woman?” enquired Hutter with an increasing + interest in the conference. “If so, you may calculate on a solid reward, + and nothing will be easier than to send you to your own tribe, if we can + once fairly get you off with us to the castle. Give us the Ark and the + canoes, and we can command the lake, spite of all the savages in the + Canadas. Nothing but artillery could drive us out of the castle, if we can + get back to it. + </p> + <p> + “S'pose 'ey come ashore to take scalp?” retorted Hist, with cool irony, at + which the girl appeared to be more expert than is common for her sex. + </p> + <p> + “Ay—ay—that was a mistake; but there is little use in + lamentations, and less still, young woman, in flings.” + </p> + <p> + “Father,” said Hetty, “Judith thinks of breaking open the big chest, in + hopes of finding something in that which may buy your freedom of the + savages.” + </p> + <p> + A dark look came over Hutter at the announcement of this fact, and he + muttered his dissatisfaction in a way to render it intelligible enough. + </p> + <p> + “What for no break open chest?” put in Hist. “Life sweeter than old chest—scalp + sweeter than old chest. If no tell darter to break him open, Wah-ta-Wah no + help him to run away.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye know not what ye ask—ye are but silly girls, and the wisest way + for ye both is to speak of what ye understand and to speak of nothing + else. I little like this cold neglect of the savages, Hurry; it's a proof + that they think of something serious, and if we are to do any thing, we + must do it soon. Can we count on this young woman, think you?” + </p> + <p> + “Listen—” said Hist quickly, and with an earnestness that proved how + much her feelings were concerned—“Wah-ta-Wah no Iroquois—All + over Delaware—got Delaware heart—Delaware feeling. She + prisoner, too. One prisoner help t'udder prisoner. No good to talk more, + now. Darter stay with fader—Wah-ta-Wah come and see friend—all + look right—Then tell what he do.” + </p> + <p> + This was said in a low voice, but distinctly, and in a manner to make an + impression. As soon as it was uttered the girl arose and left the group, + walking composedly towards the hut she occupied, as if she had no further + interest in what might pass between the pale-faces. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “She speaks much of her father; says she hears, + There's tricks i' the world; and hems, and beats her breast; + Spurns enviously at straws; speaks things in doubt, + That carry but half sense; her speech is nothing, + Yet the unshaped use of it doth move + The hearers to collection;” + + Hamlet, IV.v.4-9. +</pre> + <p> + We left the occupants of the castle and the ark, buried in sleep. Once, or + twice, in the course of the night, it is true, Deerslayer or the Delaware, + arose and looked out upon the tranquil lake; when, finding all safe, each + returned to his pallet, and slept like a man who was not easily deprived + of his natural rest. At the first signs of the dawn the former arose, + however, and made his personal arrangements for the day; though his + companion, whose nights had not been tranquil or without disturbances of + late, continued on his blanket until the sun had fairly risen; Judith, + too, was later than common that morning, for the earlier hours of the + night had brought her little of either refreshment or sleep. But ere the + sun had shown himself over the eastern hills these too were up and afoot, + even the tardy in that region seldom remaining on their pallets after the + appearance of the great luminary. Chingachgook was in the act of arranging + his forest toilet, when Deerslayer entered the cabin of the Ark and threw + him a few coarse but light summer vestments that belonged to Hutter. + </p> + <p> + “Judith hath given me them for your use, chief,” said the latter, as he + cast the jacket and trousers at the feet of the Indian, “for it's ag'in + all prudence and caution to be seen in your war dress and paint. Wash off + all them fiery streaks from your cheeks, put on these garments, and here + is a hat, such as it is, that will give you an awful oncivilized sort of + civilization, as the missionaries call it. Remember that Hist is at hand, + and what we do for the maiden must be done while we are doing for others. + I know it's ag'in your gifts and your natur' to wear clothes, unless they + are cut and carried in a red man's fashion, but make a vartue of necessity + and put these on at once, even if they do rise a little in your throat.” + </p> + <p> + Chingachgook, or the Serpent, eyed the vestments with strong disgust; but + he saw the usefulness of the disguise, if not its absolute necessity. + Should the Iroquois discover a red man, in or about the Castle, it might, + indeed, place them more on their guard, and give their suspicions a + direction towards their female captive. Any thing was better than a + failure, as it regarded his betrothed, and, after turning the different + garments round and round, examining them with a species of grave irony, + affecting to draw them on in a way that defeated itself, and otherwise + manifesting the reluctance of a young savage to confine his limbs in the + usual appliances of civilized life, the chief submitted to the directions + of his companion, and finally stood forth, so far as the eye could detect, + a red man in colour alone. Little was to be apprehended from this last + peculiarity, however, the distance from the shore, and the want of glasses + preventing any very close scrutiny, and Deerslayer, himself, though of a + brighter and fresher tint, had a countenance that was burnt by the sun to + a hue scarcely less red than that of his Mohican companion. The + awkwardness of the Delaware in his new attire caused his friend to smile + more than once that day, but he carefully abstained from the use of any of + those jokes which would have been bandied among white men on such an + occasion, the habits of a chief, the dignity of a warrior on his first + path, and the gravity of the circumstances in which they were placed + uniting to render so much levity out of season. + </p> + <p> + The meeting at the morning meal of the three islanders, if we may use the + term, was silent, grave and thoughtful. Judith showed by her looks that + she had passed an unquiet night, while the two men had the future before + them, with its unseen and unknown events. A few words of courtesy passed + between Deerslayer and the girl, in the course of the breakfast, but no + allusion was made to their situation. At length Judith, whose heart was + full, and whose novel feelings disposed her to entertain sentiments more + gentle and tender than common, introduced the subject, and this in a way + to show how much of her thoughts it had occupied, in the course of the + last sleepless night. + </p> + <p> + “It would be dreadful, Deerslayer,” the girl abruptly exclaimed, “should + anything serious befall my father and Hetty! We cannot remain quietly here + and leave them in the hands of the Iroquois, without bethinking us of some + means of serving them.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm ready, Judith, to sarve them, and all others who are in trouble, + could the way to do it be p'inted out. It's no trifling matter to fall + into red-skin hands, when men set out on an ar'n'd like that which took + Hutter and Hurry ashore; that I know as well as another, and I wouldn't + wish my worst inimy in such a strait, much less them with whom I've + journeyed, and eat, and slept. Have you any scheme, that you would like to + have the Sarpent and me indivour to carry out?” + </p> + <p> + “I know of no other means to release the prisoners, than by bribing the + Iroquois. They are not proof against presents, and we might offer enough, + perhaps, to make them think it better to carry away what to them will be + rich gifts, than to carry away poor prisoners; if, indeed, they should + carry them away at all!” + </p> + <p> + “This is well enough, Judith; yes, it's well enough, if the inimy is to be + bought, and we can find articles to make the purchase with. Your father + has a convenient lodge, and it is most cunningly placed, though it doesn't + seem overstock'd with riches that will be likely to buy his ransom. + There's the piece he calls Killdeer, might count for something, and I + understand there's a keg of powder about, which might be a make-weight, + sartain; and yet two able bodied men are not to be bought off for a trifle—besides—” + </p> + <p> + “Besides what?” demanded Judith impatiently, observing that the other + hesitated to proceed, probably from a reluctance to distress her. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Judith, the Frenchers offer bounties as well as our own side, and + the price of two scalps would purchase a keg of powder, and a rifle; + though I'll not say one of the latter altogether as good as Killdeer, + there, which your father va'nts as uncommon, and unequalled, like. But + fair powder, and a pretty sartain rifle; then the red men are not the + expartest in fire arms, and don't always know the difference atwixt that + which is ra'al, and that which is seeming.” + </p> + <p> + “This is horrible!” muttered the girl, struck by the homely manner in + which her companion was accustomed to state his facts. “But you overlook + my own clothes, Deerslayer, and they, I think, might go far with the women + of the Iroquois.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt they would; no doubt they would, Judith,” returned the other, + looking at her keenly, as if he would ascertain whether she were really + capable of making such a sacrifice. “But, are you sartain, gal, you could + find it in your heart to part with your own finery for such a purpose? + Many is the man who has thought he was valiant till danger stared him in + the face; I've known them, too, that consaited they were kind and ready to + give away all they had to the poor, when they've been listening to other + people's hard heartedness; but whose fists have clench'd as tight as the + riven hickory when it came to downright offerings of their own. Besides, + Judith, you're handsome—uncommon in that way, one might observe and + do no harm to the truth—and they that have beauty, like to have that + which will adorn it. Are you sartain you could find it in your heart to + part with your own finery?” + </p> + <p> + The soothing allusion to the personal charms of the girl was well timed, + to counteract the effect produced by the distrust that the young man + expressed of Judith's devotion to her filial duties. Had another said as + much as Deerslayer, the compliment would most probably have been + overlooked in the indignation awakened by the doubts, but even the + unpolished sincerity, that so often made this simple minded hunter bare + his thoughts, had a charm for the girl; and while she colored, and for an + instant her eyes flashed fire, she could not find it in her heart to be + really angry with one whose very soul seemed truth and manly kindness. + Look her reproaches she did, but conquering the desire to retort, she + succeeded in answering in a mild and friendly manner. + </p> + <p> + “You must keep all your favorable opinions for the Delaware girls, + Deerslayer, if you seriously think thus of those of your own colour,” she + said, affecting to laugh. “But try me; if you find that I regret either + ribbon or feather, silk or muslin, then may you think what you please of + my heart, and say what you think.” + </p> + <p> + “That's justice! The rarest thing to find on 'arth is a truly just man. So + says Tamenund, the wisest prophet of the Delawares, and so all must think + that have occasion to see, and talk, and act among Mankind. I love a just + man, Sarpent. His eyes are never covered with darkness towards his + inimies, while they are all sunshine and brightness towards his fri'nds. + He uses the reason that God has given him, and he uses it with a feelin' + of his being ordered to look at, and to consider things as they are, and + not as he wants them to be. It's easy enough to find men who call + themselves just, but it's wonderful oncommon to find them that are the + very thing, in fact. How often have I seen Indians, gal, who believed they + were lookin' into a matter agreeable to the will of the Great Spirit, when + in truth they were only striving to act up to their own will and pleasure, + and this, half the time, with a temptation to go wrong that could no more + be seen by themselves, than the stream that runs in the next valley can be + seen by us through yonder mountain', though any looker on might have + discovered it as plainly as we can discover the parch that are swimming + around this hut.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, Deerslayer,” rejoined Judith, losing every trace of + displeasure in a bright smile—“very true, and I hope to see you act + on this love of justice in all matters in which I am concerned. Above all, + I hope you will judge for yourself, and not believe every evil story that + a prating idler like Hurry Harry may have to tell, that goes to touch the + good name of any young woman, who may not happen to have the same opinion + of his face and person that the blustering gallant has of himself.” + </p> + <p> + “Hurry Harry's idees do not pass for gospel with me, Judith; but even + worse than he may have eyes and ears,” returned the other gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Enough of this!” exclaimed Judith, with flashing eye and a flush that + mounted to her temples, “and more of my father and his ransom. 'Tis as you + say, Deerslayer; the Indians will not be likely to give up their prisoners + without a heavier bribe than my clothes can offer, and father's rifle and + powder. There is the chest.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, there is the chest as you say, Judith, and when the question gets to + be between a secret and a scalp, I should think most men would prefer + keeping the last. Did your father ever give you any downright commands + consarning that chist?” + </p> + <p> + “Never. He has always appeared to think its locks, and its steel bands, + and its strength, its best protection.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis a rare chest, and altogether of curious build,” returned Deerslayer, + rising and approaching the thing in question, on which he seated himself, + with a view to examine it with greater ease. “Chingachgook, this is no + wood that comes of any forest that you or I have ever trailed through! + 'Tisn't the black walnut, and yet it's quite as comely, if not more so, + did the smoke and the treatment give it fair play.” + </p> + <p> + The Delaware drew near, felt of the wood, examined its grain, endeavored + to indent the surface with a nail, and passed his hand curiously over the + steel bands, the heavy padlocks, and the other novel peculiarities of the + massive box. + </p> + <p> + “No—nothing like this grows in these regions,” resumed Deerslayer. + “I've seen all the oaks, both the maples, the elms, the bass woods, all + the walnuts, the butternuts, and every tree that has a substance and + colour, wrought into some form or other, but never have I before seen such + a wood as this! Judith, the chest itself would buy your father's freedom, + or Iroquois cur'osity isn't as strong as red-skin cur'osity, in general; + especially in the matter of woods.” + </p> + <p> + “The purchase might be cheaper made, perhaps, Deerslayer. The chest is + full, and it would be better to part with half than to part with the + whole. Besides, father—I know not why—but father values that + chest highly.” + </p> + <p> + “He would seem to prize what it holds more than the chest, itself, judging + by the manner in which he treats the outside, and secures the inside. Here + are three locks, Judith; is there no key?” + </p> + <p> + “I've never seen one, and yet key there must be, since Hetty told us she + had often seen the chest opened.” + </p> + <p> + “Keys no more lie in the air, or float on the water, than humans, gal; if + there is a key, there must be a place in which it is kept.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true, and it might not be difficult to find it, did we dare to + search!” + </p> + <p> + “This is for you, Judith; it is altogether for you. The chist is your'n, + or your father's; and Hutter is your father, not mine. Cur'osity is a + woman's, and not a man's failing, and there you have got all the reasons + before you. If the chist has articles for ransom, it seems to me they + would be wisely used in redeeming their owner's life, or even in saving + his scalp; but that is a matter for your judgment, and not for ourn. When + the lawful owner of a trap, or a buck, or a canoe, isn't present, his next + of kin becomes his riprisentyve by all the laws of the woods. We therefore + leave you to say whether the chist shall, or shall not be opened.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you do not believe I can hesitate, when my father's life's in + danger, Deerslayer!” + </p> + <p> + “Why, it's pretty much putting a scolding ag'in tears and mourning. It's + not onreasonable to foretell that old Tom may find fault with what you've + done, when he sees himself once more in his hut, here, but there's nothing + unusual in men's falling out with what has been done for their own good; I + dare to say that even the moon would seem a different thing from what it + now does, could we look at it from the other side.” + </p> + <p> + “Deerslayer, if we can find the key, I will authorize you to open the + chest, and to take such things from it as you may think will buy father's + ransom.” + </p> + <p> + “First find the key, gal; we'll talk of the rest a'terwards. Sarpent, + you've eyes like a fly, and a judgment that's seldom out. Can you help us + in calculating where Floating Tom would be apt to keep the key of a chist + that he holds to be as private as this?” + </p> + <p> + The Delaware had taken no part in the discourse until he was thus directly + appealed to, when he quitted the chest, which had continued to attract his + attention, and cast about him for the place in which a key would be likely + to be concealed under such circumstances. As Judith and Deerslayer were + not idle the while, the whole three were soon engaged in an anxious and + spirited search. As it was certain that the desired key was not to be + found in any of the common drawers or closets, of which there were several + in the building, none looked there, but all turned their inquiries to + those places that struck them as ingenious hiding places, and more likely + to be used for such a purpose. In this manner the outer room was + thoroughly but fruitlessly examined, when they entered the sleeping + apartment of Hutter. This part of the rude building was better furnished + than the rest of the structure, containing several articles that had been + especially devoted to the service of the deceased wife of its owner, but + as Judith had all the rest of the keys, it was soon rummaged without + bringing to light the particular key desired. + </p> + <p> + They now entered the bed room of the daughters. Chingachgook was + immediately struck with the contrast between the articles and the + arrangement of that side of the room that might be called Judith's, and + that which more properly belonged to Hetty. A slight exclamation escaped + him, and pointing in each direction he alluded to the fact in a low voice, + speaking to his friend in the Delaware tongue. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis as you think, Sarpent,” answered Deerslayer, whose remarks we always + translate into English, preserving as much as possible of the peculiar + phraseology and manner of the man, “'Tis just so, as any one may see, and + 'tis all founded in natur'. One sister loves finery, some say overmuch; + while t'other is as meek and lowly as God ever created goodness and truth. + Yet, after all, I dare say that Judith has her vartues, and Hetty has her + failin's.” + </p> + <p> + “And the 'Feeble-Mind' has seen the chist opened?” inquired Chingachgook, + with curiosity in his glance. + </p> + <p> + “Sartain; that much I've heard from her own lips; and, for that matter, so + have you. It seems her father doesn't misgive her discretion, though he + does that of his eldest darter.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the key is hid only from the Wild Rose?” for so Chingachgook had + begun gallantly to term Judith, in his private discourse with his friend. + </p> + <p> + “That's it! That's just it! One he trusts, and the other he doesn't. + There's red and white in that, Sarpent, all tribes and nations agreeing in + trusting some, and refusing to trust other some. It depends on character + and judgment.” + </p> + <p> + “Where could a key be put, so little likely to be found by the Wild Rose, + as among coarse clothes?” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer started, and turning to his friend with admiration expressed in + every lineament of his face, he fairly laughed, in his silent but hearty + manner, at the ingenuity and readiness of the conjecture. + </p> + <p> + “Your name's well bestowed, Sarpent—yes, 'tis well bestowed! Sure + enough, where would a lover of finery be so little likely to s'arch, as + among garments as coarse and onseemly as these of poor Hetty's. I dares to + say, Judith's delicate fingers haven't touched a bit of cloth as rough and + oncomely as that petticoat, now, since she first made acquaintance with + the officers! Yet, who knows? The key may be as likely to be on the same + peg, as in any other place. Take down the garment, Delaware, and let us + see if you are ra'ally a prophet.” Chingachgook did as desired, but no key + was found. A coarse pocket, apparently empty, hung on the adjoining peg, + and this was next examined. By this time, the attention of Judith was + called in that direction, and she spoke hurriedly and like one who wished + to save unnecessary trouble. + </p> + <p> + “Those are only the clothes of poor Hetty, dear simple girl!” she said, + “Nothing we seek would be likely to be there.” + </p> + <p> + The words were hardly out of the handsome mouth of the speaker, when + Chingachgook drew the desired key from the pocket. Judith was too quick of + apprehension not to understand the reason a hiding place so simple and + exposed had been used. The blood rushed to her face, as much with + resentment, perhaps, as with shame, and she bit her lip, though she + continued silent. Deerslayer and his friend now discovered the delicacy of + men of native refinement, neither smiling or even by a glance betraying + how completely he understood the motives and ingenuity of this clever + artifice. The former, who had taken the key from the Indian, led the way + into the adjoining room, and applying it to a lock ascertained that the + right instrument had actually been found. There were three padlocks, each + of which however was easily opened by this single key. Deerslayer removed + them all, loosened the hasps, raised the lid a little to make certain it + was loose, and then he drew back from the chest several feet, signing to + his friend to follow. + </p> + <p> + “This is a family chist, Judith,” he said, “and 'tis like to hold family + secrets. The Sarpent and I will go into the Ark, and look to the canoes, + and paddles, and oars, while you can examine it by yourself, and find out + whether any thing that will be a make-weight in a ransom is, or is not, + among the articles. When you've got through give us a call, and we'll all + sit in council together touching the valie of the articles.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop, Deerslayer,” exclaimed the girl, as he was about to withdraw. “Not + a single thing will I touch—I will not even raise the lid—unless + you are present. Father and Hetty have seen fit to keep the inside of this + chest a secret from me, and I am much too proud to pry into their hidden + treasures unless it were for their own good. But on no account will I open + the chest alone. Stay with me, then; I want witnesses of what I do.” + </p> + <p> + “I rather think, Sarpent, that the gal is right! Confidence and reliance + beget security, but suspicion is like to make us all wary. Judith has a + right to ask us to be present, and should the chist hold any of Master + Hutter's secrets, they will fall into the keeping of two as close mouthed + young men as are to be found. We will stay with you, Judith—but + first let us take a look at the lake and the shore, for this chist will + not be emptied in a minute.” + </p> + <p> + The two men now went out on the platform, and Deerslayer swept the shore + with the glass, while the Indian gravely turned his eye on the water and + the woods, in quest of any sign that might betray the machinations of + their enemies. Nothing was visible, and assured of their temporary + security, the three collected around the chest again, with the avowed + object of opening it. + </p> + <p> + Judith had held this chest and its unknown contents in a species of + reverence as long as she could remember. Neither her father nor her mother + ever mentioned it in her presence, and there appeared to be a silent + convention that in naming the different objects that occasionally stood + near it, or even lay on its lid, care should be had to avoid any allusion + to the chest itself. Habit had rendered this so easy, and so much a matter + of course, that it was only quite recently the girl had began even to muse + on the singularity of the circumstance. But there had never been + sufficient intimacy between Hutter and his eldest daughter to invite + confidence. At times he was kind, but in general, with her more + especially, he was stern and morose. Least of all had his authority been + exercised in a way to embolden his child to venture on the liberty she was + about to take, without many misgivings of the consequences, although the + liberty proceeded from a desire to serve himself. Then Judith was not + altogether free from a little superstition on the subject of this chest, + which had stood a sort of tabooed relic before her eyes from childhood to + the present hour. Nevertheless the time had come when it would seem that + this mystery was to be explained, and that under circumstances, too, which + left her very little choice in the matter. + </p> + <p> + Finding that both her companions were watching her movements, in grave + silence, Judith placed a hand on the lid and endeavored to raise it. Her + strength, however, was insufficient, and it appeared to the girl, who was + fully aware that all the fastenings were removed, that she was resisted in + an unhallowed attempt by some supernatural power. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot raise the lid, Deerslayer!” she said—“Had we not better + give up the attempt, and find some other means of releasing the + prisoners?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so—Judith; not so, gal. No means are as sartain and easy, as a + good bribe,” answered the other. “As for the lid, 'tis held by nothing but + its own weight, which is prodigious for so small a piece of wood, loaded + with iron as it is.” + </p> + <p> + As Deerslayer spoke, he applied his own strength to the effort, and + succeeded in raising the lid against the timbers of the house, where he + took care to secure it by a sufficient prop. Judith fairly trembled as she + cast her first glance at the interior, and she felt a temporary relief in + discovering that a piece of canvas, that was carefully tucked in around + the edges, effectually concealed all beneath it. The chest was apparently + well stored, however, the canvas lying within an inch of the lid. + </p> + <p> + “Here's a full cargo,” said Deerslayer, eyeing the arrangement, “and we + had needs go to work leisurely and at our ease. Sarpent, bring some stools + while I spread this blanket on the floor, and then we'll begin work + orderly and in comfort.” + </p> + <p> + The Delaware complied, Deerslayer civilly placed a stool for Judith, took + one himself, and commenced the removal of the canvas covering. This was + done deliberately, and in as cautious a manner as if it were believed that + fabrics of a delicate construction lay hidden beneath. When the canvass + was removed, the first articles that came in view were some of the + habiliments of the male sex. They were of fine materials, and, according + to the fashions of the age, were gay in colours and rich in ornaments. One + coat in particular was of scarlet, and had button holes worked in gold + thread. Still it was not military, but was part of the attire of a + civilian of condition, at a period when social rank was rigidly respected + in dress. Chingachgook could not refrain from an exclamation of pleasure, + as soon as Deerslayer opened this coat and held it up to view, for, + notwithstanding all his trained self-command, the splendor of the vestment + was too much for the philosophy of an Indian. Deerslayer turned quickly, + and he regarded his friend with momentary displeasure as this burst of + weakness escaped him, and then he soliloquized, as was his practice + whenever any strong feeling suddenly got the ascendancy. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis his gift!—yes, 'tis the gift of a red-skin to love finery, and + he is not to be blamed. This is an extr'ornary garment, too, and + extr'ornary things get up extr'ornary feelin's. I think this will do, + Judith, for the Indian heart is hardly to be found in all America that can + withstand colours like these, and glitter like that. If this coat was ever + made for your father, you've come honestly by the taste for finery, you + have.” + </p> + <p> + “That coat was never made for father,” answered the girl, quickly—“it + is much too long, while father is short and square.” + </p> + <p> + “Cloth was plenty if it was, and glitter cheap,” answered Deerslayer, with + his silent, joyous laugh. “Sarpent, this garment was made for a man of + your size, and I should like to see it on your shoulders.” + </p> + <p> + Chingachgook, nothing loath, submitted to the trial, throwing aside the + coarse and thread bare jacket of Hutter, to deck his person in a coat that + was originally intended for a gentleman. The transformation was ludicrous, + but as men are seldom struck with incongruities in their own appearance, + any more than in their own conduct, the Delaware studied this change in a + common glass, by which Hutter was in the habit of shaving, with grave + interest. At that moment he thought of Hist, and we owe it to truth, to + say, though it may militate a little against the stern character of a + warrior to avow it, that he wished he could be seen by her in his present + improved aspect. + </p> + <p> + “Off with it, Sarpent—off with it,” resumed the inflexible + Deerslayer. “Such garments as little become you as they would become me. + Your gifts are for paint, and hawk's feathers, and blankets, and wampum, + and mine are for doublets of skins, tough leggings, and sarviceable + moccasins. I say moccasins, Judith, for though white, living as I do in + the woods it's necessary to take to some of the practyces of the woods, + for comfort's sake and cheapness.” + </p> + <p> + “I see no reason, Deerslayer, why one man may not wear a scarlet coat, as + well as another,” returned the girl. “I wish I could see you in this + handsome garment.” + </p> + <p> + “See me in a coat fit for a Lord!—Well, Judith, if you wait till + that day, you'll wait until you see me beyond reason and memory. No—no—gal, + my gifts are my gifts, and I'll live and die in 'em, though I never bring + down another deer, or spear another salmon. What have I done that you + should wish to see me in such a flaunting coat, Judith?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I think, Deerslayer, that the false-tongued and false-hearted + young gallants of the garrisons, ought not alone to appear in fine + feathers, but that truth and honesty have their claims to be honored and + exalted.” + </p> + <p> + “And what exaltification”—the reader will have remarked that + Deerslayer had not very critically studied his dictionary—“and what + exaltification would it be to me, Judith, to be bedizened and bescarleted + like a Mingo chief that has just got his presents up from Quebec? No—no—I'm + well as I am; and if not, I can be no better. Lay the coat down on the + blanket, Sarpent, and let us look farther into the chist.” + </p> + <p> + The tempting garment, one surely that was never intended for Hutter, was + laid aside, and the examination proceeded. The male attire, all of which + corresponded with the coat in quality, was soon exhausted, and then + succeeded female. A beautiful dress of brocade, a little the worse from + negligent treatment, followed, and this time open exclamations of delight + escaped the lips of Judith. Much as the girl had been addicted to dress, + and favorable as had been her opportunities of seeing some little + pretension in that way among the wives of the different commandants, and + other ladies of the forts, never before had she beheld a tissue, or tints, + to equal those that were now so unexpectedly placed before her eyes. Her + rapture was almost childish, nor would she allow the inquiry to proceed, + until she had attired her person in a robe so unsuited to her habits and + her abode. With this end, she withdrew into her own room, where with hands + practised in such offices, she soon got rid of her own neat gown of linen, + and stood forth in the gay tints of the brocade. The dress happened to fit + the fine, full person of Judith, and certainly it had never adorned a + being better qualified by natural gifts to do credit to its really rich + hues and fine texture. When she returned, both Deerslayer and + Chingachgook, who had passed the brief time of her absence in taking a + second look at the male garments, arose in surprise, each permitting + exclamations of wonder and pleasure to escape him, in a way so unequivocal + as to add new lustre to the eyes of Judith, by flushing her cheeks with a + glow of triumph. Affecting, however, not to notice the impression she had + made, the girl seated herself with the stateliness of a queen, desiring + that the chest might be looked into, further. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know a better way to treat with the Mingos, gal,” cried + Deerslayer, “than to send you ashore as you be, and to tell 'em that a + queen has arrived among 'em! They'll give up old Hutter, and Hurry, and + Hetty, too, at such a spectacle!” + </p> + <p> + “I thought your tongue too honest to flatter, Deerslayer,” returned the + girl, gratified at this admiration more than she would have cared to own. + “One of the chief reasons of my respect for you, was your love for truth.” + </p> + <p> + “And 'tis truth, and solemn truth, Judith, and nothing else. Never did + eyes of mine gaze on as glorious a lookin' creatur' as you be yourself, at + this very moment! I've seen beauties in my time, too, both white and red; + and them that was renowned and talk'd of, far and near; but never have I + beheld one that could hold any comparison with what you are at this + blessed instant, Judith; never.” + </p> + <p> + The glance of delight which the girl bestowed on the frank-speaking hunter + in no degree lessened the effect of her charms, and as the humid eyes + blended with it a look of sensibility, perhaps Judith never appeared more + truly lovely, than at what the young man had called that “blessed + instant.” He shook his head, held it suspended a moment over the open + chest, like one in doubt, and then proceeded with the examination. + </p> + <p> + Several of the minor articles of female dress came next, all of a quality + to correspond with the gown. These were laid at Judith's feet, in silence, + as if she had a natural claim to their possession. One or two, such as + gloves, and lace, the girl caught up, and appended to her already rich + attire in affected playfulness, but with the real design of decorating her + person as far as circumstances would allow. When these two remarkable + suits, male and female they might be termed, were removed, another canvas + covering separated the remainder of the articles from the part of the + chest which they had occupied. As soon as Deerslayer perceived this + arrangement he paused, doubtful of the propriety of proceeding any + further. + </p> + <p> + “Every man has his secrets, I suppose,” he said, “and all men have a right + to their enj'yment. We've got low enough in this chist in my judgment to + answer our wants, and it seems to me we should do well by going no + farther; and by letting Master Hutter have to himself, and his own + feelin's, all that's beneath this cover. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean, Deerslayer, to offer these clothes to the Iroquois as + ransom?” demanded Judith, quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Sartain. What are we prying into another man's chist for, but to sarve + its owner in the best way we can. This coat, alone, would be very apt to + gain over the head chief of the riptyles, and if his wife or darter should + happen to be out with him, that there gownd would soften the heart of any + woman that is to be found atween Albany and Montreal. I do not see that we + want a larger stock in trade than them two articles.” + </p> + <p> + “To you it may seem so, Deerslayer,” returned the disappointed girl, “but + of what use could a dress like this be to any Indian woman? She could not + wear it among the branches of the trees, the dirt and smoke of the wigwam + would soon soil it, and how would a pair of red arms appear, thrust + through these short, laced sleeves!” + </p> + <p> + “All very true, gal, and you might go on and say it is altogether out of + time, and place and season, in this region at all. What is it to us how + the finery is treated, so long as it answers our wishes? I do not see that + your father can make any use of such clothes, and it's lucky he has things + that are of no valie to himself, that will bear a high price with others. + We can make no better trade for him, than to offer these duds for his + liberty. We'll throw in the light frivol'ties, and get Hurry off in the + bargain.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you think, Deerslayer, that Thomas Hutter has no one in his family—no + child—no daughter, to whom this dress may be thought becoming, and + whom you could wish to see in it, once and awhile, even though it should + be at long intervals, and only in playfulness?” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, Judith—yes, I now understand your meaning, and I + think I can say, your wishes. That you are as glorious in that dress as + the sun when it rises or sets in a soft October day, I'm ready to allow, + and that you greatly become it is a good deal more sartain than that it + becomes you. There's gifts in clothes, as well as in other things. Now I + do not think that a warrior on his first path ought to lay on the same + awful paints as a chief that has had his virtue tried, and knows from + exper'ence he will not disgrace his pretensions. So it is with all of us, + red or white. You are Thomas Hutter's darter, and that gownd was made for + the child of some governor, or a lady of high station, and it was intended + to be worn among fine furniture, and in rich company. In my eyes, Judith, + a modest maiden never looks more becoming than when becomingly clad, and + nothing is suitable that is out of character. Besides, gal, if there's a + creatur' in the colony that can afford to do without finery, and to trust + to her own good looks and sweet countenance, it's yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll take off the rubbish this instant, Deerslayer,” cried the girl, + springing up to leave the room, “and never do I wish to see it on any + human being, again.” + </p> + <p> + “So it is with 'em, all, Sarpent,” said the other, turning to his friend + and laughing, as soon as the beauty had disappeared. “They like finery, + but they like their natyve charms most of all. I'm glad the gal has + consented to lay aside her furbelows, howsever, for it's ag'in reason for + one of her class to wear em; and then she is handsome enough, as I call + it, to go alone. Hist would show oncommon likely, too, in such a gownd, + Delaware!” + </p> + <p> + “Wah-ta-Wah is a red-skin girl, Deerslayer,” returned the Indian, “like + the young of the pigeon, she is to be known by her own feathers. I should + pass by without knowing her, were she dressed in such a skin. It's wisest + always to be so clad that our friends need not ask us for our names. The + 'Wild Rose' is very pleasant, but she is no sweeter for so many colours.” + </p> + <p> + “That's it!—that's natur', and the true foundation for love and + protection. When a man stoops to pick a wild strawberry, he does not + expect to find a melon; and when he wishes to gather a melon, he's + disapp'inted if it proves to be a squash; though squashes be often + brighter to the eye than melons. That's it, and it means stick to your + gifts, and your gifts will stick to you.” + </p> + <p> + The two men had now a little discussion together, touching the propriety + of penetrating any farther into the chest of Hutter, when Judith + re-appeared, divested of her robes, and in her own simple linen frock + again. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Judith,” said Deerslayer, taking her kindly by the hand—“for + I know it went a little ag'in the nat'ral cravings of woman, to lay aside + so much finery, as it might be in a lump. But you're more pleasing to the + eye as you stand, you be, than if you had a crown on your head, and jewels + dangling from your hair. The question now is, whether to lift this + covering to see what will be ra'ally the best bargain we can make for + Master Hutter, for we must do as we think he would be willing to do, did + he stand here in our places.” + </p> + <p> + Judith looked very happy. Accustomed as she was to adulation, the homely + homage of Deerslayer had given her more true satisfaction, than she had + ever yet received from the tongue of man. It was not the terms in which + this admiration had been expressed, for they were simple enough, that + produced so strong an impression; nor yet their novelty, or their warmth + of manner, nor any of those peculiarities that usually give value to + praise; but the unflinching truth of the speaker, that carried his words + so directly to the heart of the listener. This is one of the great + advantages of plain dealing and frankness. The habitual and wily flatterer + may succeed until his practices recoil on himself, and like other sweets + his aliment cloys by its excess; but he who deals honestly, though he + often necessarily offends, possesses a power of praising that no quality + but sincerity can bestow, since his words go directly to the heart, + finding their support in the understanding. Thus it was with Deerslayer + and Judith. So soon and so deeply did this simple hunter impress those who + knew him with a conviction of his unbending honesty, that all he uttered + in commendation was as certain to please, as all he uttered in the way of + rebuke was as certain to rankle and excite enmity, where his character had + not awakened a respect and affection, that in another sense rendered it + painful. In after life, when the career of this untutored being brought + him in contact with officers of rank, and others entrusted with the care + of the interests of the state, this same influence was exerted on a wider + field, even generals listening to his commendations with a glow of + pleasure, that it was not always in the power of their official superiors + to awaken. Perhaps Judith was the first individual of his own colour who + fairly submitted to this natural consequence of truth and fair-dealing on + the part of Deerslayer. She had actually pined for his praise, and she had + now received it, and that in the form which was most agreeable to her + weaknesses and habits of thought. The result will appear in the course of + the narrative. + </p> + <p> + “If we knew all that chest holds, Deerslayer,” returned the girl, when she + had a little recovered from the immediate effect produced by his + commendations of her personal appearance, “we could better determine on + the course we ought to take.” + </p> + <p> + “That's not onreasonable, gal, though it's more a pale-face than a + red-skin gift to be prying into other people's secrets.” + </p> + <p> + “Curiosity is natural, and it is expected that all human beings should + have human failings. Whenever I've been at the garrisons, I've found that + most in and about them had a longing to learn their neighbor's secrets.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and sometimes to fancy them, when they couldn't find 'em out! That's + the difference atween an Indian gentleman and a white gentleman. The + Sarpent, here, would turn his head aside if he found himself onknowingly + lookin' into another chief's wigwam, whereas in the settlements while all + pretend to be great people, most prove they've got betters, by the manner + in which they talk of their consarns. I'll be bound, Judith, you wouldn't + get the Sarpent, there, to confess there was another in the tribe so much + greater than himself, as to become the subject of his idees, and to empl'y + his tongue in conversations about his movements, and ways, and food, and + all the other little matters that occupy a man when he's not empl'y'd in + his greater duties. He who does this is but little better than a + blackguard, in the grain, and them that encourages him is pretty much of + the same kidney, let them wear coats as fine as they may, or of what dye + they please.” + </p> + <p> + “But this is not another man's wigwam; it belongs to my father, these are + his things, and they are wanted in his service.” + </p> + <p> + “That's true, gal; that's true, and it carries weight with it. Well, when + all is before us we may, indeed, best judge which to offer for the ransom, + and which to withhold.” + </p> + <p> + Judith was not altogether as disinterested in her feelings as she affected + to be. She remembered that the curiosity of Hetty had been indulged in + connection with this chest, while her own had been disregarded, and she + was not sorry to possess an opportunity of being placed on a level with + her less gifted sister in this one particular. It appearing to be admitted + all round that the enquiry into the contents of the chest ought to be + renewed, Deerslayer proceeded to remove the second covering of canvass. + </p> + <p> + The articles that lay uppermost, when the curtain was again raised on the + secrets of the chest, were a pair of pistols, curiously inlaid with + silver. Their value would have been considerable in one of the towns, + though as weapons in the woods they were a species of arms seldom + employed; never, indeed, unless it might be by some officer from Europe, + who visited the colonies, as many were then wont to do, so much impressed + with the superiority of the usages of London as to fancy they were not to + be laid aside on the frontiers of America. What occurred on the discovery + of these weapons will appear in the succeeding chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “An oaken, broken, elbow-chair; + A caudle-cup without an ear; + A battered, shattered ash bedstead; + A box of deal without a lid; + A pair of tongs, but out of joint; + A back-sword poker, without point; + A dish which might good meat afford once; + An Ovid, and an old + Concordance.” + + Thomas Sheridan, “A True and Faithful Inventory of the Goods + belonging to Dr. Swift,” II. i-6, 13-14. +</pre> + <p> + No sooner did Deerslayer raise the pistols, than he turned to the Delaware + and held them up for his admiration. + </p> + <p> + “Child gun,” said the Serpent, smiling, while he handled one of the + instruments as if it had been a toy. + </p> + <p> + “Not it, Sarpent; not it—'twas made for a man and would satisfy a + giant, if rightly used. But stop; white men are remarkable for their + carelessness in putting away fire arms, in chists and corners. Let me look + if care has been given to these.” + </p> + <p> + As Deerslayer spoke, he took the weapon from the hand of his friend and + opened the pan. The last was filled with priming, caked like a bit of + cinder, by time, moisture and compression. An application of the ramrod + showed that both the pistols were charged, although Judith could testify + that they had probably lain for years in the chest. It is not easy to + portray the surprise of the Indian at this discovery, for he was in the + practice of renewing his priming daily, and of looking to the contents of + his piece at other short intervals. + </p> + <p> + “This is white neglect,” said Deerslayer, shaking his head, “and scarce a + season goes by that some one in the settlements doesn't suffer from it. + It's extr'ornary too, Judith—yes, it's downright extr'ornary that + the owner shall fire his piece at a deer, or some other game, or perhaps + at an inimy, and twice out of three times he'll miss; but let him catch an + accident with one of these forgotten charges, and he makes it sartain + death to a child, or a brother, or a fri'nd! Well, we shall do a good turn + to the owner if we fire these pistols for him, and as they're novelties to + you and me, Sarpent, we'll try our hands at a mark. Freshen that priming, + and I'll do the same with this, and then we'll see who is the best man + with a pistol; as for the rifle, that's long been settled atween us.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer laughed heartily at his own conceit, and, in a minute or two, + they were both standing on the platform, selecting some object in the Ark + for their target. Judith was led by curiosity to their side. + </p> + <p> + “Stand back, gal, stand a little back; these we'pons have been long + loaded,” said Deerslayer, “and some accident may happen in the discharge.” + “Then you shall not fire them! Give them both to the Delaware; or it would + be better to unload them without firing.” + </p> + <p> + “That's ag'in usage—and some people say, ag'in manhood; though I + hold to no such silly doctrine. We must fire 'em, Judith; yes, we must + fire 'em; though I foresee that neither will have any great reason to + boast of his skill.” + </p> + <p> + Judith, in the main, was a girl of great personal spirit, and her habits + prevented her from feeling any of the terror that is apt to come over her + sex at the report of fire arms. She had discharged many a rifle, and had + even been known to kill a deer, under circumstances that were favorable to + the effort. She submitted therefore, falling a little back by the side of + Deerslayer, giving the Indian the front of the platform to himself. + Chingachgook raised the weapon several times, endeavored to steady it by + using both hands, changed his attitude from one that was awkward to + another still more so, and finally drew the trigger with a sort of + desperate indifference, without having, in reality, secured any aim at + all. The consequence was, that instead of hitting the knot which had been + selected for the mark, he missed the ark altogether; the bullet skipping + along the water like a stone that was thrown by hand. + </p> + <p> + “Well done—Sarpent—well done—” cried Deerslayer + laughing, with his noiseless glee, “you've hit the lake, and that's an + expl'ite for some men! I know'd it, and as much as said it, here, to + Judith; for your short we'pons don't belong to red-skin gifts. You've hit + the lake, and that's better than only hitting the air! Now, stand back and + let us see what white gifts can do with a white we'pon. A pistol isn't a + rifle, but colour is colour.” + </p> + <p> + The aim of Deerslayer was both quick and steady, and the report followed + almost as soon as the weapon rose. Still the pistol hung fire, as it is + termed, and fragments of it flew in a dozen directions, some falling on + the roof of the castle, others in the Ark, and one in the water. Judith + screamed, and when the two men turned anxiously towards the girl she was + as pale as death, trembling in every limb. + </p> + <p> + “She's wounded—yes, the poor gal's wounded, Sarpent, though one + couldn't foresee it, standing where she did. We'll lead her in to a seat, + and we must do the best for her that our knowledge and skill can afford.” + </p> + <p> + Judith allowed herself to be supported to a seat, swallowed a mouthful of + the water that the Delaware offered her in a gourd, and, after a violent + fit of trembling that seemed ready to shake her fine frame to dissolution, + she burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + “The pain must be borne, poor Judith—yes, it must be borne,” said + Deerslayer, soothingly, “though I am far from wishing you not to weep; for + weeping often lightens galish feelin's. Where can she be hurt, Sarpent? I + see no signs of blood, nor any rent of skin or garments?” + </p> + <p> + “I am uninjured, Deerslayer,” stammered the girl through her tears. “It's + fright—nothing more, I do assure you, and, God be praised! no one, I + find, has been harmed by the accident.” + </p> + <p> + “This is extr'ornary!” exclaimed the unsuspecting and simple minded hunter—“I + thought, Judith, you'd been above settlement weaknesses, and that you was + a gal not to be frightened by the sound of a bursting we'pon—No—I + didn't think you so skeary! Hetty might well have been startled; but + you've too much judgment and reason to be frightened when the danger's all + over. They're pleasant to the eye, chief, and changeful, but very + unsartain in their feelin's!” + </p> + <p> + Shame kept Judith silent. There had been no acting in her agitation, but + all had fairly proceeded from sudden and uncontrollable alarm—an + alarm that she found almost as inexplicable to herself, as it proved to be + to her companions. Wiping away the traces of tears, however, she smiled + again, and was soon able to join in the laugh at her own folly. + </p> + <p> + “And you, Deerslayer,” she at length succeeded in saying—“are you, + indeed, altogether unhurt? It seems almost miraculous that a pistol should + have burst in your hand, and you escape without the loss of a limb, if not + of life!” + </p> + <p> + “Such wonders ar'n't oncommon, at all, among worn out arms. The first + rifle they gave me play'd the same trick, and yet I liv'd through it, + though not as onharmless as I've got out of this affair. Thomas Hutter is + master of one pistol less than he was this morning, but, as it happened in + trying to sarve him, there's no ground of complaint. Now, draw near, and + let us look farther into the inside of the chist.” + </p> + <p> + Judith, by this time, had so far gotten the better of her agitation as to + resume her seat, and the examination went on. The next article that + offered was enveloped in cloth, and on opening it, it proved to be one of + the mathematical instruments that were then in use among seamen, + possessing the usual ornaments and fastenings in brass. Deerslayer and + Chingachgook expressed their admiration and surprise at the appearance of + the unknown instrument, which was bright and glittering, having apparently + been well cared for. + </p> + <p> + “This goes beyond the surveyors, Judith!” Deerslayer exclaimed, after + turning the instrument several times in his hands. “I've seen all their + tools often, and wicked and heartless enough are they, for they never come + into the forest but to lead the way to waste and destruction; but none of + them have as designing a look as this! I fear me, after all, that Thomas + Hutter has journeyed into the wilderness with no fair intentions towards + its happiness. Did you ever see any of the cravings of a surveyor about + your father, gal?” + </p> + <p> + “He is no surveyor, Deerslayer, nor does he know the use of that + instrument, though he seems to own it. Do you suppose that Thomas Hutter + ever wore that coat? It is as much too large for him, as this instrument + is beyond his learning.” + </p> + <p> + “That's it—that must be it, Sarpent, and the old fellow, by some + onknown means, has fallen heir to another man's goods! They say he has + been a mariner, and no doubt this chist, and all it holds—ha! What + have we here?—This far out does the brass and black wood of the + tool!” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer had opened a small bag, from which he was taking, one by one, + the pieces of a set of chessmen. They were of ivory, much larger than + common, and exquisitely wrought. Each piece represented the character or + thing after which it is named; the knights being mounted, the castles + stood on elephants, and even the pawns possessed the heads and busts of + men. The set was not complete, and a few fractures betrayed bad usage; but + all that was left had been carefully put away and preserved. Even Judith + expressed wonder, as these novel objects were placed before her eyes, and + Chingachgook fairly forgot his Indian dignity in admiration and delight. + The latter took up each piece, and examined it with never tiring + satisfaction, pointing out to the girl the more ingenious and striking + portions of the workmanship. But the elephants gave him the greatest + pleasure. The “Hughs!” that he uttered, as he passed his fingers over + their trunks, and ears, and tails, were very distinct, nor did he fail to + note the pawns, which were armed as archers. This exhibition lasted + several minutes, during which time Judith and the Indian had all the + rapture to themselves. Deerslayer sat silent, thoughtful, and even gloomy, + though his eyes followed each movement of the two principal actors, noting + every new peculiarity about the pieces as they were held up to view. Not + an exclamation of pleasure, nor a word of condemnation passed his lips. At + length his companions observed his silence, and then, for the first time + since the chessmen had been discovered, did he speak. + </p> + <p> + “Judith,” he asked earnestly, but with a concern that amounted almost to + tenderness of manner, “did your parents ever talk to you of religion?” + </p> + <p> + The girl coloured, and the flashes of crimson that passed over her + beautiful countenance were like the wayward tints of a Neapolitan sky in + November. Deerslayer had given her so strong a taste for truth, however, + that she did not waver in her answer, replying simply and with sincerity. + </p> + <p> + “My mother did often,” she said, “my father never. I thought it made my + mother sorrowful to speak of our prayers and duties, but my father has + never opened his mouth on such matters, before or since her death.” + </p> + <p> + “That I can believe—that I can believe. He has no God—no such + God as it becomes a man of white skin to worship, or even a red-skin. Them + things are idols!” + </p> + <p> + Judith started, and for a moment she seemed seriously hurt. Then she + reflected, and in the end she laughed. “And you think, Deerslayer, that + these ivory toys are my father's Gods? I have heard of idols, and know + what they are.” + </p> + <p> + “Them are idols!” repeated the other, positively. “Why should your father + keep 'em, if he doesn't worship 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Would he keep his gods in a bag, and locked up in a chest? No, no, + Deerslayer; my poor father carries his God with him, wherever he goes, and + that is in his own cravings. These things may really be idols—I + think they are myself, from what I have heard and read of idolatry, but + they have come from some distant country, and like all the other articles, + have fallen into Thomas Hutter's hands when he was a sailor.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad of it—I am downright glad to hear it, Judith, for I do not + think I could have mustered the resolution to strive to help a white + idolater out of his difficulties! The old man is of my colour and nation + and I wish to sarve him, but as one who denied all his gifts, in the way + of religion, it would have come hard to do so. That animal seems to give + you great satisfaction, Sarpent, though it's an idolatrous beast at the + best.” + </p> + <p> + “It is an elephant,” interrupted Judith. “I've often seen pictures of such + animals, at the garrisons, and mother had a book in which there was a + printed account of the creature. Father burnt that with all the other + books, for he said Mother loved reading too well. This was not long before + mother died, and I've sometimes thought that the loss hastened her end.” + </p> + <p> + This was said equally without levity and without any very deep feeling. It + was said without levity, for Judith was saddened by her recollections, and + yet she had been too much accustomed to live for self, and for the + indulgence of her own vanities, to feel her mother's wrongs very keenly. + It required extraordinary circumstances to awaken a proper sense of her + situation, and to stimulate the better feelings of this beautiful, but + misguided girl, and those circumstances had not yet occurred in her brief + existence. + </p> + <p> + “Elephant, or no elephant, 'tis an idol,” returned the hunter, “and not + fit to remain in Christian keeping.” + </p> + <p> + “Good for Iroquois!” said Chingachgook, parting with one of the castles + with reluctance, as his friend took it from him to replace it in the bag—“Elephon + buy whole tribe—buy Delaware, almost!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that it would, as any one who comprehends red-skin natur' must know,” + answered Deerslayer, “but the man that passes false money, Sarpent, is as + bad as he who makes it. Did you ever know a just Injin that wouldn't scorn + to sell a 'coon skin for the true marten, or to pass off a mink for a + beaver. I know that a few of these idols, perhaps one of them elephants, + would go far towards buying Thomas Hutter's liberty, but it goes ag'in + conscience to pass such counterfeit money. Perhaps no Injin tribe, + hereaway, is downright idolators but there's some that come so near it, + that white gifts ought to be particular about encouraging them in their + mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “If idolatry is a gift, Deerslayer, and gifts are what you seem to think + them, idolatry in such people can hardly be a sin,” said Judith with more + smartness than discrimination. + </p> + <p> + “God grants no such gifts to any of his creatur's, Judith,” returned the + hunter, seriously. “He must be adored, under some name or other, and not + creatur's of brass or ivory. It matters not whether the Father of All is + called God, or Manitou, Deity or Great Spirit, he is none the less our + common maker and master; nor does it count for much whether the souls of + the just go to Paradise, or Happy Hunting Grounds, since He may send each + his own way, as suits his own pleasure and wisdom; but it curdles my + blood, when I find human mortals so bound up in darkness and consait, as + to fashion the 'arth, or wood, or bones, things made by their own hands, + into motionless, senseless effigies, and then fall down afore them, and + worship 'em as a Deity!” + </p> + <p> + “After all, Deerslayer, these pieces of ivory may not be idols, at all. I + remember, now, to have seen one of the officers at the garrison with a set + of fox and geese made in some such a design as these, and here is + something hard, wrapped in cloth, that may belong to your idols.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer took the bundle the girl gave him, and unrolling it, he found + the board within. Like the pieces it was large, rich, and inlaid with + ebony and ivory. Putting the whole in conjunction the hunter, though not + without many misgivings, slowly came over to Judith's opinion, and finally + admitted that the fancied idols must be merely the curiously carved men of + some unknown game. Judith had the tact to use her victory with great + moderation, nor did she once, even in the most indirect manner, allude to + the ludicrous mistake of her companion. + </p> + <p> + This discovery of the uses of the extraordinary-looking little images + settled the affair of the proposed ransom. It was agreed generally, and + all understood the weaknesses and tastes of Indians, that nothing could be + more likely to tempt the cupidity of the Iroquois than the elephants, in + particular. Luckily the whole of the castles were among the pieces, and + these four tower-bearing animals it was finally determined should be the + ransom offered. The remainder of the men, and, indeed, all the rest of the + articles in the chest, were to be kept out of view, and to be resorted to + only as a last appeal. As soon as these preliminaries were settled, + everything but those intended for the bribe was carefully replaced in the + chest, all the covers were 'tucked in' as they had been found, and it was + quite possible, could Hutter have been put in possession of the castle + again, that he might have passed the remainder of his days in it without + even suspecting the invasion that had been made on the privacy of the + chest. The rent pistol would have been the most likely to reveal the + secret, but this was placed by the side of its fellow, and all were + pressed down as before, some half a dozen packages in the bottom of the + chest not having been opened at all. When this was done the lid was + lowered, the padlocks replaced, and the key turned. The latter was then + replaced in the pocket from which it had been taken. + </p> + <p> + More than an hour was consumed in settling the course proper to be + pursued, and in returning everything to its place. The pauses to converse + were frequent, and Judith, who experienced a lively pleasure in the open, + undisguised admiration with which Deerslayer's honest eyes gazed at her + handsome face, found the means to prolong the interview, with a dexterity + that seems to be innate in female coquetry. Deerslayer, indeed, appeared + to be the first who was conscious of the time that had been thus wasted, + and to call the attention of his companions to the necessity of doing + something towards putting the plan of ransoming into execution. + Chingachgook had remained in Hutter's bed room, where the elephants were + laid, to feast his eyes with the images of animals so wonderful, and so + novel. Perhaps an instinct told him that his presence would not be as + acceptable to his companions as this holding himself aloof, for Judith had + not much reserve in the manifestations of her preferences, and the + Delaware had not got so far as one betrothed without acquiring some + knowledge of the symptoms of the master passion. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Judith,” said Deerslayer, rising, after the interview had lasted + much longer than even he himself suspected, “'tis pleasant convarsing with + you, and settling all these matters, but duty calls us another way. All + this time, Hurry and your father, not to say Hetty—” The word was + cut short in the speaker's mouth, for, at that critical moment, a light + step was heard on the platform, or 'court-yard', a human figure darkened + the doorway, and the person last mentioned stood before him. The low + exclamation that escaped Deerslayer and the slight scream of Judith were + hardly uttered, when an Indian youth, between the ages of fifteen and + seventeen, stood beside her. These two entrances had been made with + moccasined feet, and consequently almost without noise, but, unexpected + and stealthy as they were, they had not the effect to disturb Deerslayer's + self possession. His first measure was to speak rapidly in Delaware to his + friend, cautioning him to keep out of sight, while he stood on his guard; + the second was to step to the door to ascertain the extent of the danger. + No one else, however, had come, and a simple contrivance, in the shape of + a raft, that lay floating at the side of the Ark, at once explained the + means that had been used in bringing Hetty off. Two dead and dry, and + consequently buoyant, logs of pine were bound together with pins and + withes and a little platform of riven chestnut had been rudely placed on + their surfaces. Here Hetty had been seated, on a billet of wood, while the + young Iroquois had rowed the primitive and slow-moving, but perfectly safe + craft from the shore. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Deerslayer had taken a close survey of this raft, and satisfied + himself nothing else was near, he shook his head and muttered in his + soliloquizing way—“This comes of prying into another man's chist! + Had we been watchful, and keen eyed, such a surprise could never have + happened, and, getting this much from a boy teaches us what we may expect + when the old warriors set themselves fairly about their sarcumventions. It + opens the way, howsever, to a treaty for the ransom, and I will hear what + Hetty has to say.” + </p> + <p> + Judith, as soon as her surprise and alarm had a little abated, discovered + a proper share of affectionate joy at the return of her sister. She folded + her to her bosom, and kissed her, as had been her wont in the days of + their childhood and innocence. Hetty herself was less affected, for to her + there was no surprise, and her nerves were sustained by the purity and + holiness of her purpose. At her sister's request she took a seat, and + entered into an account of her adventures since they had parted. Her tale + commenced just as Deerslayer returned, and he also became an attentive + listener, while the young Iroquois stood near the door, seemingly as + indifferent to what was passing as one of its posts. + </p> + <p> + The narrative of the girl was sufficiently clear, until she reached the + time where we left her in the camp, after the interview with the chiefs, + and, at the moment when Hist quitted her, in the abrupt manner already + related. The sequel of the story may be told in her own language. + </p> + <p> + “When I read the texts to the chiefs, Judith, you could not have seen that + they made any changes on their minds,” she said, “but if seed is planted, + it will grow. God planted the seeds of all these trees—” + </p> + <p> + “Ay that did he—that did he—” muttered Deerslayer; “and a + goodly harvest has followed.” + </p> + <p> + “God planted the seeds of all these trees,” continued Hetty, after a + moment's pause, “and you see to what a height and shade they have grown! + So it is with the Bible. You may read a verse this year, and forget it, + and it will come back to you a year hence, when you least expect to + remember it.” + </p> + <p> + “And did you find any thing of this among the savages, poor Hetty?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Judith, and sooner and more fully than I had even hoped. I did not + stay long with father and Hurry, but went to get my breakfast with Hist. + As soon as we had done the chiefs came to us, and then we found the fruits + of the seed that had been planted. They said what I had read from the good + book was right—it must be right—it sounded right; like a sweet + bird singing in their ears; and they told me to come back and say as much + to the great warrior who had slain one of their braves; and to tell it to + you, and to say how happy they should be to come to church here, in the + castle, or to come out in the sun, and hear me read more of the sacred + volume—and to tell you that they wish you would lend them some + canoes that they can bring father and Hurry and their women to the castle, + that we might all sit on the platform there and listen to the singing of + the Pale-face Manitou. There, Judith; did you ever know of any thing that + so plainly shows the power of the Bible, as that!” + </p> + <p> + “If it were true 't would be a miracle, indeed, Hetty. But all this is no + more than Indian cunning and Indian treachery, striving to get the better + of us by management, when they find it is not to be done by force.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you doubt the Bible, sister, that you judge the savages so harshly!” + </p> + <p> + “I do not doubt the Bible, poor Hetty, but I much doubt an Indian and an + Iroquois. What do you say to this visit, Deerslayer?” + </p> + <p> + “First let me talk a little with Hetty,” returned the party appealed to; + “Was the raft made a'ter you had got your breakfast, gal, and did you walk + from the camp to the shore opposite to us, here?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! no, Deerslayer. The raft was ready made and in the water—could + that have been by a miracle, Judith?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—yes—an Indian miracle,” rejoined the hunter—“They're + expart enough in them sort of miracles. And you found the raft ready made + to your hands, and in the water, and in waiting like for its cargo?” + </p> + <p> + “It was all as you say. The raft was near the camp, and the Indians put me + on it, and had ropes of bark, and they dragged me to the place opposite to + the castle, and then they told that young man to row me off, here.” + </p> + <p> + “And the woods are full of the vagabonds, waiting to know what is to be + the upshot of the miracle. We comprehend this affair, now, Judith, but + I'll first get rid of this young Canada blood sucker, and then we'll + settle our own course. Do you and Hetty leave us together, first bringing + me the elephants, which the Sarpent is admiring, for 'twill never do to + let this loping deer be alone a minute, or he'll borrow a canoe without + asking.” + </p> + <p> + Judith did as desired, first bringing the pieces, and retiring with her + sister into their own room. Deerslayer had acquired some knowledge of most + of the Indian dialects of that region, and he knew enough of the Iroquois + to hold a dialogue in the language. Beckoning to the lad, therefore, he + caused him to take a seat on the chest, when he placed two of the castles + suddenly before him. Up to that moment, this youthful savage had not + expressed a single intelligible emotion, or fancy. There were many things, + in and about the place, that were novelties to him, but he had maintained + his self-command with philosophical composure. It is true, Deerslayer had + detected his dark eye scanning the defences and the arms, but the scrutiny + had been made with such an air of innocence, in such a gaping, indolent, + boyish manner, that no one but a man who had himself been taught in a + similar school, would have even suspected his object. The instant, + however, the eyes of the savage fell upon the wrought ivory, and the + images of the wonderful, unknown beasts, surprise and admiration got the + mastery of him. The manner in which the natives of the South Sea Islands + first beheld the toys of civilized life has been often described, but the + reader is not to confound it with the manner of an American Indian, under + similar circumstances. In this particular case, the young Iroquois or + Huron permitted an exclamation of rapture to escape him, and then he + checked himself like one who had been guilty of an indecorum. After this, + his eyes ceased to wander, but became riveted on the elephants, one of + which, after a short hesitation, he even presumed to handle. Deerslayer + did not interrupt him for quite ten minutes, knowing that the lad was + taking such note of the curiosities, as would enable him to give the most + minute and accurate description of their appearance to his seniors, on his + return. When he thought sufficient time had been allowed to produce the + desired effect, the hunter laid a finger on the naked knee of the youth + and drew his attention to himself. + </p> + <p> + “Listen,” he said; “I want to talk with my young friend from the Canadas. + Let him forget that wonder for a minute.” + </p> + <p> + “Where t'other pale brother?” demanded the boy, looking up and letting the + idea that had been most prominent in his mind, previously to the + introduction of the chess men, escape him involuntarily. + </p> + <p> + “He sleeps, or if he isn't fairly asleep, he is in the room where the men + do sleep,” returned Deerslayer. “How did my young friend know there was + another?” + </p> + <p> + “See him from the shore. Iroquois have got long eyes—see beyond the + clouds—see the bottom of the Great Spring!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, the Iroquois are welcome. Two pale-faces are prisoners in the camp + of your fathers, boy.” + </p> + <p> + The lad nodded, treating the circumstance with great apparent + indifference; though a moment after he laughed as if exulting in the + superior address of his own tribe. + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell me, boy, what your chiefs intend to do with these captyves, + or haven't they yet made up their minds?” + </p> + <p> + The lad looked a moment at the hunter with a little surprise. Then he + coolly put the end of his fore finger on his own head, just above the left + ear, and passed it round his crown with an accuracy and readiness that + showed how well he had been drilled in the peculiar art of his race. + </p> + <p> + “When?” demanded Deerslayer, whose gorge rose at this cool demonstration + of indifference to human life. “And why not take them to your wigwams?” + </p> + <p> + “Road too long, and full of pale-faces. Wigwam full, and scalps sell high. + Small scalp, much gold.” + </p> + <p> + “Well that explains it—yes, that does explain it. There's no need of + being any plainer. Now you know, lad, that the oldest of your prisoners is + the father of these two young women, and the other is the suitor of one of + them. The gals nat'rally wish to save the scalps of such fri'nds, and they + will give them two ivory creaturs, as ransom. One for each scalp. Go back + and tell this to your chiefs, and bring me the answer before the sun + sets.” + </p> + <p> + The boy entered zealously into this project, and with a sincerity that + left no doubt of his executing his commission with intelligence and + promptitude. For a moment he forgot his love of honor, and all his + clannish hostility to the British and their Indians, in his wish to have + such a treasure in his tribe, and Deerslayer was satisfied with the + impression he had made. It is true the lad proposed to carry one of the + elephants with him, as a specimen of the other, but to this his brother + negotiator was too sagacious to consent; well knowing that it might never + reach its destination if confided to such hands. This little difficulty + was soon arranged, and the boy prepared to depart. As he stood on the + platform, ready to step aboard of the raft, he hesitated, and turned short + with a proposal to borrow a canoe, as the means most likely to shorten the + negotiations. Deerslayer quietly refused the request, and, after lingering + a little longer, the boy rowed slowly away from the castle, taking the + direction of a thicket on the shore that lay less than half a mile + distant. Deerslayer seated himself on a stool and watched the progress of + the ambassador, sometimes closely scanning the whole line of shore, as far + as eye could reach, and then placing an elbow on a knee, he remained a + long time with his chin resting on the hand. + </p> + <p> + During the interview between Deerslayer and the lad, a different scene + took place in the adjoining room. Hetty had inquired for the Delaware, and + being told why and where he remained concealed, she joined him. The + reception which Chingachgook gave his visitor was respectful and gentle. + He understood her character, and, no doubt, his disposition to be kind to + such a being was increased by the hope of learning some tidings of his + betrothed. As soon as the girl entered she took a seat, and invited the + Indian to place himself near her; then she continued silent, as if she + thought it decorous for him to question her, before she consented to speak + on the subject she had on her mind. But, as Chingachgook did not + understand this feeling, he remained respectfully attentive to any thing + she might be pleased to tell him. + </p> + <p> + “You are Chingachgook, the Great Serpent of the Delawares, ar'n't you?” + the girl at length commenced, in her own simple way losing her + self-command in the desire to proceed, but anxious first to make sure of + the individual. “Chingachgook,” returned the Delaware with grave dignity. + “That say Great Sarpent, in Deerslayer tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that is my tongue. Deerslayer, and father, and Judith, and I, and + poor Hurry Harry—do you know Henry March, Great Serpent? I know you + don't, however, or he would have spoken of you, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Did any tongue name Chingachgook, Drooping-Lily”? for so the chief had + named poor Hetty. “Was his name sung by a little bird among Iroquois?” + </p> + <p> + Hetty did not answer at first, but, with that indescribable feeling that + awakens sympathy and intelligence among the youthful and unpracticed of + her sex, she hung her head, and the blood suffused her cheek ere she found + her tongue. It would have exceeded her stock of intelligence to explain + this embarrassment, but, though poor Hetty could not reason, on every + emergency, she could always feel. The colour slowly receded from her + cheeks, and the girl looked up archly at the Indian, smiling with the + innocence of a child, mingled with the interest of a woman. + </p> + <p> + “My sister, the Drooping Lily, hear such bird!” Chingachgook added, and + this with a gentleness of tone and manner that would have astonished those + who sometimes heard the discordant cries that often came from the same + throat; these transitions from the harsh and guttural, to the soft and + melodious not being infrequent in ordinary Indian dialogues. “My sister's + ears were open—has she lost her tongue?” + </p> + <p> + “You are Chingachgook—you must be; for there is no other red man + here, and she thought Chingachgook would come.” + </p> + <p> + “Chin-gach-gook,” pronouncing the name slowly, and dwelling on each + syllable—“Great Sarpent, Yengeese tongue.” + </p> + <p> + [It is singular there should be any question concerning the origin of the + well-known sobriquet of “Yankees.” Nearly all the old writers who speak of + the Indians first known to the colonists make them pronounce the word + “English” as “Yengeese.” Even at this day, it is a provincialism of New + England to say “Anglish” instead of “Inglish,” and there is a close + conformity of sound between “Anglish” and “yengeese,” more especially if + the latter word, as was probably the case, be pronounced short. The + transition from “Yengeese,” thus pronounced, to “Yankees” is quite easy. + If the former is pronounced “Yangis,” it is almost identical with + “Yankees,” and Indian words have seldom been spelt as they are pronounced. + Thus the scene of this tale is spelt “Otsego,” and is properly pronounced + “Otsago.” The liquids of the Indians would easily convert “En” into + “Yen.”] + </p> + <p> + “Chin-gach-gook,” repeated Hetty, in the same deliberate manner. “Yes, so + Hist called it, and you must be the chief.” + </p> + <p> + “Wah-ta-Wah,” added the Delaware. + </p> + <p> + “Wah-ta-Wah, or Hist-oh-Hist. I think Hist prettier than Wah, and so I + call her Hist.” + </p> + <p> + “Wah very sweet in Delaware ears!” + </p> + <p> + “You make it sound differently from me. But, never mind, I did hear the + bird you speak of sing, Great Serpent.” + </p> + <p> + “Will my sister say words of song? What she sing most—how she look—often + she laugh?” + </p> + <p> + “She sang Chin-gach-gook oftener than any thing else; and she laughed + heartily, when I told how the Iroquois waded into the water after us, and + couldn't catch us. I hope these logs haven't ears, Serpent!” + </p> + <p> + “No fear logs; fear sister next room. No fear Iroquois; Deerslayer stuff + his eyes and ears with strange beast.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, Serpent, and I understood Hist. Sometimes I think I'm + not half as feeble minded as they say I am. Now, do you look up at the + roof, and I'll tell you all. But you frighten me, you look so eager when I + speak of Hist.” + </p> + <p> + The Indian controlled his looks, and affected to comply with the simple + request of the girl. + </p> + <p> + “Hist told me to say, in a very low voice, that you mustn't trust the + Iroquois in anything. They are more artful than any Indians she knows. + Then she says that there is a large bright star that comes over the hill, + about an hour after dark”—Hist had pointed out the planet Jupiter, + without knowing it—“and just as that star comes in sight, she will + be on the point, where I landed last night, and that you must come for + her, in a canoe.” + </p> + <p> + “Good—Chingachgook understand well enough, now; but he understand + better if my sister sing him ag'in.” + </p> + <p> + Hetty repeated her words, more fully explaining what star was meant, and + mentioning the part of the point where he was to venture ashore. She now + proceeded in her own unsophisticated way to relate her intercourse with + the Indian maid, and to repeat several of her expressions and opinions + that gave great delight to the heart of her betrothed. She particularly + renewed her injunctions to be on their guard against treachery, a warning + that was scarcely needed, however, as addressed to men as wary as those to + whom it was sent. She also explained with sufficient clearness, for on all + such subjects the mind of the girl seldom failed her, the present state of + the enemy, and the movements they had made since morning. Hist had been on + the raft with her until it quitted the shore, and was now somewhere in the + woods, opposite to the castle, and did not intend to return to the camp + until night approached; when she hoped to be able to slip away from her + companions, as they followed the shore on their way home, and conceal + herself on the point. No one appeared to suspect the presence of + Chingachgook, though it was necessarily known that an Indian had entered + the Ark the previous night, and it was suspected that he had since + appeared in and about the castle in the dress of a pale-face. Still some + little doubt existed on the latter point, for, as this was the season when + white men might be expected to arrive, there was some fear that the + garrison of the castle was increasing by these ordinary means. All this + had Hist communicated to Hetty while the Indians were dragging them along + shore, the distance, which exceeded six miles, affording abundance of + time. + </p> + <p> + “Hist don't know, herself, whether they suspect her or not, or whether + they suspect you, but she hopes neither is the case. And now, Serpent, + since I have told you so much from your betrothed,” continued Hetty, + unconsciously taking one of the Indian's hands, and playing with the + fingers, as a child is often seen to play with those of a parent, “you + must let me tell you something from myself. When you marry Hist, you must + be kind to her, and smile on her, as you do now on me, and not look cross + as some of the chiefs do at their squaws. Will you promise this?” + </p> + <p> + “Alway good to Wah!—too tender to twist hard; else she break.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and smile, too; you don't know how much a girl craves smiles from + them she loves. Father scarce smiled on me once, while I was with him—and, + Hurry—Yes—Hurry talked loud and laughed, but I don't think he + smiled once either. You know the difference between a smile and a laugh?” + </p> + <p> + “Laugh, best. Hear Wah laugh, think bird sing!” + </p> + <p> + “I know that; her laugh is pleasant, but you must smile. And then, + Serpent, you mustn't make her carry burthens and hoe corn, as so many + Indians do; but treat her more as the pale-faces treat their wives.” + </p> + <p> + “Wah-ta-Wah no pale-face—got red-skin; red heart, red feelin's. All + red; no pale-face. Must carry papoose.” + </p> + <p> + “Every woman is willing to carry her child,” said Hetty smiling, “and + there is no harm in that. But you must love Hist, and be gentle, and good + to her; for she is gentle and good herself.” + </p> + <p> + Chingachgook gravely bowed, and then he seemed to think this part of the + subject might be dismissed. Before there was time for Hetty to resume her + communications, the voice of Deerslayer was heard calling on his friend, + in the outer room. At this summons the Serpent arose to obey, and Hetty + joined her sister. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “'A stranger animal,' cries one, + 'Sure never liv'd beneath the sun; + A lizard's body lean and long, + A fish's head, a serpent's tongue, + Its foot, with triple claw disjoined; + And what a length of tail behind!'” + + James Merrick, “The Chameleon,” 11.21-26. +</pre> + <p> + The first act of the Delaware, on rejoining his friend, was to proceed + gravely to disencumber himself of his civilized attire, and to stand forth + an Indian warrior again. The protest of Deerslayer was met by his + communicating the fact that the presence of an Indian in the hut was known + to the Iroquois, and that maintaining the disguise would be more likely to + direct suspicions to his real object, than if he came out openly as a + member of a hostile tribe. When the latter understood the truth, and was + told that he had been deceived in supposing the chief had succeeded in + entering the Ark undiscovered, he cheerfully consented to the change, + since further attempt at concealment was useless. A gentler feeling than + the one avowed, however, lay at the bottom of the Indian's desire to + appear as a son of the forest. He had been told that Hist was on the + opposite shore, and nature so far triumphed over all distinctions of + habit, and tribes and people, as to reduce this young savage warrior to + the level of a feeling which would have been found in the most refined + inhabitant of a town, under similar circumstances. There was a mild + satisfaction in believing that she he loved could see him, and as he + walked out on the platform in his scanty, native attire, an Apollo of the + wilderness, a hundred of the tender fancies that fleet through lovers' + brains beset his imagination and softened his heart. All this was lost on + Deerslayer, who was no great adept in the mysteries of Cupid, but whose + mind was far more occupied with the concerns that forced themselves on his + attention, than with any of the truant fancies of love. He soon recalled + his companion, therefore, to a sense of their actual condition, by + summoning him to a sort of council of war, in which they were to settle + their future course. In the dialogue that followed, the parties mutually + made each other acquainted with what had passed in their several + interviews. Chingachgook was told the history of the treaty about the + ransom, and Deerslayer heard the whole of Hetty's communications. The + latter listened with generous interest to his friend's hopes, and promised + cheerfully all the assistance he could lend. + </p> + <p> + “Tis our main ar'n'd, Sarpent, as you know, this battling for the castle + and old Hutter's darters, coming in as a sort of accident. Yes—yes—I'll + be actyve in helping little Hist, who's not only one of the best and + handsomest maidens of the tribe, but the very best and handsomest. I've + always encouraged you, chief, in that liking, and it's proper, too, that a + great and ancient race like your'n shouldn't come to an end. If a woman of + red skin and red gifts could get to be near enough to me to wish her for a + wife, I'd s'arch for just such another, but that can never be; no, that + can never be. I'm glad Hetty has met with Hist, howsever, for though the + first is a little short of wit and understanding, the last has enough for + both. Yes, Sarpent,” laughing heartily—“put 'em together, and two + smarter gals isn't to be found in all York Colony!” + </p> + <p> + “I will go to the Iroquois camp,” returned the Delaware, gravely. “No one + knows Chingachgook but Wah, and a treaty for lives and scalps should be + made by a chief. Give me the strange beasts, and let me take a canoe.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer dropped his head and played with the end of a fish-pole in the + water, as he sat dangling his legs over the edge of the platform, like a + man who was lost in thought by the sudden occurrence of a novel idea. + Instead of directly answering the proposal of his friend, he began to + soliloquize, a circumstance however that in no manner rendered his words + more true, as he was remarkable for saying what he thought, whether the + remarks were addressed to himself, or to any one else. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—yes—” he said—“this must be what they call love! + I've heard say that it sometimes upsets reason altogether, leaving a young + man as helpless, as to calculation and caution, as a brute beast. To think + that the Sarpent should be so lost to reason, and cunning, and wisdom! We + must sartainly manage to get Hist off, and have 'em married as soon as we + get back to the tribe, or this war will be of no more use to the chief, + than a hunt a little oncommon extr'ornary. Yes—Yes—he'll never + be the man he was, till this matter is off his mind, and he comes to his + senses like all the rest of mankind. Sarpent, you can't be in airnest, and + therefore I shall say but little to your offer. But you're a chief, and + will soon be sent out on the war path at head of the parties, and I'll + just ask if you'd think of putting your forces into the inimy's hands, + afore the battle is fou't?” + </p> + <p> + “Wah!” ejaculated the Indian. + </p> + <p> + “Ay—Wah—I know well enough it's Wah, and altogether Wah—Ra'ally, + Sarpent, I'm consarned and mortified about you! I never heard so weak an + idee come from a chief, and he, too, one that's already got a name for + being wise, young and inexper'enced as he is. Canoe you sha'n't have, so + long as the v'ice of fri'ndship and warning can count for any thing.” + </p> + <p> + “My pale-face friend is right. A cloud came over the face of Chingachgook, + and weakness got into his mind, while his eyes were dim. My brother has a + good memory for good deeds, and a weak memory for bad. He will forget.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's easy enough. Say no more about it chief, but if another of + them clouds blow near you, do your endivours to get out of its way. Clouds + are bad enough in the weather, but when they come to the reason, it gets + to be serious. Now, sit down by me here, and let us calculate our + movements a little, for we shall soon either have a truce and a peace, or + we shall come to an actyve and bloody war. You see the vagabonds can make + logs sarve their turn, as well as the best raftsmen on the rivers, and it + would be no great expl'ite for them to invade us in a body. I've been + thinking of the wisdom of putting all old Tom's stores into the Ark, of + barring and locking up the Castle, and of taking to the Ark, altogether. + That is moveable, and by keeping the sail up, and shifting places, we + might worry through a great many nights, without them Canada wolves + finding a way into our sheep fold!” + </p> + <p> + Chingachgook listened to this plan with approbation. Did the negotiation + fail, there was now little hope that the night would pass without an + assault, and the enemy had sagacity enough to understand that in carrying + the castle they would probably become masters of all it contained, the + offered ransom included, and still retain the advantages they had hitherto + gained. Some precaution of the sort appeared to be absolutely necessary, + for now the numbers of the Iroquois were known, a night attack could + scarcely be successfully met. It would be impossible to prevent the enemy + from getting possession of the canoes and the Ark, and the latter itself + would be a hold in which the assailants would be as effectually protected + against bullets as were those in the building. For a few minutes, both the + men thought of sinking the Ark in the shallow water, of bringing the + canoes into the house, and of depending altogether on the castle for + protection. But reflection satisfied them that, in the end, this expedient + would fail. It was so easy to collect logs on the shore, and to construct + a raft of almost any size, that it was certain the Iroquois, now they had + turned their attention to such means, would resort to them seriously, so + long as there was the certainty of success by perseverance. After + deliberating maturely, and placing all the considerations fairly before + them, the two young beginners in the art of forest warfare settled down + into the opinion that the Ark offered the only available means of + security. This decision was no sooner come to, than it was communicated to + Judith. The girl had no serious objection to make, and all four set about + the measures necessary to carrying the plan into execution. + </p> + <p> + The reader will readily understand that Floating Tom's worldly goods were + of no great amount. A couple of beds, some wearing apparel, the arms and + ammunition, a few cooking utensils, with the mysterious and but half + examined chest formed the principal items. These were all soon removed, + the Ark having been hauled on the eastern side of the building, so that + the transfer could be made without being seen from the shore. It was + thought unnecessary to disturb the heavier and coarser articles of + furniture, as they were not required in the Ark, and were of but little + value in themselves. As great caution was necessary in removing the + different objects, most of which were passed out of a window with a view + to conceal what was going on, it required two or three hours before all + could be effected. By the expiration of that time, the raft made its + appearance, moving from the shore. Deerslayer immediately had recourse to + the glass, by the aid of which he perceived that two warriors were on it, + though they appeared to be unarmed. The progress of the raft was slow, a + circumstance that formed one of the great advantages that would be + possessed by the scow, in any future collision between them, the movements + of the latter being comparatively swift and light. As there was time to + make the dispositions for the reception of the two dangerous visitors, + everything was prepared for them, long before they had got near enough to + be hailed. The Serpent and the girls retired into the building, where the + former stood near the door, well provided with rifles, while Judith + watched the proceedings without through a loop. As for Deerslayer, he had + brought a stool to the edge of the platform, at the point towards which + the raft was advancing, and taken his seat with his rifle leaning + carelessly between his legs. + </p> + <p> + As the raft drew nearer, every means possessed by the party in the castle + was resorted to, in order to ascertain if their visitors had any firearms. + Neither Deerslayer nor Chingachgook could discover any, but Judith, + unwilling to trust to simple eyesight, thrust the glass through the loop, + and directed it towards the hemlock boughs that lay between the two logs + of the raft, forming a sort of flooring, as well as a seat for the use of + the rowers. When the heavy moving craft was within fifty feet of him, + Deerslayer hailed the Hurons, directing them to cease rowing, it not being + his intention to permit them to land. Compliance, of course, was + necessary, and the two grim-looking warriors instantly quitted their + seats, though the raft continued slowly to approach, until it had driven + in much nearer to the platform. + </p> + <p> + “Are ye chiefs?” demanded Deerslayer with dignity—“Are ye chiefs?—Or + have the Mingos sent me warriors without names, on such an ar'n'd? If so, + the sooner ye go back, the sooner them will be likely to come that a + warrior can talk with.” + </p> + <p> + “Hugh!” exclaimed the elder of the two on the raft, rolling his glowing + eyes over the different objects that were visible in and about the Castle, + with a keenness that showed how little escaped him. “My brother is very + proud, but Rivenoak (we use the literal translation of the term, writing + as we do in English) is a name to make a Delaware turn pale.” + </p> + <p> + “That's true, or it's a lie, Rivenoak, as it may be; but I am not likely + to turn pale, seeing that I was born pale. What's your ar'n'd, and why do + you come among light bark canoes, on logs that are not even dug out?” + </p> + <p> + “The Iroquois are not ducks, to walk on water! Let the pale-faces give + them a canoe, and they'll come in a canoe.” + </p> + <p> + “That's more rational, than likely to come to pass. We have but four + canoes, and being four persons that's only one for each of us. We thank + you for the offer, howsever, though we ask leave not to accept it. You are + welcome, Iroquois, on your logs.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks—My young pale-face warrior—he has got a name—how + do the chiefs call him?” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer hesitated a moment, and a gleam of pride and human weakness + came over him. He smiled, muttered between his teeth, and then looking up + proudly, he said—“Mingo, like all who are young and actyve, I've + been known by different names, at different times. One of your warriors + whose spirit started for the Happy Grounds of your people, as lately as + yesterday morning, thought I desarved to be known by the name of Hawkeye, + and this because my sight happened to be quicker than his own, when it got + to be life or death atween us.” + </p> + <p> + Chingachgook, who was attentively listening to all that passed, heard and + understood this proof of passing weakness in his friend, and on a future + occasion he questioned him more closely concerning the transaction on the + point, where Deerslayer had first taken human life. When he had got the + whole truth, he did not fail to communicate it to the tribe, from which + time the young hunter was universally known among the Delawares by an + appellation so honorably earned. As this, however, was a period posterior + to all the incidents of this tale, we shall continue to call the young + hunter by the name under which he has been first introduced to the reader. + Nor was the Iroquois less struck with the vaunt of the white man. He knew + of the death of his comrade, and had no difficulty in understanding the + allusion, the intercourse between the conqueror and his victim on that + occasion having been seen by several savages on the shore of the lake, who + had been stationed at different points just within the margin of bushes to + watch the drifting canoes, and who had not time to reach the scene of + action, ere the victor had retired. The effect on this rude being of the + forest was an exclamation of surprise; then such a smile of courtesy, and + wave of the hand, succeeded, as would have done credit to Asiatic + diplomacy. The two Iroquois spoke to each other in low tones, and both + drew near the end of the raft that was closest to the platform. + </p> + <p> + “My brother, Hawkeye, has sent a message to the Hurons,” resumed Rivenoak, + “and it has made their hearts very glad. They hear he has images of beasts + with two tails! Will he show them to his friends?” + </p> + <p> + “Inimies would be truer,” returned Deerslayer, “but sound isn't sense, and + does little harm. Here is one of the images; I toss it to you under faith + of treaties. If it's not returned, the rifle will settle the p'int atween + us.” + </p> + <p> + The Iroquois seemed to acquiesce in the conditions, and Deerslayer arose + and prepared to toss one of the elephants to the raft, both parties using + all the precaution that was necessary to prevent its loss. As practice + renders men expert in such things, the little piece of ivory was soon + successfully transferred from one hand to the other, and then followed + another scene on the raft, in which astonishment and delight got the + mastery of Indian stoicism. These two grim old warriors manifested even + more feeling, as they examined the curiously wrought chessman, than had + been betrayed by the boy; for, in the case of the latter, recent schooling + had interposed its influence; while the men, like all who are sustained by + well established characters, were not ashamed to let some of their + emotions be discovered. For a few minutes they apparently lost the + consciousness of their situation, in the intense scrutiny they bestowed on + a material so fine, work so highly wrought, and an animal so + extraordinary. The lip of the moose is, perhaps, the nearest approach to + the trunk of the elephant that is to be found in the American forest, but + this resemblance was far from being sufficiently striking to bring the new + creature within the range of their habits and ideas, and the more they + studied the image, the greater was their astonishment. Nor did these + children of the forest mistake the structure on the back of the elephant + for a part of the animal. They were familiar with horses and oxen, and had + seen towers in the Canadas, and found nothing surprising in creatures of + burthen. Still, by a very natural association, they supposed the carving + meant to represent that the animal they saw was of a strength sufficient + to carry a fort on its back; a circumstance that in no degree lessened + their wonder. + </p> + <p> + “Has my pale-face brother any more such beasts?” at last the senior of the + Iroquois asked, in a sort of petitioning manner. + </p> + <p> + “There's more where them came from, Mingo,” was the answer; “one is + enough, howsever, to buy off fifty scalps.” + </p> + <p> + “One of my prisoners is a great warrior—tall as a pine—strong + as the moose—active as a deer—fierce as the panther! Some day + he'll be a great chief, and lead the army of King George!” + </p> + <p> + “Tut-tut Mingo; Hurry Harry is Hurry Harry, and you'll never make more + than a corporal of him, if you do that. He's tall enough, of a sartainty; + but that's of no use, as he only hits his head ag'in the branches as he + goes through the forest. He's strong too, but a strong body isn't a strong + head, and the king's generals are not chosen for their sinews; he's swift, + if you will, but a rifle bullet is swifter; and as for f'erceness, it's no + great ricommend to a soldier; they that think they feel the stoutest often + givin' out at the pinch. No, no, you'll niver make Hurry's scalp pass for + more than a good head of curly hair, and a rattle pate beneath it!” + </p> + <p> + “My old prisoner very wise—king of the lake—great warrior, + wise counsellor!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there's them that might gainsay all this, too, Mingo. A very wise + man wouldn't be apt to be taken in so foolish a manner as befell Master + Hutter, and if he gives good counsel, he must have listened to very bad in + that affair. There's only one king of this lake, and he's a long way off, + and isn't likely ever to see it. Floating Tom is some such king of this + region, as the wolf that prowls through the woods is king of the forest. A + beast with two tails is well worth two such scalps!” + </p> + <p> + “But my brother has another beast?—He will give two”—holding + up as many fingers, “for old father?” + </p> + <p> + “Floating Tom is no father of mine, but he'll fare none the worse for + that. As for giving two beasts for his scalp, and each beast with two + tails, it is quite beyond reason. Think yourself well off, Mingo, if you + make a much worse trade.” + </p> + <p> + By this time the self-command of Rivenoak had got the better of his + wonder, and he began to fall back on his usual habits of cunning, in order + to drive the best bargain he could. It would be useless to relate more + than the substance of the desultory dialogue that followed, in which the + Indian manifested no little management, in endeavoring to recover the + ground lost under the influence of surprise. He even affected to doubt + whether any original for the image of the beast existed, and asserted that + the oldest Indian had never heard a tradition of any such animal. Little + did either of them imagine at the time that long ere a century elapsed, + the progress of civilization would bring even much more extraordinary and + rare animals into that region, as curiosities to be gazed at by the + curious, and that the particular beast, about which the disputants + contended, would be seen laving its sides and swimming in the very sheet + of water, on which they had met. + </p> + <p> + [The Otsego is a favorite place for the caravan keepers to let their + elephants bathe. The writer has seen two at a time, since the publication + of this book, swimming about in company.] + </p> + <p> + As is not uncommon on such occasions, one of the parties got a little warm + in the course of the discussion, for Deerslayer met all the arguments and + prevarication of his subtle opponent with his own cool directness of + manner, and unmoved love of truth. What an elephant was he knew little + better than the savage, but he perfectly understood that the carved pieces + of ivory must have some such value in the eyes of an Iroquois as a bag of + gold or a package of beaver skins would in those of a trader. Under the + circumstances, therefore, he felt it to be prudent not to concede too much + at first, since there existed a nearly unconquerable obstacle to making + the transfers, even after the contracting parties had actually agreed upon + the terms. Keeping this difficulty in view, he held the extra chessmen in + reserve, as a means of smoothing any difficulty in the moment of need. + </p> + <p> + At length the savage pretended that further negotiation was useless, since + he could not be so unjust to his tribe as to part with the honor and + emoluments of two excellent, full grown male scalps for a consideration so + trifling as a toy like that he had seen, and he prepared to take his + departure. Both parties now felt as men are wont to feel, when a bargain + that each is anxious to conclude is on the eve of being broken off, in + consequence of too much pertinacity in the way of management. The effect + of the disappointment was very different, however, on the respective + individuals. Deerslayer was mortified, and filled with regret, for he not + only felt for the prisoners, but he also felt deeply for the two girls. + The conclusion of the treaty, therefore, left him melancholy and full of + regret. With the savage, his defeat produced the desire of revenge. In a + moment of excitement, he had loudly announced his intention to say no + more, and he felt equally enraged with himself and with his cool opponent, + that he had permitted a pale face to manifest more indifference and + self-command than an Indian chief. When he began to urge his raft away + from the platform his countenance lowered and his eye glowed, even while + he affected a smile of amity and a gesture of courtesy at parting. + </p> + <p> + It took some little time to overcome the inertia of the logs, and while + this was being done by the silent Indian, Rivenoak stalked over the + hemlock boughs that lay between the logs in sullen ferocity, eyeing keenly + the while the hut, the platform and the person of his late disputant. Once + he spoke in low, quick tones to his companion, and he stirred the boughs + with his feet like an animal that is restive. At that moment the + watchfulness of Deerslayer had a little abated, for he sat musing on the + means of renewing the negotiation without giving too much advantage to the + other side. It was perhaps fortunate for him that the keen and bright eyes + of Judith were as vigilant as ever. At the instant when the young man was + least on his guard, and his enemy was the most on the alert, she called + out in a warning voice to the former, most opportunely giving the alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Be on your guard, Deerslayer,” the girl cried—“I see rifles with + the glass, beneath the hemlock brush, and the Iroquois is loosening them + with his feet!” + </p> + <p> + It would seem that the enemy had carried their artifices so far as to + employ an agent who understood English. The previous dialogue had taken + place in his own language, but it was evident by the sudden manner in + which his feet ceased their treacherous occupation, and in which the + countenance of Rivenoak changed from sullen ferocity to a smile of + courtesy, that the call of the girl was understood. Signing to his + companion to cease his efforts to set the logs in motion, he advanced to + the end of the raft which was nearest to the platform, and spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Why should Rivenoak and his brother leave any cloud between them,” he + said. “They are both wise, both brave, and both generous; they ought to + part friends. One beast shall be the price of one prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + “And, Mingo,” answered the other, delighted to renew the negotiations on + almost any terms, and determined to clinch the bargain if possible by a + little extra liberality, “you'll see that a pale-face knows how to pay a + full price, when he trades with an open heart, and an open hand. Keep the + beast that you had forgotten to give back to me, as you was about to + start, and which I forgot to ask for, on account of consarn at parting in + anger. Show it to your chiefs. When you bring us our fri'nds, two more + shall be added to it, and,” hesitating a moment in distrust of the + expediency of so great a concession; then, deciding in its favor—“and, + if we see them afore the sun sets, we may find a fourth to make up an even + number.” + </p> + <p> + This settled the matter. Every gleam of discontent vanished from the dark + countenance of the Iroquois, and he smiled as graciously, if not as + sweetly, as Judith Hutter, herself. The piece already in his possession + was again examined, and an ejaculation of pleasure showed how much he was + pleased with this unexpected termination of the affair. In point of fact, + both he and Deerslayer had momentarily forgotten what had become of the + subject of their discussion, in the warmth of their feelings, but such had + not been the case with Rivenoak's companion. This man retained the piece, + and had fully made up his mind, were it claimed under such circumstances + as to render its return necessary, to drop it in the lake, trusting to his + being able to find it again at some future day. This desperate expedient, + however, was no longer necessary, and after repeating the terms of + agreement, and professing to understand them, the two Indians finally took + their departure, moving slowly towards the shore. + </p> + <p> + “Can any faith be put in such wretches?” asked Judith, when she and Hetty + had come out on the platform, and were standing at the side of Deerslayer, + watching the dull movement of the logs. “Will they not rather keep the toy + they have, and send us off some bloody proofs of their getting the better + of us in cunning, by way of boasting? I've heard of acts as bad as this.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt, Judith; no manner of doubt, if it wasn't for Indian natur'. But + I'm no judge of a red-skin, if that two tail'd beast doesn't set the whole + tribe in some such stir as a stick raises in a beehive! Now, there's the + Sarpent; a man with narves like flint, and no more cur'osity in every day + consarns than is befitting prudence; why he was so overcome with the sight + of the creatur', carved as it is in bone, that I felt ashamed for him! + That's just their gifts, howsever, and one can't well quarrel with a man + for his gifts, when they are lawful. Chingachgook will soon get over his + weakness and remember that he's a chief, and that he comes of a great + stock, and has a renowned name to support and uphold; but as for yonder + scamps, there'll be no peace among 'em until they think they've got + possession of every thing of the natur' of that bit of carved bone that's + to be found among Thomas Hutter's stores!” + </p> + <p> + “They only know of the elephants, and can have no hopes about the other + things.” + </p> + <p> + “That's true, Judith; still, covetousness is a craving feelin'! They'll + say, if the pale-faces have these cur'ous beasts with two tails, who knows + but they've got some with three, or for that matter with four! That's what + the schoolmasters call nat'ral arithmetic, and 'twill be sartain to beset + the feelin's of savages. They'll never be easy, till the truth is known.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think, Deerslayer,” inquired Hetty, in her simple and innocent + manner, “that the Iroquois won't let father and Hurry go? I read to them + several of the very best verses in the whole Bible, and you see what they + have done, already.” + </p> + <p> + The hunter, as he always did, listened kindly and even affectionately to + Hetty's remarks; then he mused a moment in silence. There was something + like a flush on his cheek as he answered, after quite a minute had passed. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know whether a white man ought to be ashamed, or not, to own he + can't read, but such is my case, Judith. You are skilful, I find, in all + such matters, while I have only studied the hand of God as it is seen in + the hills and the valleys, the mountain-tops, the streams, the forests and + the springs. Much l'arning may be got in this way, as well as out of + books; and, yet, I sometimes think it is a white man's gift to read! When + I hear from the mouths of the Moravians the words of which Hetty speaks, + they raise a longing in my mind, and I then think I will know how to read + 'em myself; but the game in summer, and the traditions, and lessons in + war, and other matters, have always kept me behind hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I teach you, Deerslayer?” asked Hetty, earnestly. “I'm weak-minded, + they say, but I can read as well as Judith. It might save your life to + know how to read the Bible to the savages, and it will certainly save your + soul; for mother told me that, again and again!” + </p> + <p> + “Thankee, Hetty—yes, thankee, with all my heart. These are like to + be too stirring times for much idleness, but after it's peace, and I come + to see you ag'in on this lake, then I'll give myself up to it, as if 'twas + pleasure and profit in a single business. Perhaps I ought to be ashamed, + Judith, that 'tis so; but truth is truth. As for these Iroquois, 'tisn't + very likely they'll forget a beast with two tails, on account of a varse + or two from the Bible. I rather expect they'll give up the prisoners, and + trust to some sarcumvenion or other to get 'em back ag'in, with us and all + in the castle and the Ark in the bargain. Howsever, we must humour the + vagabonds, first to get your father and Hurry out of their hands, and next + to keep the peace atween us, until such time as the Sarpent there can make + out to get off his betrothed wife. If there's any sudden outbreakin' of + anger and ferocity, the Indians will send off all their women and children + to the camp at once, whereas, by keeping 'em calm and trustful we may + manage to meet Hist at the spot she has mentioned. Rather than have the + bargain fall through, now, I'd throw in half a dozen of them effigy + bow-and-arrow men, such as we've in plenty in the chist.” + </p> + <p> + Judith cheerfully assented, for she would have resigned even the flowered + brocade, rather than not redeem her father and please Deerslayer. The + prospects of success were now so encouraging as to raise the spirits of + all in the castle, though a due watchfulness of the movements of the enemy + was maintained. Hour passed after hour, notwithstanding, and the sun had + once more begun to fall towards the summits of the western hills, and yet + no signs were seen of the return of the raft. By dint of sweeping the + shore with the glass, Deerslayer at length discovered a place in the dense + and dark woods where, he entertained no doubt, the Iroquois were assembled + in considerable numbers. It was near the thicket whence the raft had + issued, and a little rill that trickled into the lake announced the + vicinity of a spring. Here, then, the savages were probably holding their + consultation, and the decision was to be made that went to settle the + question of life or death for the prisoners. There was one ground for hope + in spite of the delay, however, that Deerslayer did not fail to place + before his anxious companions. It was far more probable that the Indians + had left their prisoners in the camp, than that they had encumbered + themselves by causing them to follow through the woods a party that was + out on a merely temporary excursion. If such was the fact, it required + considerable time to send a messenger the necessary distance, and to bring + the two white men to the spot where they were to embark. Encouraged by + these reflections, a new stock of patience was gathered, and the + declension of the sun was viewed with less alarm. + </p> + <p> + The result justified Deerslayer's conjecture. Not long before the sun had + finally disappeared, the two logs were seen coming out of the thicket, + again, and as it drew near, Judith announced that her father and Hurry, + both of them pinioned, lay on the bushes in the centre. As before, the two + Indians were rowing. The latter seemed to be conscious that the lateness + of the hour demanded unusual exertions, and contrary to the habits of + their people, who are ever averse to toil, they labored hard at the rude + substitutes for oars. In consequence of this diligence, the raft occupied + its old station in about half the time that had been taken in the previous + visits. + </p> + <p> + Even after the conditions were so well understood, and matters had + proceeded so far, the actual transfer of the prisoners was not a duty to + be executed without difficulty. The Iroquois were compelled to place great + reliance on the good faith of their foes, though it was reluctantly given; + and was yielded to necessity rather than to confidence. As soon as Hutter + and Hurry should be released, the party in the castle numbered two to one, + as opposed to those on the raft, and escape by flight was out of the + question, as the former had three bark canoes, to say nothing of the + defences of the house and the Ark. All this was understood by both + parties, and it is probable the arrangement never could have been + completed, had not the honest countenance and manner of Deerslayer wrought + their usual effect on Rivenoak. + </p> + <p> + “My brother knows I put faith in him,” said the latter, as he advanced + with Hutter, whose legs had been released to enable the old man to ascend + to the platform. “One scalp—one more beast.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop, Mingo,” interrupted the hunter, “keep your prisoner a moment. I + have to go and seek the means of payment.” + </p> + <p> + This excuse, however, though true in part, was principally a fetch. + Deerslayer left the platform, and entering the house, he directed Judith + to collect all the arms and to conceal them in her own room. He then spoke + earnestly to the Delaware, who stood on guard as before, near the entrance + of the building, put the three remaining castles in his pocket, and + returned. + </p> + <p> + “You are welcome back to your old abode, Master Hutter,” said Deerslayer, + as he helped the other up on the platform, slyly passing into the hand of + Rivenoak, at the same time, another of the castles. “You'll find your + darters right glad to see you, and here's Hetty come herself to say as + much in her own behalf.” + </p> + <p> + Here the hunter stopped speaking and broke out into a hearty fit of his + silent and peculiar laughter. Hurry's legs were just released, and he had + been placed on his feet. So tightly had the ligatures been drawn, that the + use of his limbs was not immediately recovered, and the young giant + presented, in good sooth, a very helpless and a somewhat ludicrous + picture. It was this unusual spectacle, particularly the bewildered + countenance, that excited the merriment of Deerslayer. + </p> + <p> + “You look like a girdled pine in a clearin', Hurry Harry, that is rocking + in a gale,” said Deerslayer, checking his unseasonable mirth, more from + delicacy to the others than from any respect to the liberated captive. + “I'm glad, howsever, to see that you haven't had your hair dressed by any + of the Iroquois barbers, in your late visit to their camp.” + </p> + <p> + “Harkee, Deerslayer,” returned the other a little fiercely, “it will be + prudent for you to deal less in mirth and more in friendship on this + occasion. Act like a Christian, for once, and not like a laughing gal in a + country school when the master's back is turned, and just tell me whether + there's any feet, or not, at the end of these legs of mine. I think I can + see them, but as for feelin' they might as well be down on the banks of + the Mohawk, as be where they seem to be.” + </p> + <p> + “You've come off whole, Hurry, and that's not a little,” answered the + other, secretly passing to the Indian the remainder of the stipulated + ransom, and making an earnest sign at the same moment for him to commence + his retreat. “You've come off whole, feet and all, and are only a little + numb from a tight fit of the withes. Natur'll soon set the blood in + motion, and then you may begin to dance, to celebrate what I call a most + wonderful and onexpected deliverance from a den of wolves.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer released the arms of his friends, as each landed, and the two + were now stamping and limping about on the platform, growling and uttering + denunciations as they endeavored to help the returning circulation. They + had been tethered too long, however, to regain the use of their limbs in a + moment, and the Indians being quite as diligent on their return as on + their advance, the raft was fully a hundred yards from the castle when + Hurry, turning accidentally in that direction, discovered how fast it was + getting beyond the reach of his vengeance. By this time he could move with + tolerable facility, though still numb and awkward. Without considering his + own situation, however, he seized the rifle that leaned against the + shoulder of Deerslayer, and attempted to cock and present it. The young + hunter was too quick for him. Seizing the piece he wrenched it from the + hands of the giant, not, however, until it had gone off in the struggle, + when pointed directly upward. It is probable that Deerslayer could have + prevailed in such a contest, on account of the condition of Hurry's limbs, + but the instant the gun went off, the latter yielded, and stumped towards + the house, raising his legs at each step quite a foot from the ground, + from an uncertainty of the actual position of his feet. But he had been + anticipated by Judith. The whole stock of Hutter's arms, which had been + left in the building as a resource in the event of a sudden outbreaking of + hostilities, had been removed, and were already secreted, agreeably to + Deerslayer's directions. In consequence of this precaution, no means + offered by which March could put his designs in execution. + </p> + <p> + Disappointed in his vengeance, Hurry seated himself, and like Hutter, for + half an hour, he was too much occupied in endeavoring to restore the + circulation, and in regaining the use of his limbs, to indulge in any + other reflections. By the end of this time the raft had disappeared, and + night was beginning to throw her shadows once more over the whole sylvan + scene. Before darkness had completely set in, and while the girls were + preparing the evening meal, Deerslayer related to Hutter an outline of + events that had taken place, and gave him a history of the means he had + adopted for the security of his children and property. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “As long as Edwarde rules thys lande, + Ne quiet you wylle ye know; + Your sonnes and husbandes shall be slayne, + And brookes with bloode shall 'flowe.' + + “You leave youre geode and lawfulle kynge, + Whenne ynne adversity; + Like me, untoe the true cause stycke, + And for the true cause dye.” + + Chatterton. +</pre> + <p> + The calm of evening was again in singular contrast, while its gathering + gloom was in as singular unison with the passions of men. The sun was set, + and the rays of the retiring luminary had ceased to gild the edges of the + few clouds that had sufficient openings to admit the passage of its fading + light. The canopy overhead was heavy and dense, promising another night of + darkness, but the surface of the lake was scarcely disturbed by a ripple. + There was a little air, though it scarce deserved to be termed wind. + Still, being damp and heavy, it had a certain force. The party in the + castle were as gloomy and silent as the scene. The two ransomed prisoners + felt humbled and discoloured, but their humility partook of the rancour of + revenge. They were far more disposed to remember the indignity with which + they had been treated during the last few hours of their captivity, than + to feel grateful for the previous indulgence. Then that keen-sighted + monitor, conscience, by reminding them of the retributive justice of all + they had endured, goaded them rather to turn the tables on their enemies + than to accuse themselves. As for the others, they were thoughtful equally + from regret and joy. Deerslayer and Judith felt most of the former + sensation, though from very different causes, while Hetty for the moment + was perfectly happy. The Delaware had also lively pictures of felicity in + the prospect of so soon regaining his betrothed. Under such circumstances, + and in this mood, all were taking the evening meal. + </p> + <p> + “Old Tom!” cried Hurry, bursting into a fit of boisterous laughter, “you + look'd amazin'ly like a tethered bear, as you was stretched on them + hemlock boughs, and I only wonder you didn't growl more. Well, it's over, + and syth's and lamentations won't mend the matter! There's the blackguard + Rivenoak, he that brought us off has an oncommon scalp, and I'd give as + much for it myself as the Colony. Yes, I feel as rich as the governor in + these matters now, and will lay down with them doubloon for doubloon. + Judith, darling, did you mourn for me much, when I was in the hands of the + Philipsteins?” + </p> + <p> + The last were a family of German descent on the Mohawk, to whom Hurry had + a great antipathy, and whom he had confounded with the enemies of Judea. + </p> + <p> + “Our tears have raised the lake, Hurry March, as you might have seen by + the shore!” returned Judith, with a feigned levity that she was far from + feeling. “That Hetty and I should have grieved for father was to be + expected; but we fairly rained tears for you.” + </p> + <p> + “We were sorry for poor Hurry, as well as for father, Judith!” put in her + innocent and unconscious sister. + </p> + <p> + “True, girl, true; but we feel sorrow for everybody that's in trouble, you + know,” returned the other in a quick, admonitory manner and a low tone. + “Nevertheless, we are glad to see you, Master March, and out of the hands + of the Philipsteins, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, they're a bad set, and so is the other brood of 'em, down on the + river. It's a wonderment to me how you got us off, Deerslayer; and I + forgive you the interference that prevented my doin' justice on that + vagabond, for this small service. Let us into the secret, that we may do + you the same good turn, at need. Was it by lying, or by coaxing?” + </p> + <p> + “By neither, Hurry, but by buying. We paid a ransom for you both, and + that, too, at a price so high you had well be on your guard ag'in another + captyvement, lest our stock of goods shouldn't hold out.” + </p> + <p> + “A ransom! Old Tom has paid the fiddler, then, for nothing of mine would + have bought off the hair, much less the skin. I didn't think men as keen + set as them vagabonds would let a fellow up so easy, when they had him + fairly at a close hug, and floored. But money is money, and somehow it's + unnat'ral hard to withstand. Indian or white man, 'tis pretty much the + same. It must be owned, Judith, there's a considerable of human natur' in + mankind ginirally, arter all!” + </p> + <p> + Hutter now rose, and signing to Deerslayer, he led him to an inner room, + where, in answer to his questions, he first learned the price that had + been paid for his release. The old man expressed neither resentment nor + surprise at the inroad that had been made on his chest, though he did + manifest some curiosity to know how far the investigation of its contents + had been carried. He also inquired where the key had been found. The + habitual frankness of Deerslayer prevented any prevarication, and the + conference soon terminated by the return of the two to the outer room, or + that which served for the double purpose of parlour and kitchen. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if it's peace or war, between us and the savages!” exclaimed + Hurry, just as Deerslayer, who had paused for a single instant, listened + attentively, and was passing through the outer door without stopping. + “This givin' up captives has a friendly look, and when men have traded + together on a fair and honourable footing they ought to part fri'nds, for + that occasion at least. Come back, Deerslayer, and let us have your + judgment, for I'm beginnin' to think more of you, since your late + behaviour, than I used to do.” + </p> + <p> + “There's an answer to your question, Hurry, since you're in such haste to + come ag'in to blows.” + </p> + <p> + As Deerslayer spoke, he threw on the table on which the other was + reclining with one elbow a sort of miniature fagot, composed of a dozen + sticks bound tightly together with a deer-skin thong. March seized it + eagerly, and holding it close to a blazing knot of pine that lay on the + hearth, and which gave out all the light there was in the room, + ascertained that the ends of the several sticks had been dipped in blood. + </p> + <p> + “If this isn't plain English,” said the reckless frontier man, “it's plain + Indian! Here's what they call a dicliration of war, down at York, Judith. + How did you come by this defiance, Deerslayer?” + </p> + <p> + “Fairly enough. It lay not a minut' since, in what you call Floatin' Tom's + door-yard.” + </p> + <p> + “How came it there?” + </p> + <p> + “It never fell from the clouds, Judith, as little toads sometimes do, and + then it don't rain.” + </p> + <p> + “You must prove where it come from, Deerslayer, or we shall suspect some + design to skear them that would have lost their wits long ago, if fear + could drive 'em away.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer had approached a window, and cast a glance out of it on the + dark aspect of the lake. As if satisfied with what he beheld, he drew near + Hurry, and took the bundle of sticks into his own hand, examining it + attentively. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, this is an Indian declaration of war, sure enough,” he said, “and + it's a proof how little you're suited to be on the path it has travelled, + Harry March, that it has got here, and you never the wiser as to the + means. The savages may have left the scalp on your head, but they must + have taken off the ears; else you'd have heard the stirring of the water + made by the lad as he come off ag'in on his two logs. His ar'n'd was to + throw these sticks at our door, as much as to say, we've struck the + war-post since the trade, and the next thing will be to strike you.” + </p> + <p> + “The prowling wolves! But hand me that rifle, Judith, and I'll send an + answer back to the vagabonds through their messenger.” + </p> + <p> + “Not while I stand by, Master March,” coolly put in Deerslayer, motioning + for the other to forbear. “Faith is faith, whether given to a red-skin, or + to a Christian. The lad lighted a knot, and came off fairly under its + blaze to give us this warning; and no man here should harm him, while + empl'yed on such an ar'n'd. There's no use in words, for the boy is too + cunning to leave the knot burning, now his business is done, and the night + is already too dark for a rifle to have any sartainty.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be true enough, as to a gun, but there's virtue still in a + canoe,” answered Hurry, passing towards the door with enormous strides, + carrying a rifle in his hands. “The being doesn't live that shall stop me + from following and bringing back that riptyle's scalp. The more on 'em + that you crush in the egg, the fewer there'll be to dart at you in the + woods!” + </p> + <p> + Judith trembled like the aspen, she scarce knew why herself, though there + was the prospect of a scene of violence; for if Hurry was fierce and + overbearing in the consciousness of his vast strength, Deerslayer had + about him the calm determination that promises greater perseverance, and a + resolution more likely to effect its object. It was the stern, resolute + eye of the latter, rather than the noisy vehemence of the first, that + excited her apprehensions. Hurry soon reached the spot where the canoe was + fastened, but not before Deerslayer had spoken in a quick, earnest voice + to the Serpent, in Delaware. The latter had been the first, in truth, to + hear the sounds of the oars, and he had gone upon the platform in jealous + watchfulness. The light satisfied him that a message was coming, and when + the boy cast his bundle of sticks at his feet, it neither moved his anger + nor induced surprise. He merely stood at watch, rifle in hand, to make + certain that no treachery lay behind the defiance. As Deerslayer now + called to him, he stepped into the canoe, and quick as thought removed the + paddles. Hurry was furious when he found that he was deprived of the means + of proceeding. He first approached the Indian with loud menaces, and even + Deerslayer stood aghast at the probable consequences. March shook his + sledge-hammer fists and flourished his arms as he drew near the Indian, + and all expected he would attempt to fell the Delaware to the earth; one + of them, at least, was well aware that such an experiment would be + followed by immediate bloodshed. But even Hurry was awed by the stern + composure of the chief, and he, too, knew that such a man was not to be + outraged with impunity; he therefore turned to vent his rage on + Deerslayer, where he foresaw no consequences so terrible. What might have + been the result of this second demonstration if completed, is unknown, + since it was never made. + </p> + <p> + “Hurry,” said a gentle, soothing voice at his elbow, “it's wicked to be so + angry, and God will not overlook it. The Iroquois treated you well, and + they didn't take your scalp, though you and father wanted to take theirs.” + </p> + <p> + The influence of mildness on passion is well known. Hetty, too, had earned + a sort of consideration, that had never before been enjoyed by her, + through the self-devotion and decision of her recent conduct. Perhaps her + established mental imbecility, by removing all distrust of a wish to + control, aided her influence. Let the cause be as questionable as it + might, the effect we sufficiently certain. Instead of throttling his old + fellow-traveler, Hurry turned to the girl and poured out a portion of his + discontent, if none of his anger, in her attentive ears. + </p> + <p> + “Tis too bad, Hetty!” he exclaimed; “as bad as a county gaol or a lack of + beaver, to get a creatur' into your very trap, then to see it get off. As + much as six first quality skins, in valie, has paddled off on them clumsy + logs, when twenty strokes of a well-turned paddle would overtake 'em. I + say in valie, for as to the boy in the way of natur', he is only a boy, + and is worth neither more nor less than one. Deerslayer, you've been + ontrue to your fri'nds in letting such a chance slip through my fingers + well as your own.” + </p> + <p> + The answer was given quietly, but with a voice as steady as a fearless + nature and the consciousness of rectitude could make it. “I should have + been untrue to the right, had I done otherwise,” returned the Deerslayer, + steadily; “and neither you, nor any other man has authority to demand that + much of me. The lad came on a lawful business, and the meanest red-skin + that roams the woods would be ashamed of not respecting his ar'n'd. But + he's now far beyond your reach, Master March, and there's little use in + talking, like a couple of women, of what can no longer be helped.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, Deerslayer turned away, like one resolved to waste no more + words on the subject, while Hutter pulled Harry by the sleeve, and led him + into the ark. There they sat long in private conference. In the mean time, + the Indian and his friend had their secret consultation; for, though it + wanted some three or four hours to the rising of the star, the former + could not abstain from canvassing his scheme, and from opening his heart + to the other. Judith, too, yielded to her softer feelings, and listened to + the whole of Hetty's artless narrative of what occurred after she landed. + The woods had few terrors for either of these girls, educated as they had + been, and accustomed as they were to look out daily at their rich expanse + or to wander beneath their dark shades; but the elder sister felt that she + would have hesitated about thus venturing alone into an Iroquois camp. + Concerning Hist, Hetty was not very communicative. She spoke of her + kindness and gentleness and of the meeting in the forest; but the secret + of Chingachgook was guarded with a shrewdness and fidelity that many a + sharper-witted girl might have failed to display. + </p> + <p> + At length the several conferences were broken up by the reappearance of + Hutter on the platform. Here he assembled the whole party, and + communicated as much of his intentions as he deemed expedient. Of the + arrangement made by Deerslayer, to abandon the castle during the night and + to take refuge in the ark, he entirely approved. It struck him as it had + the others, as the only effectual means of escaping destruction. Now that + the savages had turned their attention to the construction of rafts, no + doubt could exist of their at least making an attempt to carry the + building, and the message of the bloody sticks sufficiently showed their + confidence in their own success. In short, the old man viewed the night as + critical, and he called on all to get ready as soon as possible, in order + to abandon the dwellings temporarily at least, if not forever. + </p> + <p> + These communications made, everything proceeded promptly and with + intelligence; the castle was secured in the manner already described, the + canoes were withdrawn from the dock and fastened to the ark by the side of + the other; the few necessaries that had been left in the house were + transferred to the cabin, the fire was extinguished and all embarked. + </p> + <p> + The vicinity of the hills, with their drapery of pines, had the effect to + render nights that were obscure darker than common on the lake. As usual, + however, a belt of comparative light was etched through the centre of the + sheet, while it was within the shadows of the mountains that the gloom + rested most heavily on the water. The island, or castle, stood in this + belt of comparative light, but still the night was so dark as to cover the + aperture of the ark. At the distance of an observer on the shore her + movements could not be seen at all, more particularly as a background of + dark hillside filled up the perspective of every view that was taken + diagonally or directly across the water. The prevailing wind on the lakes + of that region is west, but owing to the avenues formed by the mountains + it is frequently impossible to tell the true direction of the currents, as + they often vary within short distances and brief differences of time. This + is truer in light fluctuating puffs of air than in steady breezes; though + the squalls of even the latter are familiarly known to be uncertain and + baffling in all mountainous regions and narrow waters. On the present + occasion, Hutter himself (as he shoved the ark from her berth at the side + of the platform) was at a loss to pronounce which way the wind blew. In + common, this difficulty was solved by the clouds, which, floating high + above the hill tops, as a matter of course obeyed the currents; but now + the whole vault of heaven seemed a mass of gloomy wall. Not an opening of + any sort was visible, and Chingachgook was already trembling lest the + non-appearance of the star might prevent his betrothed from being punctual + to her appointment. Under these circumstances, Hutter hoisted his sail, + seemingly with the sole intention of getting away from the castle, as it + might be dangerous to remain much longer in its vicinity. The air soon + filled the cloth, and when the scow was got under command, and the sail + was properly trimmed, it was found that the direction was southerly, + inclining towards the eastern shore. No better course offering for the + purposes of the party, the singular craft was suffered to skim the surface + of the water in this direction for more than hour, when a change in the + currents of the air drove them over towards the camp. + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer watched all the movements of Hutter and Harry with jealous + attention. At first, he did not know whether to ascribe the course they + held to accident or to design; but he now began to suspect the latter. + Familiar as Hutter was with the lake, it was easy to deceive one who had + little practice on the water; and let his intentions be what they might, + it was evident, ere two hours had elapsed, that the ark had got sufficient + space to be within a hundred rods of the shore, directly abreast of the + known position of the camp. For a considerable time previously to reaching + this point, Hurry, who had some knowledge of the Algonquin language, had + been in close conference with the Indian, and the result was now announced + by the latter to Deerslayer, who had been a cold, not to say distrusted, + looker-on of all that passed. + </p> + <p> + “My old father, and my young brother, the Big Pine,”—for so the + Delaware had named March—“want to see Huron scalps at their belts,” + said Chingachgook to his friend. “There is room for some on the girdle of + the Sarpent, and his people will look for them when he goes back to his + village. Their eyes must not be left long in a fog, but they must see what + they look for. I know that my brother has a white hand; he will not strike + even the dead. He will wait for us; when we come back, he will not hide + his face from shame for his friend. The great Serpent of the Mohicans must + be worthy to go on the war-path with Hawkeye.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, Sarpent, I see how it is; that name's to stick, and in time I + shall get to be known by it instead of Deerslayer; well, if such honours + will come, the humblest of us all must be willing to abide by 'em. As for + your looking for scalps, it belongs to your gifts, and I see no harm in + it. Be marciful, Sarpent, howsever; be marciful, I beseech of you. It + surely can do no harm to a red-skin's honour to show a little marcy. As + for the old man, the father of two young women, who might ripen better + feelin's in his heart, and Harry March, here, who, pine as he is, might + better bear the fruit of a more Christianized tree, as for them two, I + leave them in the hands of the white man's God. Wasn't it for the bloody + sticks, no man should go ag'in the Mingos this night, seein' that it would + dishonor our faith and characters; but them that crave blood can't + complain if blood is shed at their call. Still, Sarpent, you can be + marciful. Don't begin your career with the wails of women and the cries of + children. Bear yourself so that Hist will smile, and not weep, when she + meets you. Go, then; and the Manitou presarve you!” + </p> + <p> + “My brother will stay here with the scow. Wah will soon be standing on the + shore waiting, and Chingachgook must hasten.” + </p> + <p> + The Indian then joined his two co-adventurers, and first lowering the + sail, they all three entered the canoe, and left the side of the ark. + Neither Hutter nor March spoke to Deerslayer concerning their object, or + the probable length of their absence. All this had been confided to the + Indian, who had acquitted himself of the trust with characteristic + brevity. As soon as the canoe was out of sight, and that occurred ere the + paddles had given a dozen strokes, Deerslayer made the best dispositions + he could to keep the ark as nearly stationary as possible; and then he sat + down in the end of the scow, to chew the cud of his own bitter + reflections. It was not long, however, before he was joined by Judith, who + sought every occasion to be near him, managing her attack on his + affections with the address that was suggested by native coquetry, aided + by no little practice, but which received much of its most dangerous power + from the touch of feeling that threw around her manner, voice, accents, + thoughts, and acts, the indescribable witchery of natural tenderness. + Leaving the young hunter exposed to these dangerous assailants, it has + become our more immediate business to follow the party in the canoe to the + shore. + </p> + <p> + The controlling influence that led Hutter and Hurry to repeat their + experiment against the camp was precisely that which had induced the first + attempt, a little heightened, perhaps, by the desire of revenge. But + neither of these two rude beings, so ruthless in all things that touched + the rights and interests of the red man, thought possessing veins of human + feeling on other matters, was much actuated by any other desire than a + heartless longing for profit. Hurry had felt angered at his sufferings, + when first liberated, it is true, but that emotion soon disappeared in the + habitual love of gold, which he sought with the reckless avidity of a + needy spendthrift, rather than with the ceaseless longings of a miser. In + short, the motive that urged them both so soon to go against the Hurons, + was an habitual contempt of their enemy, acting on the unceasing cupidity + of prodigality. The additional chances of success, however, had their + place in the formation of the second enterprise. It was known that a large + portion of the warriors—perhaps all—were encamped for the + night abreast of the castle, and it was hoped that the scalps of helpless + victims would be the consequence. To confess the truth, Hutter in + particular—he who had just left two daughters behind him—expected + to find few besides women and children in the camp. The fact had been but + slightly alluded to in his communications with Hurry, and with + Chingachgook it had been kept entirely out of view. If the Indian thought + of it at all, it was known only to himself. + </p> + <p> + Hutter steered the canoe; Hurry had manfully taken his post in the bows, + and Chingachgook stood in the centre. We say stood, for all three were so + skilled in the management of that species of frail bark, as to be able to + keep erect positions in the midst of the darkness. The approach to the + shore was made with great caution, and the landing effected in safety. The + three now prepared their arms, and began their tiger-like approach upon + the camp. The Indian was on the lead, his two companions treading in his + footsteps with a stealthy cautiousness of manner that rendered their + progress almost literally noiseless. Occasionally a dried twig snapped + under the heavy weight of the gigantic Hurry, or the blundering clumsiness + of the old man; but, had the Indian walked on air, his step could not have + seemed lighter. The great object was first to discover the position of the + fire, which was known to be the centre of the whole encampment. At length + the keen eye of Chingachgook caught a glimpse of this important guide. It + was glimmering at a distance among the trunks of trees. There was no + blaze, but merely a single smouldering brand, as suited the hour; the + savages usually retiring and rising with the revolutions of the sun. + </p> + <p> + As soon as a view was obtained of this beacon, the progress of the + adventurers became swifter and more certain. In a few minutes they got to + the edge of the circle of little huts. Here they stopped to survey their + ground, and to concert their movements. The darkness was so deep as to + render it difficult to distinguish anything but the glowing brand, the + trunks of the nearest trees, and the endless canopy of leaves that veiled + the clouded heaven. It was ascertained, however, that a hut was quite + near, and Chingachgook attempted to reconnnoitre its interior. The manner + in which the Indian approached the place that was supposed to contain + enemies, resembled the wily advances of the cat on the bird. As he drew + near, he stooped to his hands and knees, for the entrance was so low as to + require this attitude, even as a convenience. Before trusting his head + inside, however, he listened long to catch the breathing of sleepers. No + sound was audible, and this human Serpent thrust his head in at the door, + or opening, as another serpent would have peered in on the nest. Nothing + rewarded the hazardous experiment; for, after feeling cautiously with a + hand, the place was found to be empty. + </p> + <p> + The Delaware proceeded in the same guarded manner to one or two more of + the huts, finding all in the same situation. He then returned to his + companions, and informed them that the Hurons had deserted their camp. A + little further inquiry corroborated this fact, and it only remained to + return to the canoe. The different manner in which the adventurers bore + the disappointment is worthy of a passing remark. The chief, who had + landed solely with the hope of acquiring renown, stood stationary, leaning + against a tree, waiting the pleasure of his companions. He was mortified, + and a little surprised, it is true; but he bore all with dignity, falling + back for support on the sweeter expectations that still lay in reserve for + that evening. It was true, he could not now hope to meet his mistress with + the proofs of his daring and skill on his person, but he might still hope + to meet her; and the warrior, who was zealous in the search, might always + hope to be honored. On the other hand, Hutter and Hurry, who had been + chiefly instigated by the basest of all human motives, the thirst of gain, + could scarce control their feelings. They went prowling among the huts, as + if they expected to find some forgotten child or careless sleeper; and + again and again did they vent their spite on the insensible huts, several + of which were actually torn to pieces, and scattered about the place. Nay, + they even quarrelled with each other, and fierce reproaches passed between + them. It is possible some serious consequences might have occurred, had + not the Delaware interfered to remind them of the danger of being so + unguarded, and of the necessity of returning to the ark. This checked the + dispute, and in a few minutes they were paddling sullenly back to the spot + where they hoped to find that vessel. + </p> + <p> + It has been said that Judith took her place at the side of Deerslayer, + soon after the adventurers departed. For a short time the girl was silent, + and the hunter was ignorant which of the sisters had approached him, but + he soon recognized the rich, full-spirited voice of the elder, as her + feelings escaped in words. + </p> + <p> + “This is a terrible life for women, Deerslayer!” she exclaimed. “Would to + Heaven I could see an end of it!” + </p> + <p> + “The life is well enough, Judith,” was the answer, “being pretty much as + it is used or abused. What would you wish to see in its place?” + </p> + <p> + “I should be a thousand times happier to live nearer to civilized beings—where + there are farms and churches, and houses built as it might be by Christian + hands; and where my sleep at night would be sweet and tranquil! A dwelling + near one of the forts would be far better than this dreary place where we + live!” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Judith, I can't agree too lightly in the truth of all this. If forts + are good to keep off inimies, they sometimes hold inimies of their own. I + don't think 'twould be for your good, or the good of Hetty, to live near + one; and if I must say what I think, I'm afeard you are a little too near + as it is.” Deerslayer went on, in his own steady, earnest manner, for the + darkness concealed the tints that colored the cheeks of the girl almost to + the brightness of crimson, while her own great efforts suppressed the + sounds of the breathing that nearly choked her. “As for farms, they have + their uses, and there's them that like to pass their lives on 'em; but + what comfort can a man look for in a clearin', that he can't find in + double quantities in the forest? If air, and room, and light, are a little + craved, the windrows and the streams will furnish 'em, or here are the + lakes for such as have bigger longings in that way; but where are you to + find your shades, and laughing springs, and leaping brooks, and vinerable + trees, a thousand years old, in a clearin'? You don't find them, but you + find their disabled trunks, marking the 'arth like headstones in a + graveyard. It seems to me that the people who live in such places must be + always thinkin' of their own inds, and of universal decay; and that, too, + not of the decay that is brought about by time and natur', but the decay + that follows waste and violence. Then as to churches, they are good, I + suppose, else wouldn't good men uphold 'em. But they are not altogether + necessary. They call 'em the temples of the Lord; but, Judith, the whole + 'arth is a temple of the Lord to such as have the right mind. Neither + forts nor churches make people happier of themselves. Moreover, all is + contradiction in the settlements, while all is concord in the woods. Forts + and churches almost always go together, and yet they're downright + contradictions; churches being for peace, and forts for war. No, no—give + me the strong places of the wilderness, which is the trees, and the + churches, too, which are arbors raised by the hand of natur'.” + </p> + <p> + “Woman is not made for scenes like these, Deerslayer, scenes of which we + shall have no end, as long as this war lasts.” + </p> + <p> + “If you mean women of white colour, I rather think you're not far from the + truth, gal; but as for the females of the redmen, such visitations are + quite in character. Nothing would make Hist, now, the bargained wife of + yonder Delaware, happier than to know that he is at this moment prowling + around his nat'ral inimies, striving after a scalp.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, surely, Deerslayer, she cannot be a woman, and not feel concern + when she thinks the man she loves is in danger!” + </p> + <p> + “She doesn't think of the danger, Judith, but of the honor; and when the + heart is desperately set on such feelin's, why, there is little room to + crowd in fear. Hist is a kind, gentle, laughing, pleasant creatur', but + she loves honor, as well as any Delaware gal I ever know'd. She's to meet + the Sarpent an hour hence, on the p'int where Hetty landed, and no doubt + she has her anxiety about it, like any other woman; but she'd be all the + happier did she know that her lover was at this moment waylaying a Mingo + for his scalp.” + </p> + <p> + “If you really believe this, Deerslayer, no wonder you lay so much stress + on gifts. Certain am I, that no white girl could feel anything but misery + while she believed her betrothed in danger of his life! Nor do I suppose + even you, unmoved and calm as you ever seem to be, could be at peace if + you believed your Hist in danger.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a different matter—'tis altogether a different matter, + Judith. Woman is too weak and gentle to be intended to run such risks, and + man must feel for her. Yes, I rather think that's as much red natur' as + it's white. But I have no Hist, nor am I like to have; for I hold it wrong + to mix colours, any way except in friendship and sarvices.” + </p> + <p> + “In that you are and feel as a white man should! As for Hurry Harry, I do + think it would be all the same to him whether his wife were a squaw or a + governor's daughter, provided she was a little comely, and could help to + keep his craving stomach full.” + </p> + <p> + “You do March injustice, Judith; yes, you do. The poor fellow dotes on + you, and when a man has ra'ally set his heart on such a creatur' it isn't + a Mingo, or even a Delaware gal, that'll be likely to unsettle his mind. + You may laugh at such men as Hurry and I, for we're rough and unteached in + the ways of books and other knowledge; but we've our good p'ints, as well + as our bad ones. An honest heart is not to be despised, gal, even though + it be not varsed in all the niceties that please the female fancy.” + </p> + <p> + “You, Deerslayer! And do you—can you, for an instant, suppose I + place you by the side of Harry March? No, no, I am not so far gone in + dullness as that. No one—man or woman—could think of naming + your honest heart, manly nature, and simple truth, with the boisterous + selfishness, greedy avarice, and overbearing ferocity of Harry March. The + very best that can be said of him, is to be found in his name of Hurry + Skurry, which, if it means no great harm, means no great good. Even my + father, following his feelings with the other, as he is doing at this + moment, well knows the difference between you. This I know, for he said as + much to me, in plain language.” + </p> + <p> + Judith was a girl of quick sensibilities and of impetuous feelings; and, + being under few of the restraints that curtail the manifestations of + maiden emotions among those who are educated in the habits of civilized + life, she sometimes betrayed the latter with a feeling that was so purely + natural as to place it as far above the wiles of coquetry as it was + superior to its heartlessness. She had now even taken one of the hard + hands of the hunter and pressed it between both her own, with a warmth and + earnestness that proved how sincere was her language. It was perhaps + fortunate that she was checked by the very excess of her feelings, since + the same power might have urged her on to avow all that her father had + said—the old man not having been satisfied with making a comparison + favorable to Deerslayer, as between the hunter and Hurry, but having + actually, in his blunt rough way, briefly advised his daughter to cast off + the latter entirely, and to think of the former as a husband. Judith would + not willingly have said this to any other man, but there was so much + confidence awakened by the guileless simplicity of Deerslayer, that one of + her nature found it a constant temptation to overstep the bounds of habit. + She went no further, however, immediately relinquishing the hand, and + falling back on a reserve that was more suited to her sex, and, indeed, to + her natural modesty. + </p> + <p> + “Thankee, Judith, thankee with all my heart,” returned the hunter, whose + humility prevented him from placing any flattering interpretation on + either the conduct or the language of the girl. “Thankee as much as if it + was all true. Harry's sightly—yes, he's as sightly as the tallest + pine of the mountains, and the Sarpent has named him accordingly; however, + some fancy good looks, and some fancy good conduct, only. Hurry has one + advantage, and it depends on himself whether he'll have t'other or—Hark! + That's your father's voice, gal, and he speaks like a man who's riled at + something.” + </p> + <p> + “God save us from any more of these horrible scenes!” exclaimed Judith, + bending her face to her knees, and endeavoring to exclude the discordant + sounds, by applying her hands to her ears. “I sometimes wish I had no + father!” + </p> + <p> + This was bitterly said, and the repinings which extorted the words were + bitterly felt. It is impossible to say what might next have escaped her + had not a gentle, low voice spoken at her elbow. + </p> + <p> + “Judith, I ought to have read a chapter to father and Hurry!” said the + innocent but terrified speaker, “and that would have kept them from going + again on such an errand. Do you call to them, Deerslayer, and tell them I + want them, and that it will be good for them both if they'll return and + hearken to my words.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah's me! Poor Hetty, you little know the cravin's for gold and revenge, + if you believe they are so easily turned aside from their longin's! But + this is an uncommon business in more ways than one, Judith. I hear your + father and Hurry growling like bears, and yet no noise comes from the + mouth of the young chief. There's an ind of secrecy, and yet his whoop, + which ought to ring in the mountains, accordin' to rule in such + sarcumstances, is silent!” + </p> + <p> + “Justice may have alighted on him, and his death have saved the lives of + the innocent.” + </p> + <p> + “Not it—not it—the Sarpent is not the one to suffer if that's + to be the law. Sartainly there has been no onset, and 'tis most likely + that the camp's deserted, and the men are comin' back disapp'inted. That + accounts for the growls of Hurry and the silence of the Sarpent.” + </p> + <p> + Just at this instant a fall of a paddle was heard in the canoe, for + vexation made March reckless. Deerslayer felt convinced that his + conjecture was true. The sail being down, the ark had not drifted far; and + ere many minutes he heard Chingachgook, in a low, quiet tone, directing + Hutter how to steer in order to reach it. In less time than it takes to + tell the fact, the canoe touched the scow, and the adventurers entered the + latter. Neither Hutter nor Hurry spoke of what had occurred. But the + Delaware, in passing his friend, merely uttered the words “fire's out,” + which, if not literally true, sufficiently explained the truth to his + listener. + </p> + <p> + It was now a question as to the course to be steered. A short surly + conference was held, when Hutter decided that the wisest way would be to + keep in motion as the means most likely to defeat any attempt at a + surprise—announcing his own and March's intention to requite + themselves for the loss of sleep during their captivity, by lying down. As + the air still baffled and continued light, it was finally determined to + sail before it, let it come in what direction it might, so long as it did + not blow the ark upon the strand. This point settled, the released + prisoners helped to hoist the sail, and they threw themselves upon two of + the pallets, leaving Deerslayer and his friend to look after the movements + of the craft. As neither of the latter was disposed to sleep, on account + of the appointment with Hist, this arrangement was acceptable to all + parties. That Judith and Hetty remained up also, in no manner impaired the + agreeable features of this change. + </p> + <p> + For some time the scow rather drifted than sailed along the western shore, + following a light southerly current of the air. The progress was slow—not + exceeding a couple of miles in the hour—but the two men perceived + that it was not only carrying them towards the point they desired to + reach, but at a rate that was quite as fast as the hour yet rendered + necessary. But little more was said the while even by the girls; and that + little had more reference to the rescue of Hist than to any other subject. + The Indian was calm to the eye, but as minute after minute passed, his + feelings became more and more excited, until they reached a state that + might have satisfied the demands of even the most exacting mistress. + Deerslayer kept the craft as much in the bays as was prudent, for the + double purpose of sailing within the shadows of the woods, and of + detecting any signs of an encampment they might pass on the shore. In this + manner they doubled one low point, and were already in the bay that was + terminated north by the goal at which they aimed. The latter was still a + quarter of a mile distant, when Chingachgook came silently to the side of + his friend and pointed to a place directly ahead. A small fire was + glimmering just within the verge of the bushes that lined the shore on the + southern side of the point—leaving no doubt that the Indians had + suddenly removed their camp to the very place, or at least the very + projection of land where Hist had given them the rendezvous! + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XVI + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “I hear thee babbling to the vale + Of sunshine and of flowers, + But unto me thou bring'st a tale + Of visionary hours.” + + Wordsworth. +</pre> + <p> + One discovery mentioned at the close of the preceding chapter was of great + moment in the eyes of Deerslayer and his friend. In the first place, there + was the danger, almost the certainty, that Hutter and Hurry would make a + fresh attempt on this camp, should they awake and ascertain its position. + Then there was the increased risk of landing to bring off Hist; and there + were the general uncertainty and additional hazards that must follow from + the circumstance that their enemies had begun to change their positions. + As the Delaware was aware that the hour was near when he ought to repair + to the rendezvous, he no longer thought of trophies torn from his foes, + and one of the first things arranged between him and his associate was to + permit the two others to sleep on, lest they should disturb the execution + of their plans by substituting some of their own. The ark moved slowly, + and it would have taken fully a quarter of an hour to reach the point, at + the rate at which they were going, thus affording time for a little + forethought. The Indians, in the wish to conceal their fire from those who + were thought to be still in the castle, had placed it so near the southern + side of the point as to render it extremely difficult to shut it in by the + bushes, though Deerslayer varied the direction of the scow both to the + right and to the left, in the hope of being able to effect that object. + </p> + <p> + “There's one advantage, Judith, in finding that fire so near the water,” + he said, while executing these little manoeuvres, “since it shows the + Mingos believe we are in the hut, and our coming on 'em from this quarter + will be an unlooked for event. But it's lucky Harry March and your father + are asleep, else we should have 'em prowling after scalps ag'in. Ha! there—the + bushes are beginning to shut in the fire—and now it can't be seen at + all!” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer waited a little to make certain that he had at last gained the + desired position, when he gave the signal agreed on, and Chingachgook let + go the grapnel and lowered the sail. + </p> + <p> + The situation in which the ark now lay had its advantages and its + disadvantages. The fire had been hid by sheering towards the shore, and + the latter was nearer, perhaps, than was desirable. Still, the water was + known to be very deep further off in the lake, and anchoring in deep + water, under the circumstances in which the party was placed, was to be + avoided, if possible. It was also believed no raft could be within miles; + and though the trees in the darkness appeared almost to overhang the scow, + it would not be easy to get off to her without using a boat. The intense + darkness that prevailed so close in with the forest, too, served as an + effectual screen, and so long as care was had not to make a noise, there + was little or no danger of being detected. All these things Deerslayer + pointed out to Judith, instructing her as to the course she was to follow + in the event of an alarm; for it was thought to the last degree + inexpedient to arouse the sleepers, unless it might be in the greatest + emergency. + </p> + <p> + “And now, Judith, as we understand one another, it is time the Sarpent and + I had taken to the canoe,” the hunter concluded. “The star has not risen + yet, it's true, but it soon must, though none of us are likely to be any + the wiser for it to-night, on account of the clouds. Howsever, Hist has a + ready mind, and she's one of them that doesn't always need to have a thing + afore her, to see it. I'll warrant you she'll not be either two minutes or + two feet out of the way, unless them jealous vagabonds, the Mingos, have + taken the alarm, and put her as a stool-pigeon to catch us, or have hid + her away, in order to prepare her mind for a Huron instead of a Mohican + husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Deerslayer,” interrupted the girl, earnestly; “this is a most dangerous + service; why do you go on it, at all?” + </p> + <p> + “Anan!—Why you know, gal, we go to bring off Hist, the Sarpent's + betrothed—the maid he means to marry, as soon as we get back to the + tribe.” + </p> + <p> + “That is all right for the Indian—but you do not mean to marry Hist—you + are not betrothed, and why should two risk their lives and liberties, to + do that which one can just as well perform?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah—now I understand you, Judith—yes, now I begin to take the + idee. You think as Hist is the Sarpent's betrothed, as they call it, and + not mine, it's altogether his affair; and as one man can paddle a canoe he + ought to be left to go after his gal alone! But you forget this is our + ar'n'd here on the lake, and it would not tell well to forget an ar'n'd + just as the pinch came. Then, if love does count for so much with some + people, particularly with young women, fri'ndship counts for something, + too, with other some. I dares to say, the Delaware can paddle a canoe by + himself, and can bring off Hist by himself, and perhaps he would like that + quite as well, as to have me with him; but he couldn't sarcumvent + sarcumventions, or stir up an ambushment, or fight with the savages, and + get his sweetheart at the same time, as well by himself as if he had a + fri'nd with him to depend on, even if that fri'nd is no better than + myself. No—no—Judith, you wouldn't desert one that counted on + you, at such a moment, and you can't, in reason, expect me to do it.” + </p> + <p> + “I fear—I believe you are right, Deerslayer, and yet I wish you were + not to go! Promise me one thing, at least, and that is, not to trust + yourself among the savages, or to do anything more than to save the girl. + That will be enough for once, and with that you ought to be satisfied.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord bless you! gal; one would think it was Hetty that's talking, and not + the quick-witted and wonderful Judith Hutter! But fright makes the wise + silly, and the strong weak. Yes, I've seen proofs of that, time and ag'in! + Well, it's kind and softhearted in you, Judith, to feel this consarn for a + fellow creatur', and I shall always say that you are kind and of true + feelings, let them that envy your good looks tell as many idle stories of + you as they may.” + </p> + <p> + “Deerslayer!” hastily said the girl, interrupting him, though nearly + choked by her own emotions; “do you believe all you hear about a poor, + motherless girl? Is the foul tongue of Hurry Harry to blast my life?” + </p> + <p> + “Not it, Judith—not it. I've told Hurry it wasn't manful to backbite + them he couldn't win by fair means; and that even an Indian is always + tender, touching a young woman's good name.” + </p> + <p> + “If I had a brother, he wouldn't dare to do it!” exclaimed Judith, with + eyes flashing fire. “But, finding me without any protector but an old man, + whose ears are getting to be as dull as his feelings, he has his way as he + pleases!” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly that, Judith; no, not exactly that, neither! No man, brother + or stranger, would stand by and see as fair a gal as yourself hunted down, + without saying a word in her behalf. Hurry's in 'arnest in wanting to make + you his wife, and the little he does let out ag'in you, comes more from + jealousy, like, than from any thing else. Smile on him when he awakes, and + squeeze his hand only half as hard as you squeezed mine a bit ago, and my + life on it, the poor fellow will forget every thing but your comeliness. + Hot words don't always come from the heart, but oftener from the stomach + than anywhere else. Try him, Judith, when he awakes, and see the virtue of + a smile.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer laughed, in his own manner, as he concluded, and then he + intimated to the patient-looking, but really impatient Chingachgook, his + readiness to proceed. As the young man entered the canoe, the girl stood + immovable as stone, lost in the musings that the language and manner of + the other were likely to produce. The simplicity of the hunter had + completely put her at fault; for, in her narrow sphere, Judith was an + expert manager of the other sex; though in the present instance she was + far more actuated by impulses, in all she had said and done, than by + calculation. We shall not deny that some of Judith's reflections were + bitter, though the sequel of the tale must be referred to, in order to + explain how merited, or how keen were her sufferings. + </p> + <p> + Chingachgook and his pale-face friend set forth on their hazardous and + delicate enterprise, with a coolness and method that would have done + credit to men who were on their twentieth, instead of being on their + first, war-path. As suited his relation to the pretty fugitive, in whose + service they were engaged, the Indian took his place in the head of the + canoe; while Deerslayer guided its movements in the stern. By this + arrangement, the former would be the first to land, and of course, the + first to meet his mistress. The latter had taken his post without comment, + but in secret influenced by the reflection that one who had so much at + stake as the Indian, might not possibly guide the canoe with the same + steadiness and intelligence, as another who had more command of his + feelings. From the instant they left the side of the ark, the movements of + the two adventurers were like the manoeuvres of highly-drilled soldiers, + who, for the first time were called on to meet the enemy in the field. As + yet, Chingachgook had never fired a shot in anger, and the debut of his + companion in warfare is known to the reader. It is true, the Indian had + been hanging about his enemy's camp for a few hours, on his first arrival, + and he had even once entered it, as related in the last chapter, but no + consequences had followed either experiment. Now, it was certain that an + important result was to be effected, or a mortifying failure was to ensue. + The rescue, or the continued captivity of Hist, depended on the + enterprise. In a word, it was virtually the maiden expedition of these two + ambitious young forest soldiers; and while one of them set forth impelled + by sentiments that usually carry men so far, both had all their feelings + of pride and manhood enlisted in their success. + </p> + <p> + Instead of steering in a direct line to the point, then distant from the + ark less than a quarter of a mile, Deerslayer laid the head of his canoe + diagonally towards the centre of the lake, with a view to obtain a + position from which he might approach the shore, having his enemies in his + front only. The spot where Hetty had landed, and where Hist had promised + to meet them, moreover, was on the upper side of the projection rather + than on the lower; and to reach it would have required the two adventurers + to double nearly the whole point, close in with the shore, had not this + preliminary step been taken. So well was the necessity for this measure + understood, that Chingachgook quietly paddled on, although it was adopted + without consulting him, and apparently was taking him in a direction + nearly opposite to that one might think he most wished to go. A few + minutes sufficed, however, to carry the canoe the necessary distance, when + both the young men ceased paddling as it were by instinctive consent, and + the boat became stationary. The darkness increased rather than diminished, + but it was still possible, from the place where the adventurers lay, to + distinguish the outlines of the mountains. In vain did the Delaware turn + his head eastward, to catch a glimpse of the promised star; for, + notwithstanding the clouds broke a little near the horizon in that quarter + of the heavens, the curtain continued so far drawn as effectually to + conceal all behind it. In front, as was known by the formation of land + above and behind it, lay the point, at the distance of about a thousand + feet. No signs of the castle could be seen, nor could any movement in that + quarter of the lake reach the ear. The latter circumstance might have been + equally owing to the distance, which was several miles, or to the fact + that nothing was in motion. As for the ark, though scarcely farther from + the canoe than the point, it lay so completely buried in the shadows of + the shore, that it would not have been visible even had there been many + degrees more of light than actually existed. + </p> + <p> + The adventurers now held a conference in low voices, consulting together + as to the probable time. Deerslayer thought it wanted yet some minutes to + the rising of the star, while the impatience of the chief caused him to + fancy the night further advanced, and to believe that his betrothed was + already waiting his appearance on the shore. As might have been expected, + the opinion of the latter prevailed, and his friend disposed himself to + steer for the place of rendezvous. The utmost skill and precaution now + became necessary in the management of the canoe. The paddles were lifted + and returned to the water in a noiseless manner; and when within a hundred + yards of the beach, Chingachgook took in his, altogether laying his hand + on his rifle in its stead. As they got still more within the belt of + darkness that girded the woods, it was seen that they were steering too + far north, and the course was altered accordingly. The canoe now seemed to + move by instinct, so cautious and deliberate were all its motions. Still + it continued to advance, until its bows grated on the gravel of the beach, + at the precise spot where Hetty had landed, and whence her voice had + issued, the previous night, as the ark was passing. There was, as usual, a + narrow strand, but bushes fringed the woods, and in most places overhung + the water. + </p> + <p> + Chingachgook stepped upon the beach, and cautiously examined it for some + distance on each side of the canoe. In order to do this, he was often + obliged to wade to his knees in the lake, but no Hist rewarded his search. + When he returned, he found his friend also on the shore. They next + conferred in whispers, the Indian apprehending that they must have + mistaken the place of rendezvous. But Deerslayer thought it was probable + they had mistaken the hour. While he was yet speaking, he grasped the arm + of the Delaware, caused him to turn his head in the direction of the lake, + and pointed towards the summits of the eastern mountains. The clouds had + broken a little, apparently behind rather than above the hills, and the + evening star was glittering among the branches of a pine. This was every + way a flattering omen, and the young men leaned on their rifles, listening + intently for the sound of approaching footsteps. Voices they often heard, + and mingled with them were the suppressed cries of children, and the low + but sweet laugh of Indian women. As the native Americans are habitually + cautious, and seldom break out in loud conversation, the adventurers knew + by these facts that they must be very near the encampment. It was easy to + perceive that there was a fire within the woods, by the manner in which + some of the upper branches of the trees were illuminated, but it was not + possible, where they stood, to ascertain exactly how near it was to + themselves. Once or twice, it seemed as if stragglers from around the fire + were approaching the place of rendezvous; but these sounds were either + altogether illusion, or those who had drawn near returned again without + coming to the shore. A quarter of an hour was passed in this state of + intense expectation and anxiety, when Deerslayer proposed that they should + circle the point in the canoe; and by getting a position close in, where + the camp could be seen, reconnoitre the Indians, and thus enable + themselves to form some plausible conjectures for the non-appearance of + Hist. The Delaware, however, resolutely refused to quit the spot, + reasonably enough offering as a reason the disappointment of the girl, + should she arrive in his absence. Deerslayer felt for his friend's + concern, and offered to make the circuit of the point by himself, leaving + the latter concealed in the bushes to await the occurrence of any + fortunate event that might favour his views. With this understanding, + then, the parties separated. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Deerslayer was at his post again, in the stern of the canoe, he + left the shore with the same precautions, and in the same noiseless + manner, as he had approached it. On this occasion he did not go far from + the land, the bushes affording a sufficient cover, by keeping as close in + as possible. Indeed, it would not have been easy to devise any means more + favourable to reconnoitering round an Indian camp, than those afforded by + the actual state of things. The formation of the point permitted the place + to be circled on three of its sides, and the progress of the boat was so + noiseless as to remove any apprehensions from an alarm through sound. The + most practised and guarded foot might stir a bunch of leaves, or snap a + dried stick in the dark, but a bark canoe could be made to float over the + surface of smooth water, almost with the instinctive readiness, and + certainly with the noiseless movements of an aquatic bird. + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer had got nearly in a line between the camp and the ark before he + caught a glimpse of the fire. This came upon him suddenly, and a little + unexpectedly, at first causing an alarm, lest he had incautiously ventured + within the circle of light it cast. But perceiving at a second glance that + he was certainly safe from detection, so long as the Indians kept near the + centre of the illumination, he brought the canoe to a state of rest in the + most favourable position he could find, and commenced his observations. + </p> + <p> + We have written much, but in vain, concerning this extraordinary being, if + the reader requires now to be told, that, untutored as he was in the + learning of the world, and simple as he ever showed himself to be in all + matters touching the subtleties of conventional taste, he was a man of + strong, native, poetical feeling. He loved the woods for their freshness, + their sublime solitudes, their vastness, and the impress that they + everywhere bore of the divine hand of their creator. He seldom moved + through them, without pausing to dwell on some peculiar beauty that gave + him pleasure, though seldom attempting to investigate the causes; and + never did a day pass without his communing in spirit, and this, too, + without the aid of forms or language, with the infinite source of all he + saw, felt, and beheld. Thus constituted, in a moral sense, and of a + steadiness that no danger could appall, or any crisis disturb, it is not + surprising that the hunter felt a pleasure at looking on the scene he now + beheld, that momentarily caused him to forget the object of his visit. + This will more fully appear when we describe it. + </p> + <p> + The canoe lay in front of a natural vista, not only through the bushes + that lined the shore, but of the trees also, that afforded a clear view of + the camp. It was by means of this same opening that the light had been + first seen from the ark. In consequence of their recent change of ground, + the Indians had not yet retired to their huts, but had been delayed by + their preparations, which included lodging as well as food. A large fire + had been made, as much to answer the purpose of torches as for the use of + their simple cookery; and at this precise moment it was blazing high and + bright, having recently received a large supply of dried brush. The effect + was to illuminate the arches of the forest, and to render the whole area + occupied by the camp as light as if hundreds of tapers were burning. Most + of the toil had ceased, and even the hungriest child had satisfied its + appetite. In a word, the time was that moment of relaxation and general + indolence which is apt to succeed a hearty meal, and when the labours of + the day have ended. The hunters and the fishermen had been totally + successful; and food, that one great requisite of savage life, being + abundant, every other care appeared to have subsided in the sense of + enjoyment dependent on this all-important fact. + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer saw at a glance that many of the warriors were absent. His + acquaintance Rivenoak, however, was present, being seated in the + foreground of a picture that Salvator Rosa would have delighted to draw, + his swarthy features illuminated as much by pleasure as by the torchlike + flame, while he showed another of the tribe one of the elephants that had + caused so much sensation among his people. A boy was looking over his + shoulder, in dull curiosity, completing the group. More in the background + eight or ten warriors lay half recumbent on the ground, or sat with their + backs reclining against trees, so many types of indolent repose. Their + arms were near them all, sometimes leaning against the same trees as + themselves, or were lying across their bodies in careless preparation. But + the group that most attracted the attention of Deerslayer was that + composed of the women and children. All the females appeared to be + collected together, and, almost as a matter of course, their young were + near them. The former laughed and chatted in their rebuked and quiet + manner, though one who knew the habits of the people might have detected + that everything was not going on in its usual train. Most of the young + women seemed to be light-hearted enough; but one old hag was seated apart + with a watchful soured aspect, which the hunter at once knew betokened + that some duty of an unpleasant character had been assigned her by the + chiefs. What that duty was, he had no means of knowing; but he felt + satisfied it must be in some measure connected with her own sex, the aged + among the women generally being chosen for such offices and no other. + </p> + <p> + As a matter of course, Deerslayer looked eagerly and anxiously for the + form of Hist. She was nowhere visible though the light penetrated to + considerable distances in all directions around the fire. Once or twice he + started, as he thought he recognized her laugh; but his ears were deceived + by the soft melody that is so common to the Indian female voice. At length + the old woman spoke loud and angrily, and then he caught a glimpse of one + or two dark figures in the background of trees, which turned as if + obedient to the rebuke, and walked more within the circle of the light. A + young warrior's form first came fairly into view; then followed two + youthful females, one of whom proved to be the Delaware girl. Deerslayer + now comprehended it all. Hist was watched, possibly by her young + companion, certainly by the old woman. The youth was probably some suitor + of either her or her companion; but even his discretion was distrusted + under the influence of his admiration. The known vicinity of those who + might be supposed to be her friends, and the arrival of a strange red man + on the lake had induced more than the usual care, and the girl had not + been able to slip away from those who watched her in order to keep her + appointment. Deerslayer traced her uneasiness by her attempting once or + twice to look up through the branches of the trees, as if endeavouring to + get glimpses of the star she had herself named as the sign for meeting. + All was vain, however, and after strolling about the camp a little longer, + in affected indifference, the two girls quitted their male escort, and + took seats among their own sex. As soon as this was done, the old sentinel + changed her place to one more agreeable to herself, a certain proof that + she had hitherto been exclusively on watch. + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer now felt greatly at a loss how to proceed. He well knew that + Chingachgook could never be persuaded to return to the ark without making + some desperate effort for the recovery of his mistress, and his own + generous feelings well disposed him to aid in such an undertaking. He + thought he saw the signs of an intention among the females to retire for + the night; and should he remain, and the fire continue to give out its + light, he might discover the particular hut or arbour under which Hist + reposed; a circumstance that would be of infinite use in their future + proceedings. Should he remain, however, much longer where he was, there + was great danger that the impatience of his friend would drive him into + some act of imprudence. At each instant, indeed, he expected to see the + swarthy form of the Delaware appearing in the background, like the tiger + prowling around the fold. Taking all things into consideration, therefore, + he came to the conclusion it would be better to rejoin his friend, and + endeavour to temper his impetuosity by some of his own coolness and + discretion. It required but a minute or two to put this plan in execution, + the canoe returning to the strand some ten or fifteen minutes after it had + left it. + </p> + <p> + Contrary to his expectations, perhaps, Deerslayer found the Indian at his + post, from which he had not stirred, fearful that his betrothed might + arrive during his absence. A conference followed, in which Chingachgook + was made acquainted with the state of things in the camp. When Hist named + the point as the place of meeting, it was with the expectation of making + her escape from the old position, and of repairing to a spot that she + expected to find without any occupants; but the sudden change of + localities had disconcerted all her plans. A much greater degree of + vigilance than had been previously required was now necessary; and the + circumstance that an aged woman was on watch also denoted some special + grounds of alarm. All these considerations, and many more that will + readily suggest themselves to the reader, were briefly discussed before + the young men came to any decision. The occasion, however, being one that + required acts instead of words, the course to be pursued was soon chosen. + </p> + <p> + Disposing of the canoe in such a manner that Hist must see it, should she + come to the place of meeting previously to their return, the young men + looked to their arms and prepared to enter the wood. The whole projection + into the lake contained about two acres of land; and the part that formed + the point, and on which the camp was placed, did not compose a surface of + more than half that size. It was principally covered with oaks, which, as + is usual in the American forests, grew to a great height without throwing + out a branch, and then arched in a dense and rich foliage. Beneath, except + the fringe of thick bushes along the shore, there was very little + underbrush; though, in consequence of their shape, the trees were closer + together than is common in regions where the axe has been freely used, + resembling tall, straight, rustic columns, upholding the usual canopy of + leaves. The surface of the land was tolerably even, but it had a small + rise near its centre, which divided it into a northern and southern half. + On the latter, the Hurons had built their fire, profiting by the formation + to conceal it from their enemies, who, it will be remembered, were + supposed to be in the castle, which bore northerly. A brook also came + brawling down the sides of the adjacent hills, and found its way into the + lake on the southern side of the point. It had cut for itself a deep + passage through some of the higher portions of the ground, and, in later + days, when this spot has become subjected to the uses of civilization, by + its windings and shaded banks, it has become no mean accessory in + contributing to the beauty of the place. This brook lay west of the + encampment, and its waters found their way into the great reservoir of + that region on the same side, and quite near to the spot chosen for the + fire. All these peculiarities, so far as circumstances allowed, had been + noted by Deerslayer, and explained to his friend. + </p> + <p> + The reader will understand that the little rise in the ground, that lay + behind the Indian encampment, greatly favoured the secret advance of the + two adventurers. It prevented the light of the fire diffusing itself on + the ground directly in the rear, although the land fell away towards the + water, so as to leave what might be termed the left, or eastern flank of + the position unprotected by this covering. We have said unprotected, + though that is not properly the word, since the knoll behind the huts and + the fire offered a cover for those who were now stealthily approaching, + rather than any protection to the Indians. Deerslayer did not break + through the fringe of bushes immediately abreast of the canoe, which might + have brought him too suddenly within the influence of the light, since the + hillock did not extend to the water; but he followed the beach northerly + until he had got nearly on the opposite side of the tongue of land, which + brought him under the shelter of the low acclivity, and consequently more + in the shadow. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the friends emerged from the bushes, they stopped to + reconnoitre. The fire was still blazing behind the little ridge, casting + its light upward into the tops of the trees, producing an effect that was + more pleasing than advantageous. Still the glare had its uses; for, while + the background was in obscurity, the foreground was in strong light; + exposing the savages and concealing their foes. Profiting by the latter + circumstance, the young men advanced cautiously towards the ridge, + Deerslayer in front, for he insisted on this arrangement, lest the + Delaware should be led by his feelings into some indiscretion. It required + but a moment to reach the foot of the little ascent, and then commenced + the most critical part of the enterprise. Moving with exceeding caution, + and trailing his rifle, both to keep its barrel out of view, and in + readiness for service, the hunter put foot before foot, until he had got + sufficiently high to overlook the summit, his own head being alone brought + into the light. Chingachgook was at his side and both paused to take + another close examination of the camp. In order, however, to protect + themselves against any straggler in the rear, they placed their bodies + against the trunk of an oak, standing on the side next the fire. + </p> + <p> + The view that Deerslayer now obtained of the camp was exactly the reverse + of that he had perceived from the water. The dim figures which he had + formerly discovered must have been on the summit of the ridge, a few feet + in advance of the spot where he was now posted. The fire was still blazing + brightly, and around it were seated on logs thirteen warriors, which + accounted for all whom he had seen from the canoe. They were conversing, + with much earnestness among themselves, the image of the elephant passing + from hand to hand. The first burst of savage wonder had abated, and the + question now under discussion was the probable existence, the history and + the habits of so extraordinary an animal. We have not leisure to record + the opinions of these rude men on a subject so consonant to their lives + and experience; but little is hazarded in saying that they were quite as + plausible, and far more ingenious, than half the conjectures that precede + the demonstrations of science. However much they may have been at fault as + to their conclusions and inferences, it is certain that they discussed the + questions with a zealous and most undivided attention. For the time being + all else was forgotten, and our adventurers could not have approached at a + more fortunate instant. + </p> + <p> + The females were collected near each other, much as Deerslayer had last + seen them, nearly in a line between the place where he now stood and the + fire. The distance from the oak against which the young men leaned and the + warriors was about thirty yards; the women may have been half that number + of yards nigher. The latter, indeed, were so near as to make the utmost + circumspection, as to motion and noise, indispensable. Although they + conversed in their low, soft voices it was possible, in the profound + stillness of the woods, even to catch passages of the discourse; and the + light-hearted laugh that escaped the girls might occasionally have reached + the canoe. Deerslayer felt the tremolo that passed through the frame of + his friend when the latter first caught the sweet sounds that issued from + the plump, pretty lips of Hist. He even laid a hand on the shoulder of the + Indian, as a sort of admonition to command himself. As the conversation + grew more earnest, each leaned forward to listen. + </p> + <p> + “The Hurons have more curious beasts than that,” said one of the girls, + contemptuously, for, like the men, they conversed of the elephant and his + qualities. “The Delawares will think this creature wonderful, but + to-morrow no Huron tongue will talk of it. Our young men will find him if + the animals dare to come near our wigwams!” + </p> + <p> + This was, in fact, addressed to Wah-ta-Wah, though she who spoke uttered + her words with an assumed diffidence and humility that prevented her + looking at the other. + </p> + <p> + “The Delawares are so far from letting such creatures come into their + country,” returned Hist, “that no one has even seen their images there! + Their young men would frighten away the images as well as the beasts.” + </p> + <p> + “The Delaware young men!—the nation is women—even the deer + walk when they hear their hunters coming! Who has ever heard the name of a + young Delaware warrior?” + </p> + <p> + This was said in good-humour, and with a laugh; but it was also said + bitingly. That Hist so felt it, was apparent by the spirit betrayed in her + answer. + </p> + <p> + “Who has ever heard the name of a young Delaware?” she repeated earnestly. + “Tamenund, himself, though now as old as the pines on the hill, or as the + eagles in the air, was once young; his name was heard from the great salt + lake to the sweet waters of the west. What is the family of Uncas? Where + is another as great, though the pale-faces have ploughed up its grates, + and trodden on its bones? Do the eagles fly as high, is the deer as swift + or the panther as brave? Is there no young warrior of that race? Let the + Huron maidens open their eyes wider, and they may see one called + Chingachgook, who is as stately as a young ash, and as tough as the + hickory.” + </p> + <p> + As the girl used her figurative language and told her companions to “open + their eyes, and they would see” the Delaware, Deerslayer thrust his + fingers into the sides of his friend, and indulged in a fit of his hearty, + benevolent laughter. The other smiled; but the language of the speaker was + too flattering, and the tones of her voice too sweet for him to be led + away by any accidental coincidence, however ludicrous. The speech of Hist + produced a retort, and the dispute, though conducted in good-humour, and + without any of the coarse violence of tone and gesture that often impairs + the charms of the sex in what is called civilized life, grew warm and + slightly clamorous. In the midst of this scene, the Delaware caused his + friend to stoop, so as completely to conceal himself, and then he made a + noise so closely resembling the little chirrup of the smallest species of + the American squirrel, that Deerslayer himself, though he had heard the + imitation a hundred times, actually thought it came from one of the little + animals skipping about over his head. The sound is so familiar in the + woods, that none of the Hurons paid it the least attention. Hist, however, + instantly ceased talking, and sat motionless. Still she had sufficient + self-command to abstain from turning her head. She had heard the signal by + which her lover so often called her from the wigwam to the stolen + interview, and it came over her senses and her heart, as the serenade + affects the maiden in the land of song. + </p> + <p> + From that moment, Chingachgook felt certain that his presence was known. + This was effecting much, and he could now hope for a bolder line of + conduct on the part of his mistress than she might dare to adopt under an + uncertainty of his situation. It left no doubt of her endeavouring to aid + him in his effort to release her. Deerslayer arose as soon as the signal + was given, and though he had never held that sweet communion which is + known only to lovers, he was not slow to detect the great change that had + come over the manner of the girl. She still affected to dispute, though it + was no longer with spirit and ingenuity, but what she said was uttered + more as a lure to draw her antagonists on to an easy conquest, than with + any hopes of succeeding herself. Once or twice, it is true, her native + readiness suggested a retort, or an argument that raised a laugh, and gave + her a momentary advantage; but these little sallies, the offspring of + mother-wit, served the better to conceal her real feelings, and to give to + the triumph of the other party a more natural air than it might have + possessed without them. At length the disputants became wearied, and they + rose in a body as if about to separate. It was now that Hist, for the + first time, ventured to turn her face in the direction whence the signal + had come. In doing this, her movements were natural, but guarded, and she + stretched her arm and yawned, as if overcome with a desire to sleep. The + chirrup was again heard, and the girl felt satisfied as to the position of + her lover, though the strong light in which she herself was placed, and + the comparative darkness in which the adventurers stood, prevented her + from seeing their heads, the only portions of their forms that appeared + above the ridge at all. The tree against which they were posted had a dark + shadow cast upon it by the intervention of an enormous pine that grew + between it and the fire, a circumstance which alone would have rendered + objects within its cloud invisible at any distance. This Deerslayer well + knew, and it was one of the reasons why he had selected this particular + tree. + </p> + <p> + The moment was near when it became necessary for Hist to act. She was to + sleep in a small hut, or bower, that had been built near where she stood, + and her companion was the aged hag already mentioned. Once within the hut, + with this sleepless old woman stretched across the entrance, as was her + nightly practice, the hope of escape was nearly destroyed, and she might + at any moment be summoned to her bed. Luckily, at this instant one of the + warriors called to the old woman by name, and bade her bring him water to + drink. There was a delicious spring on the northern side of the point, and + the hag took a gourd from a branch and, summoning Hist to her side, she + moved towards the summit of the ridge, intending to descend and cross the + point to the natural fountain. All this was seen and understood by the + adventurers, and they fell back into the obscurity, concealing their + persons by trees, until the two females had passed them. In walking, Hist + was held tightly by the hand. As she moved by the tree that hid + Chingachgook and his friend the former felt for his tomahawk, with the + intention to bury it in the brain of the woman. But the other saw the + hazard of such a measure, since a single scream might bring all the + warriors upon them, and he was averse to the act on considerations of + humanity. His hand, therefore, prevented the blow. Still as the two moved + past, the chirrup was repeated, and the Huron woman stopped and faced the + tree whence the sounds seemed to proceed, standing, at the moment, within + six feet of her enemies. She expressed her surprise that a squirrel should + be in motion at so late an hour, and said it boded evil. Hist answered + that she had heard the same squirrel three times within the last twenty + minutes, and that she supposed it was waiting to obtain some of the crumbs + left from the late supper. This explanation appeared satisfactory, and + they moved towards the spring, the men following stealthily and closely. + The gourd was filled, and the old woman was hurrying back, her hand still + grasping the wrist of the girl, when she was suddenly seized so violently + by the throat as to cause her to release her captive, and to prevent her + making any other sound than a sort of gurgling, suffocating noise. The + Serpent passed his arm round the waist of his mistress and dashed through + the bushes with her, on the north side of the point. Here he immediately + turned along the beach and ran towards the canoe. A more direct course + could have been taken, but it might have led to a discovery of the place + of embarking. + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer kept playing on the throat of the old woman like the keys of an + organ, occasionally allowing her to breathe, and then compressing his + fingers again nearly to strangling. The brief intervals for breath, + however, were well improved, and the hag succeeded in letting out a + screech or two that served to alarm the camp. The tramp of the warriors, + as they sprang from the fire, was plainly audible, and at the next moment + three or four of them appeared on the top of the ridge, drawn against the + background of light, resembling the dim shadows of the phantasmagoria. It + was now quite time for the hunter to retreat. Tripping up the heels of his + captive, and giving her throat a parting squeeze, quite as much in + resentment at her indomitable efforts to sound the alarm as from any + policy, he left her on her back, and moved towards the bushes, his rifle + at a poise, and his head over his shoulders, like a lion at bay. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “There, ye wise saints, behold your light, your star, + Ye would be dupes and victims and ye are. + Is it enough? or, must I, while a thrill + Lives in your sapient bosoms, cheat you still?” + + Thomas Moore, Lalla Rookh, “The Veiled Prophet of Khorassan” + </pre> + <p> + The fire, the canoe, and the spring, near which Deerslayer commenced his + retreat, would have stood in the angles of a triangle of tolerably equal + sides. The distance from the fire to the boat was a little less than the + distance from the fire to the spring, while the distance from the spring + to the boat was about equal to that between the two points first named. + This, however, was in straight lines, a means of escape to which the + fugitives could not resort. They were obliged to have recourse to a detour + in order to get the cover of the bushes, and to follow the curvature of + the beach. Under these disadvantages, then, the hunter commenced his + retreat, disadvantages that he felt to be so much the greater from his + knowledge of the habits of all Indians, who rarely fail in cases of sudden + alarms, more especially when in the midst of cover, immediately to throw + out flankers, with a view to meet their foes at all points, and if + possible to turn their rear. That some such course was now adopted he + believed from the tramp of feet, which not only came up the ascent, as + related, but were also heard, under the first impulse, diverging not only + towards the hill in the rear, but towards the extremity of the point, in a + direction opposite to that he was about to take himself. Promptitude, + consequently became a matter of the last importance, as the parties might + meet on the strand, before the fugitive could reach the canoe. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the pressing nature of the emergency, Deerslayer hesitated + a single instant, ere he plunged into the bushes that lined the shore. His + feelings had been awakened by the whole scene, and a sternness of purpose + had come over him, to which he was ordinarily a stranger. Four dark + figures loomed on the ridge, drawn against the brightness of the fire, and + an enemy might have been sacrificed at a glance. The Indians had paused to + gaze into the gloom, in search of the screeching hag, and with many a man + less given to reflection than the hunter, the death of one of them would + have been certain. Luckily he was more prudent. Although the rifle dropped + a little towards the foremost of his pursuers, he did not aim or fire, but + disappeared in the cover. To gain the beach, and to follow it round to the + place where Chingachgook was already in the canoe, with Hist, anxiously + waiting his appearance, occupied but a moment. Laying his rifle in the + bottom of the canoe, Deerslayer stooped to give the latter a vigorous + shove from the shore, when a powerful Indian leaped through the bushes, + alighting like a panther on his back. Everything was now suspended by a + hair; a false step ruining all. With a generosity that would have rendered + a Roman illustrious throughout all time, but which, in the career of one + so simple and humble, would have been forever lost to the world but for + this unpretending legend, Deerslayer threw all his force into a desperate + effort, shoved the canoe off with a power that sent it a hundred feet from + the shore, as it might be in an instant, and fell forward into the lake, + himself, face downward; his assailant necessarily following him. + </p> + <p> + Although the water was deep within a few yards of the beach, it was not + more than breast high, as close in as the spot where the two combatants + fell. Still this was quite sufficient to destroy one who had sunk, under + the great disadvantages in which Deerslayer was placed. His hands were + free, however, and the savage was compelled to relinquish his hug, to keep + his own face above the surface. For half a minute there was a desperate + struggle, like the floundering of an alligator that has just seized some + powerful prey, and then both stood erect, grasping each other's arms, in + order to prevent the use of the deadly knife in the darkness. What might + have been the issue of this severe personal struggle cannot be known, for + half a dozen savages came leaping into the water to the aid of their + friend, and Deerslayer yielded himself a prisoner, with a dignity that was + as remarkable as his self-devotion. + </p> + <p> + To quit the lake and lead their new captive to the fire occupied the + Indians but another minute. So much engaged were they all with the + struggle and its consequences, that the canoe was unseen, though it still + lay so near the shore as to render every syllable that was uttered + perfectly intelligible to the Delaware and his betrothed; and the whole + party left the spot, some continuing the pursuit after Hist, along the + beach, though most proceeded to the light. Here Deerslayer's antagonist so + far recovered his breath and his recollection, for he had been throttled + nearly to strangulation, as to relate the manner in which the girl had got + off. It was now too late to assail the other fugitives, for no sooner was + his friend led into the bushes than the Delaware placed his paddle into + the water, and the light canoe glided noiselessly away, holding its course + towards the centre of the lake until safe from shot, after which it sought + the Ark. When Deerslayer reached the fire, he found himself surrounded by + no less than eight grim savages, among whom was his old acquaintance + Rivenoak. As soon as the latter caught a glimpse of the captive's + countenance, he spoke apart to his companions, and a low but general + exclamation of pleasure and surprise escaped them. They knew that the + conqueror of their late friend, he who had fallen on the opposite side of + the lake, was in their hands, and subject to their mercy, or vengeance. + There was no little admiration mingled in the ferocious looks that were + thrown on the prisoner; an admiration that was as much excited by his + present composure, as by his past deeds. This scene may be said to have + been the commencement of the great and terrible reputation that + Deerslayer, or Hawkeye, as he was afterwards called, enjoyed among all the + tribes of New York and Canada; a reputation that was certainly more + limited in its territorial and numerical extent, than those which are + possessed in civilized life, but which was compensated for what it wanted + in these particulars, perhaps, by its greater justice, and the total + absence of mystification and management. + </p> + <p> + The arms of Deerslayer were not pinioned, and he was left the free use of + his hands, his knife having been first removed. The only precaution that + was taken to secure his person was untiring watchfulness, and a strong + rope of bark that passed from ankle to ankle, not so much to prevent his + walking, as to place an obstacle in the way of his attempting to escape by + any sudden leap. Even this extra provision against flight was not made + until the captive had been brought to the light, and his character + ascertained. It was, in fact, a compliment to his prowess, and he felt + proud of the distinction. That he might be bound when the warriors slept + he thought probable, but to be bound in the moment of capture showed that + he was already, and thus early, attaining a name. While the young Indians + were fastening the rope, he wondered if Chingachgook would have been + treated in the same manner, had he too fallen into the hands of the enemy. + Nor did the reputation of the young pale-face rest altogether on his + success in the previous combat, or in his discriminating and cool manner + of managing the late negotiation, for it had received a great accession by + the occurrences of the night. Ignorant of the movements of the Ark, and of + the accident that had brought their fire into view, the Iroquois + attributed the discovery of their new camp to the vigilance of so shrewd a + foe. The manner in which he ventured upon the point, the abstraction or + escape of Hist, and most of all the self-devotion of the prisoner, united + to the readiness with which he had sent the canoe adrift, were so many + important links in the chain of facts, on which his growing fame was + founded. Many of these circumstances had been seen, some had been + explained, and all were understood. + </p> + <p> + While this admiration and these honors were so unreservedly bestowed on + Deerslayer, he did not escape some of the penalties of his situation. He + was permitted to seat himself on the end of a log, near the fire, in order + to dry his clothes, his late adversary standing opposite, now holding + articles of his own scanty vestments to the heat, and now feeling his + throat, on which the marks of his enemy's fingers were still quite + visible. The rest of the warriors consulted together, near at hand, all + those who had been out having returned to report that no signs of any + other prowlers near the camp were to be found. In this state of things, + the old woman, whose name was Shebear, in plain English, approached + Deerslayer, with her fists clenched and her eyes flashing fire. Hitherto, + she had been occupied with screaming, an employment at which she had + played her part with no small degree of success, but having succeeded in + effectually alarming all within reach of a pair of lungs that had been + strengthened by long practice, she next turned her attention to the + injuries her own person had sustained in the struggle. These were in no + manner material, though they were of a nature to arouse all the fury of a + woman who had long ceased to attract by means of the gentler qualities, + and who was much disposed to revenge the hardships she had so long + endured, as the neglected wife and mother of savages, on all who came + within her power. If Deerslayer had not permanently injured her, he had + temporarily caused her to suffer, and she was not a person to overlook a + wrong of this nature, on account of its motive. + </p> + <p> + “Skunk of the pale-faces,” commenced this exasperated and semi-poetic + fury, shaking her fist under the nose of the impassable hunter, “you are + not even a woman. Your friends the Delawares are only women, and you are + their sheep. Your own people will not own you, and no tribe of redmen + would have you in their wigwams; you skulk among petticoated warriors. You + slay our brave friend who has left us?—No—his great soul + scorned to fight you, and left his body rather than have the shame of + slaying you! But the blood that you spilt when the spirit was not looking + on, has not sunk into the ground. It must be buried in your groans. What + music do I hear? Those are not the wailings of a red man!—no red + warrior groans so much like a hog. They come from a pale-face throat—a + Yengeese bosom, and sound as pleasant as girls singing—Dog—skunk—woodchuck-mink—hedgehog—pig—toad—spider—yengee—” + </p> + <p> + Here the old woman, having expended her breath and exhausted her epithets, + was fain to pause a moment, though both her fists were shaken in the + prisoner's face, and the whole of her wrinkled countenance was filled with + fierce resentment. Deerslayer looked upon these impotent attempts to + arouse him as indifferently as a gentleman in our own state of society + regards the vituperative terms of a blackguard: the one party feeling that + the tongue of an old woman could never injure a warrior, and the other + knowing that mendacity and vulgarity can only permanently affect those who + resort to their use; but he was spared any further attack at present, by + the interposition of Rivenoak, who shoved aside the hag, bidding her quit + the spot, and prepared to take his seat at the side of his prisoner. The + old woman withdrew, but the hunter well understood that he was to be the + subject of all her means of annoyance, if not of positive injury, so long + as he remained in the power of his enemies, for nothing rankles so deeply + as the consciousness that an attempt to irritate has been met by contempt, + a feeling that is usually the most passive of any that is harbored in the + human breast. Rivenoak quietly took the seat we have mentioned, and, after + a short pause, he commenced a dialogue, which we translate as usual, for + the benefit of those readers who have not studied the North American + languages. + </p> + <p> + “My pale-face friend is very welcome,” said the Indian, with a familiar + nod, and a smile so covert that it required all Deerslayer's vigilance to + detect, and not a little of his philosophy to detect unmoved; “he is + welcome. The Hurons keep a hot fire to dry the white man's clothes by.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, Huron—or Mingo, as I most like to call you,” returned + the other, “I thank you for the welcome, and I thank you for the fire. + Each is good in its way, and the last is very good, when one has been in a + spring as cold as the Glimmerglass. Even Huron warmth may be pleasant, at + such a time, to a man with a Delaware heart.” + </p> + <p> + “The pale-face—but my brother has a name? So great a warrior would + not have lived without a name?” + </p> + <p> + “Mingo,” said the hunter, a little of the weakness of human nature + exhibiting itself in the glance of his eye, and the colour on his cheek—“Mingo, + your brave called me Hawkeye, I suppose on account of a quick and sartain + aim, when he was lying with his head in my lap, afore his spirit started + for the Happy Hunting Grounds.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis a good name! The hawk is sure of his blow. Hawkeye is not a woman; + why does he live with the Delawares?” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, Mingo, but we look on all that as a sarcumvention of + some of your subtle devils, and deny the charge. Providence placed me + among the Delawares young, and, 'bating what Christian usages demand of my + colour and gifts, I hope to live and die in their tribe. Still I do not + mean to throw away altogether my natyve rights, and shall strive to do a + pale-face's duty, in red-skin society.” + </p> + <p> + “Good; a Huron is a red-skin, as well as a Delaware. Hawkeye is more of a + Huron than of a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you know, Mingo, your own meaning; if you don't I make no + question 'tis well known to Satan. But if you wish to get any thing out of + me, speak plainer, for bargains can not be made blindfolded, or tongue + tied.” + </p> + <p> + “Good; Hawkeye has not a forked tongue, and he likes to say what he + thinks. He is an acquaintance of the Muskrat,” this was the name by which + all the Indians designated Hutter—“and has lived in his wigwam. But + he is not a friend. He wants no scalps, like a miserable Indian, but + fights like a stout-hearted pale-face. The Muskrat is neither white, nor + red. Neither a beast nor a fish. He is a water snake; sometimes in the + spring and sometimes on the land. He looks for scalps, like an outcast. + Hawkeye can go back and tell him how he has outwitted the Hurons, how he + has escaped, and when his eyes are in a fog, when he can't see as far as + from his cabin to the shore, then Hawkeye can open the door for the + Hurons. And how will the plunder be divided? Why, Hawkeye, will carry away + the most, and the Hurons will take what he may choose to leave behind him. + The scalps can go to Canada, for a pale-face has no satisfaction in them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, Rivenoak—for so I hear 'em tarm you—This is plain + English, enough, though spoken in Iroquois. I understand all you mean, + now, and must say it out-devils even Mingo deviltry! No doubt, 'twould be + easy enough to go back and tell the Muskrat that I had got away from you, + and gain some credit, too, by the expl'ite.” + </p> + <p> + “Good. That is what I want the pale-face to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—yes—That's plain enough. I know what you want me to do, + without more words. When inside the house, and eating the Muskrat's bread, + and laughing and talking with his pretty darters, I might put his eyes + into so thick a fog, that he couldn't even see the door, much less the + land.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! Hawkeye should have been born a Huron! His blood is not more than + half white!” + </p> + <p> + “There you're out, Huron; yes, there you're as much out, as if you mistook + a wolf for a catamount. I'm white in blood, heart, natur' and gifts, + though a little red-skin in feelin's and habits. But when old Hutter's + eyes are well befogged, and his pretty darters perhaps in a deep sleep, + and Hurry Harry, the Great Pine as you Indians tarm him, is dreaming of + any thing but mischief, and all suppose Hawkeye is acting as a faithful + sentinel, all I have to do is set a torch somewhere in sight for a signal, + open the door, and let in the Hurons, to knock 'em all on the head.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely my brother is mistaken. He cannot be white! He is worthy to be a + great chief among the Hurons!” + </p> + <p> + “That is true enough, I dares to say, if he could do all this. Now, + harkee, Huron, and for once hear a few honest words from the mouth of a + plain man. I am Christian born, and them that come of such a stock, and + that listen to the words that were spoken to their fathers and will be + spoken to their children, until 'arth and all it holds perishes, can never + lend themselves to such wickedness. Sarcumventions in war, may be, and + are, lawful; but sarcumventions, and deceit, and treachery among fri'inds + are fit only for the pale-face devils. I know that there are white men + enough to give you this wrong idee of our natur', but such be ontrue to + their blood and gifts, and ought to be, if they are not, outcasts and + vagabonds. No upright pale-face could do what you wish, and to be as plain + with you as I wish to be, in my judgment no upright Delaware either. With + a Mingo it may be different.” + </p> + <p> + The Huron listened to this rebuke with obvious disgust, but he had his + ends in view, and was too wily to lose all chance of effecting them by a + precipitate avowal of resentment. Affecting to smile, he seemed to listen + eagerly, and he then pondered on what he had heard. + </p> + <p> + “Does Hawkeye love the Muskrat?” he abruptly demanded; “Or does he love + his daughters?” + </p> + <p> + “Neither, Mingo. Old Tom is not a man to gain my love, and, as for the + darters, they are comely enough to gain the liking of any young man, but + there's reason ag'in any very great love for either. Hetty is a good soul, + but natur' has laid a heavy hand on her mind, poor thing.” + </p> + <p> + “And the Wild Rose!” exclaimed the Huron—for the fame of Judith's + beauty had spread among those who could travel the wilderness, as well as + the highway by means of old eagles' nests, rocks, and riven trees known to + them by report and tradition, as well as among the white borderers, “And + the Wild Rose; is she not sweet enough to be put in the bosom of my + brother?” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer had far too much of the innate gentleman to insinuate aught + against the fair fame of one who, by nature and position was so helpless, + and as he did not choose to utter an untruth, he preferred being silent. + The Huron mistook the motive, and supposed that disappointed affection lay + at the bottom of his reserve. Still bent on corrupting or bribing his + captive, in order to obtain possession of the treasures with which his + imagination filled the Castle, he persevered in his attack. + </p> + <p> + “Hawkeye is talking with a friend,” he continued. “He knows that Rivenoak + is a man of his word, for they have traded together, and trade opens the + soul. My friend has come here on account of a little string held by a + girl, that can pull the whole body of the sternest warrior?” + </p> + <p> + “You are nearer the truth, now, Huron, than you've been afore, since we + began to talk. This is true. But one end of that string was not fast to my + heart, nor did the Wild Rose hold the other.” + </p> + <p> + “This is wonderful! Does my brother love in his head, and not in his + heart? And can the Feeble Mind pull so hard against so stout a warrior?” + </p> + <p> + “There it is ag'in; sometimes right, and sometimes wrong! The string you + mean is fast to the heart of a great Delaware; one of Mohican stock in + fact, living among the Delawares since the disparsion of his own people, + and of the family of Uncas—Chingachgook by name, or Great Sarpent. + He has come here, led by the string, and I've followed, or rather come + afore, for I got here first, pulled by nothing stronger than fri'ndship; + which is strong enough for such as are not niggardly of their feelin's, + and are willing to live a little for their fellow creatur's, as well as + for themselves.” + </p> + <p> + “But a string has two ends—one is fast to the mind of a Mohican; and + the other?” + </p> + <p> + “Why the other was here close to the fire, half an hour since. Wah-ta-Wah + held it in her hand, if she didn't hold it to her heart.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand what you mean, my brother,” returned the Indian gravely, for + the first time catching a direct clue to the adventures of the evening. + “The Great Serpent, being strongest, pulled the hardest, and Hist was + forced to leave us.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think there was much pulling about it,” answered the other, + laughing, always in his silent manner, with as much heartiness as if he + were not a captive, and in danger of torture or death—“I don't think + there was much pulling about it; no I don't. Lord help you, Huron! He + likes the gal, and the gal likes him, and it surpassed Huron + sarcumventions to keep two young people apart, where there was so strong a + feelin' to bring 'em together.” + </p> + <p> + “And Hawkeye and Chingachgook came into our camp on this errand, only?” + </p> + <p> + “That's a question that'll answer itself, Mingo! Yes, if a question could + talk it would answer itself, to your parfect satisfaction. For what else + should we come? And yet, it isn't exactly so, neither; for we didn't come + into your camp at all, but only as far as that pine, there, that you see + on the other side of the ridge, where we stood watching your movements, + and conduct, as long as we liked. When we were ready, the Sarpent gave his + signal, and then all went just as it should, down to the moment when + yonder vagabond leaped upon my back. Sartain; we come for that, and for no + other purpose, and we got what we come for; there's no use in pretending + otherwise. Hist is off with a man who's the next thing to her husband, and + come what will to me, that's one good thing detarmined.” + </p> + <p> + “What sign, or signal, told the young maiden that her lover was nigh?” + asked the Huron with more curiosity than it was usual for him to betray. + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer laughed again, and seem'd to enjoy the success of the exploit, + with as much glee as if he had not been its victim. + </p> + <p> + “Your squirrels are great gadabouts, Mingo,” he cried still laughing—“yes, + they're sartainly great gadabouts! When other folk's squirrels are at home + and asleep, yourn keep in motion among the trees, and chirrup and sing, in + a way that even a Delaware gal can understand their musick! Well, there's + four legged squirrels, and there's two legged squirrels, and give me the + last, when there's a good tight string atween two hearts. If one brings + 'em together, t'other tells when to pull hardest!” + </p> + <p> + The Huron looked vexed, though he succeeded in suppressing any violent + exhibition of resentment. He now quitted his prisoner and, joining the + rest of the warriors, he communicated the substance of what he had + learned. As in his own case, admiration was mingled with anger at the + boldness and success of their enemies. Three or four of them ascended the + little acclivity and gazed at the tree where it was understood the + adventurers had posted themselves, and one even descended to it, and + examined for foot prints around its roots, in order to make sure that the + statement was true. The result confirmed the story of the captive, and + they all returned to the fire with increased wonder and respect. The + messenger who had arrived with some communication from the party above, + while the two adventurers were watching the camp, was now despatched with + some answer, and doubtless bore with him the intelligence of all that had + happened. + </p> + <p> + Down to this moment, the young Indian who had been seen walking in company + with Hist and another female had made no advances to any communication + with Deerslayer. He had held himself aloof from his friends, even, passing + near the bevy of younger women, who were clustering together, apart as + usual, and conversed in low tones on the subject of the escape of their + late companion. Perhaps it would be true to say that these last were + pleased as well as vexed at what had just occurred. Their female + sympathies were with the lovers, while their pride was bound up in the + success of their own tribe. It is possible, too, that the superior + personal advantages of Hist rendered her dangerous to some of the younger + part of the group, and they were not sorry to find she was no longer in + the way of their own ascendency. On the whole, however, the better feeling + was most prevalent, for neither the wild condition in which they lived, + the clannish prejudices of tribes, nor their hard fortunes as Indian + women, could entirely conquer the inextinguishable leaning of their sex to + the affections. One of the girls even laughed at the disconsolate look of + the swain who might fancy himself deserted, a circumstance that seemed + suddenly to arouse his energies, and induce him to move towards the log, + on which the prisoner was still seated, drying his clothes. + </p> + <p> + “This is Catamount!” said the Indian, striking his hand boastfully on his + naked breast, as he uttered the words in a manner to show how much weight + he expected them to carry. + </p> + <p> + “This is Hawkeye,” quietly returned Deerslayer, adopting the name by which + he knew he would be known in future, among all the tribes of the Iroquois. + “My sight is keen; is my brother's leap long?” + </p> + <p> + “From here to the Delaware villages. Hawkeye has stolen my wife; he must + bring her back, or his scalp will hang on a pole, and dry in my wigwam.” + </p> + <p> + “Hawkeye has stolen nothing, Huron. He doesn't come of a thieving breed, + nor has he thieving gifts. Your wife, as you call Wah-ta-Wah, will never + be the wife of any red-skin of the Canadas; her mind is in the cabin of a + Delaware, and her body has gone to find it. The catamount is actyve I + know, but its legs can't keep pace with a woman's wishes.” + </p> + <p> + “The Serpent of the Delawares is a dog—he is a poor bull trout that + keeps in the water; he is afraid to stand on the hard earth, like a brave + Indian!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, Huron, that's pretty impudent, considering it's not an hour + since the Sarpent stood within a hundred feet of you, and would have tried + the toughness of your skin with a rifle bullet, when I pointed you out to + him, hadn't I laid the weight of a little judgment on his hand. You may + take in timorsome gals in the settlements, with your catamount whine, but + the ears of a man can tell truth from ontruth.” + </p> + <p> + “Hist laughs at him! She sees he is lame, and a poor hunter, and he has + never been on a war path. She will take a man for a husband, and not a + fish.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that, Catamount? how do you know that?” returned + Deerslayer laughing. “She has gone into the lake, you see, and maybe she + prefars a trout to a mongrel cat. As for war paths, neither the Sarpent + nor I have much exper'ence, we are ready to own, but if you don't call + this one, you must tarm it, what the gals in the settlements tarm it, the + high road to matrimony. Take my advice, Catamount, and s'arch for a wife + among the Huron women; you'll never get one with a willing mind from among + the Delawares.” + </p> + <p> + Catamount's hand felt for his tomahawk, and when the fingers reached the + handle they worked convulsively, as if their owner hesitated between + policy and resentment. At this critical moment Rivenoak approached, and by + a gesture of authority, induced the young man to retire, assuming his + former position, himself, on the log at the side of Deerslayer. Here he + continued silent for a little time, maintaining the grave reserve of an + Indian chief. + </p> + <p> + “Hawkeye is right,” the Iroquois at length began; “his sight is so strong + that he can see truth in a dark night, and our eyes have been blinded. He + is an owl, darkness hiding nothing from him. He ought not to strike his + friends. He is right.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad you think so, Mingo,” returned the other, “for a traitor, in my + judgment, is worse than a coward. I care as little for the Muskrat, as one + pale-face ought to care for another, but I care too much for him to ambush + him in the way you wished. In short, according to my idees, any + sarcumventions, except open-war sarcumventions, are ag'in both law, and + what we whites call 'gospel', too.” + </p> + <p> + “My pale-face brother is right; he is no Indian, to forget his Manitou and + his colour. The Hurons know that they have a great warrior for their + prisoner, and they will treat him as one. If he is to be tortured, his + torments shall be such as no common man can bear; if he is to be treated + as a friend, it will be the friendship of chiefs.” + </p> + <p> + As the Huron uttered this extraordinary assurance of consideration, his + eye furtively glanced at the countenance of his listener, in order to + discover how he stood the compliment, though his gravity and apparent + sincerity would have prevented any man but one practised in artifices, + from detecting his motives. Deerslayer belonged to the class of the + unsuspicious, and acquainted with the Indian notions of what constitutes + respect, in matters connected with the treatment of captives, he felt his + blood chill at the announcement, even while he maintained an aspect so + steeled that his quick sighted enemy could discover in it no signs of + weakness. + </p> + <p> + “God has put me in your hands, Huron,” the captive at length answered, + “and I suppose you will act your will on me. I shall not boast of what I + can do, under torment, for I've never been tried, and no man can say till + he has been; but I'll do my endivours not to disgrace the people among + whom I got my training. Howsever, I wish you now to bear witness that I'm + altogether of white blood, and, in a nat'ral way of white gifts too; so, + should I be overcome and forget myself, I hope you'll lay the fault where + it properly belongs, and in no manner put it on the Delawares, or their + allies and friends the Mohicans. We're all created with more or less + weakness, and I'm afeard it's a pale-face's to give in under great bodily + torment, when a red-skin will sing his songs, and boast of his deeds in + the very teeth of his foes.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall see. Hawkeye has a good countenance, and he is tough—but + why should he be tormented, when the Hurons love him? He is not born their + enemy, and the death of one warrior will not cast a cloud between them + forever.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better, Huron; so much the better. Still I don't wish to owe + any thing to a mistake about each other's meaning. It is so much the + better that you bear no malice for the loss of a warrior who fell in war, + and yet it is ontrue that there is no inmity—lawful inmity I mean—atween + us. So far as I have red-skin feelin's at all, I've Delaware feelin's, and + I leave you to judge for yourself how far they are likely to be fri'ndly + to the Mingos—” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer ceased, for a sort of spectre stood before him, that put a stop + to his words, and, indeed, caused him for a moment to doubt the fidelity + of his boasted vision. Hetty Hutter was standing at the side of the fire + as quietly as if she belonged to the tribe. + </p> + <p> + As the hunter and the Indian sat watching the emotions that were betrayed + in each other's countenance, the girl had approached unnoticed, doubtless + ascending from the beach on the southern side of the point, or that next + to the spot where the Ark had anchored, and had advanced to the fire with + the fearlessness that belonged to her simplicity, and which was certainly + justified by the treatment formerly received from the Indians. As soon as + Rivenoak perceived the girl, she was recognised, and calling to two or + three of the younger warriors, the chief sent them out to reconnoitre, + lest her appearance should be the forerunner of another attack. He then + motioned to Hetty to draw near. + </p> + <p> + “I hope your visit is a sign that the Sarpent and Hist are in safety, + Hetty,” said Deerslayer, as soon as the girl had complied with the Huron's + request. “I don't think you'd come ashore ag'in, on the arr'nd that + brought you here afore.” + </p> + <p> + “Judith told me to come this time, Deerslayer,” Hetty replied, “she + paddled me ashore herself, in a canoe, as soon as the Serpent had shown + her Hist and told his story. How handsome Hist is to-night, Deerslayer, + and how much happier she looks than when she was with the Hurons!” + </p> + <p> + “That's natur' gal; yes, that may be set down as human natur'. She's with + her betrothed, and no longer fears a Mingo husband. In my judgment Judith, + herself, would lose most of her beauty if she thought she was to bestow it + all on a Mingo! Content is a great fortifier of good looks, and I'll + warrant you, Hist is contented enough, now she is out of the hands of + these miscreants, and with her chosen warrior! Did you say that Judith + told you to come ashore—why should your sister do that?” + </p> + <p> + “She bid me come to see you, and to try and persuade the savages to take + more elephants to let you off, but I've brought the Bible with me—that + will do more than all the elephants in father's chest!” + </p> + <p> + “And your father, good little Hetty—and Hurry; did they know of your + arr'nd?” + </p> + <p> + “Not they. Both are asleep, and Judith and the Serpent thought it best + they should not be woke, lest they might want to come again after scalps, + when Hist had told them how few warriors, and how many women and children + there were in the camp. Judith would give me no peace, till I had come + ashore to see what had happened to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's remarkable as consarns Judith! Whey should she feel so much + unsartainty about me?—Ah—-I see how it is, now; yes, I see + into the whole matter, now. You must understand, Hetty, that your sister + is oneasy lest Harry March should wake, and come blundering here into the + hands of the inimy ag'in, under some idee that, being a travelling + comrade, he ought to help me in this matter! Hurry is a blunderer, I will + allow, but I don't think he'd risk as much for my sake, as he would for + his own.” + </p> + <p> + “Judith don't care for Hurry, though Hurry cares for her,” replied Hetty + innocently, but quite positively. + </p> + <p> + “I've heard you say as much as that afore; yes, I've heard that from you, + afore, gal, and yet it isn't true. One don't live in a tribe, not to see + something of the way in which liking works in a woman's heart. Though no + way given to marrying myself, I've been a looker on among the Delawares, + and this is a matter in which pale-face and red-skin gifts are all as one + as the same. When the feelin' begins, the young woman is thoughtful, and + has no eyes or ears onless for the warrior that has taken her fancy; then + follows melancholy and sighing, and such sort of actions; after which, + especially if matters don't come to plain discourse, she often flies round + to back biting and fault finding, blaming the youth for the very things + she likes best in him. Some young creatur's are forward in this way of + showing their love, and I'm of opinion Judith is one of 'em. Now, I've + heard her as much as deny that Hurry was good-looking, and the young woman + who could do that, must be far gone indeed!” + </p> + <p> + “The young woman who liked Hurry would own that he is handsome. I think + Hurry very handsome, Deerslayer, and I'm sure everybody must think so, + that has eyes. Judith don't like Harry March, and that's the reason she + finds fault with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well—well—my good little Hetty, have it your own way. If we + should talk from now till winter, each would think as at present, and + there's no use in words. I must believe that Judith is much wrapped up in + Hurry, and that, sooner or later, she'll have him; and this, too, all the + more from the manner in which she abuses him; and I dare to say, you think + just the contrary. But mind what I now tell you, gal, and pretend not to + know it,” continued this being, who was so obtuse on a point on which men + are usually quick enough to make discoveries, and so acute in matters that + would baffle the observation of much the greater portion of mankind, “I + see how it is, with them vagabonds. Rivenoak has left us, you see, and is + talking yonder with his young men, and though too far to be heard, I can + see what he is telling them. Their orders is to watch your movements, and + to find where the canoe is to meet you, to take you back to the Ark, and + then to seize all and what they can. I'm sorry Judith sent you, for I + suppose she wants you to go back ag'in.” + </p> + <p> + “All that's settled, Deerslayer,” returned the girl, in a low, + confidential and meaning manner, “and you may trust me to outwit the best + Indian of them all. I know I am feeble minded, but I've got some sense, + and you'll see how I'll use it in getting back, when my errand is done!” + </p> + <p> + “Ahs! me, poor girl; I'm afeard all that's easier said than done. They're + a venomous set of riptyles and their p'ison's none the milder, for the + loss of Hist. Well, I'm glad the Sarpent was the one to get off with the + gal, for now there'll be two happy at least, whereas had he fallen into + the hands of the Mingos, there'd been two miserable, and another far from + feelin' as a man likes to feel.” + </p> + <p> + “Now you put me in mind of a part of my errand that I had almost + forgotten, Deerslayer. Judith told me to ask you what you thought the + Hurons would do with you, if you couldn't be bought off, and what she had + best do to serve you. Yes, this was the most important part of the errand—what + she had best do, in order to serve you?” + </p> + <p> + “That's as you think, Hetty; but it's no matter. Young women are apt to + lay most stress on what most touches their feelin's; but no matter; have + it your own way, so you be but careful not to let the vagabonds get the + mastery of a canoe. When you get back to the Ark, tell 'em to keep close, + and to keep moving too, most especially at night. Many hours can't go by + without the troops on the river hearing of this party, and then your + fri'nds may look for relief. 'Tis but a day's march from the nearest + garrison, and true soldiers will never lie idle with the foe in their + neighborhood. This is my advice, and you may say to your father and Hurry + that scalp-hunting will be a poor business now, as the Mingos are up and + awake, and nothing can save 'em, 'till the troops come, except keeping a + good belt of water atween 'em and the savages.” + </p> + <p> + “What shall I tell Judith about you, Deerslayer; I know she will send me + back again, if I don't bring her the truth about you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then tell her the truth. I see no reason Judith Hutter shouldn't hear the + truth about me, as well as a lie. I'm a captyve in Indian hands, and + Providence only knows what will come of it! Harkee, Hetty,” dropping his + voice and speaking still more confidentially, “you are a little weak + minded, it must be allowed, but you know something of Injins. Here I am in + their hands, after having slain one of their stoutest warriors, and + they've been endivouring to work upon me through fear of consequences, to + betray your father, and all in the Ark. I understand the blackguards as + well as if they'd told it all out plainly, with their tongues. They hold + up avarice afore me, on one side, and fear on t'other, and think honesty + will give way atween 'em both. But let your father and Hurry know, 'tis + all useless; as for the Sarpent, he knows it already.” + </p> + <p> + “But what shall I tell Judith? She will certainly send me back, if I don't + satisfy her mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, tell Judith the same. No doubt the savages will try the torments, + to make me give in, and to revenge the loss of their warrior, but I must + hold out ag'in nat'ral weakness in the best manner I can. You may tell + Judith to feel no consarn on my account—it will come hard I know, + seeing that a white man's gifts don't run to boasting and singing under + torment, for he generally feels smallest when he suffers most—but + you may tell her not to have any consarn. I think I shall make out to + stand it, and she may rely on this, let me give in, as much as I may, and + prove completely that I am white, by wailings, and howlings, and even + tears, yet I'll never fall so far as to betray my fri'nds. When it gets to + burning holes in the flesh, with heated ramrods, and to hacking the body, + and tearing the hair out by the roots, natur' may get the upperhand, so + far as groans, and complaints are consarned, but there the triumph of the + vagabonds will ind; nothing short of God's abandoning him to the devils + can make an honest man ontrue to his colour and duty.” + </p> + <p> + Hetty listened with great attention, and her mild but speaking countenance + manifested a strong sympathy in the anticipated agony of the + supposititious sufferer. At first she seemed at a loss how to act; then, + taking a hand of Deerslayer's she affectionately recommended to him to + borrow her Bible, and to read it while the savages were inflicting their + torments. When the other honestly admitted that it exceeded his power to + read, she even volunteered to remain with him, and to perform this holy + office in person. The offer was gently declined, and Rivenoak being about + to join them, Deerslayer requested the girl to leave him, first enjoining + her again to tell those in the Ark to have full confidence in his + fidelity. Hetty now walked away, and approached the group of females with + as much confidence and self-possession as if she were a native of the + tribe. On the other hand the Huron resumed his seat by the side of his + prisoner, the one continuing to ask questions with all the wily ingenuity + of a practised Indian counsellor, and the other baffling him by the very + means that are known to be the most efficacious in defeating the finesse + of the more pretending diplomacy of civilization, or by confining his + answers to the truth, and the truth only. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XVIII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Thus died she; never more on her + Shall sorrow light, or shame. She was not made + Through years or moons the inner weight to bear, + Which colder hearts endure till they are laid + By age in earth; her days and pleasure were + Brief but delightful—such as had not stayed + Long with her destiny; but she sleeps well + By the sea-shore whereon she loved to dwell.” + + Byron. Don Juan, IV, lxxi. +</pre> + <p> + The young men who had been sent out to reconnoitre, on the sudden + appearance of Hetty, soon returned to report their want of success in + making any discovery. One of them had even been along the beach as far as + the spot opposite to the ark, but the darkness had completely concealed + that vessel from his notice. Others had examined in different directions, + and everywhere the stillness of night was added to the silence and + solitude of the woods. + </p> + <p> + It was consequently believed that the girl had come alone, as on her + former visit, and on some similar errand. The Iroquois were ignorant that + the ark had left the castle, and there were movements projected, if not in + the course of actual execution, by this time, which also greatly added to + the sense of security. A watch was set, therefore, and all but the + sentinels disposed themselves to sleep. Sufficient care was had to the + safe keeping of the captive, without inflicting on him any unnecessary + suffering; and, as for Hetty, she was permitted to find a place among the + Indian girls in the best manner she could. She did not find the friendly + offices of Hist, though her character not only bestowed impunity from pain + and captivity, but it procured for her a consideration and an attention + that placed her, on the score of comfort, quite on a level with the wild + but gentle beings around her. She was supplied with a skin, and made her + own bed on a pile of boughs a little apart from the huts. Here she was + soon in a profound sleep, like all around her. + </p> + <p> + There were now thirteen men in the party, and three kept watch at a time. + One remained in shadow, not far from the fire, however. His duty was to + guard the captive, to take care that the fire neither blazed up so as to + illuminate the spot, nor yet became wholly extinguished, and to keep an + eye generally on the state of the camp. Another passed from one beach to + the other, crossing the base of the point, while the third kept moving + slowly around the strand on its outer extremity, to prevent a repetition + of the surprise that had already taken place that night. This arrangement + was far from being usual among savages, who ordinarily rely more on the + secrecy of their movements, than on vigilance of this nature; but it had + been called for by the peculiarity of the circumstances in which the + Hurons were now placed. Their position was known to their foes, and it + could not easily be changed at an hour which demanded rest. Perhaps, too, + they placed most of their confidence on the knowledge of what they + believed to be passing higher up the lake, and which, it was thought, + would fully occupy the whole of the pale-faces who were at liberty, with + their solitary Indian ally. It was also probable Rivenoak was aware that, + in holding his captive, he had in his own hands the most dangerous of all + his enemies. + </p> + <p> + The precision with which those accustomed to watchfulness, or lives of + disturbed rest, sleep, is not the least of the phenomena of our mysterious + being. The head is no sooner on the pillow than consciousness is lost; and + yet, at a necessary hour, the mind appears to arouse the body, as promptly + as if it had stood sentinel the while over it. There can be no doubt that + they who are thus roused awake by the influence of thought over matter, + though the mode in which this influence is exercised must remain hidden + from our curiosity until it shall be explained, should that hour ever + arrive, by the entire enlightenment of the soul on the subject of all + human mysteries. Thus it was with Hetty Hutter. Feeble as the immaterial + portion of her existence was thought to be, it was sufficiently active to + cause her to open her eyes at midnight. At that hour she awoke, and + leaving her bed of skin and boughs she walked innocently and openly to the + embers of the fire, stirring the latter, as the coolness of the night and + the woods, in connection with an exceedingly unsophisticated bed, had a + little chilled her. As the flame shot up, it lighted the swarthy + countenance of the Huron on watch, whose dark eyes glistened under its + light like the balls of the panther that is pursued to his den with + burning brands. But Hetty felt no fear, and she approached the spot where + the Indian stood. Her movements were so natural, and so perfectly devoid + of any of the stealthiness of cunning or deception, that he imagined she + had merely arisen on account of the coolness of the night, a common + occurrence in a bivouac, and the one of all others, perhaps, the least + likely to excite suspicion. Hetty spoke to him, but he understood no + English. She then gazed near a minute at the sleeping captive, and moved + slowly away in a sad and melancholy manner. The girl took no pains to + conceal her movements. Any ingenious expedient of this nature quite likely + exceeded her powers; still her step was habitually light, and scarcely + audible. As she took the direction of the extremity of the point, or the + place where she had landed in the first adventure, and where Hist had + embarked, the sentinel saw her light form gradually disappear in the gloom + without uneasiness or changing his own position. He knew that others were + on the look-out, and he did not believe that one who had twice come into + the camp voluntarily, and had already left it openly, would take refuge in + flight. In short, the conduct of the girl excited no more attention that + that of any person of feeble intellect would excite in civilized society, + while her person met with more consideration and respect. + </p> + <p> + Hetty certainly had no very distinct notions of the localities, but she + found her way to the beach, which she reached on the same side of the + point as that on which the camp had been made. By following the margin of + the water, taking a northern direction, she soon encountered the Indian + who paced the strand as sentinel. This was a young warrior, and when he + heard her light tread coming along the gravel he approached swiftly, + though with anything but menace in his manner. The darkness was so intense + that it was not easy to discover forms within the shadows of the woods at + the distance of twenty feet, and quite impossible to distinguish persons + until near enough to touch them. The young Huron manifested disappointment + when he found whom he had met; for, truth to say, he was expecting his + favourite, who had promised to relieve the ennui of a midnight watch with + her presence. This man was also ignorant of English, but he was at no loss + to understand why the girl should be up at that hour. Such things were + usual in an Indian village and camp, where sleep is as irregular as the + meals. Then poor Hetty's known imbecility, as in most things connected + with the savages, stood her friend on this occasion. Vexed at his + disappointment, and impatient of the presence of one he thought an + intruder, the young warrior signed for the girl to move forward, holding + the direction of the beach. Hetty complied; but as she walked away she + spoke aloud in English in her usual soft tones, which the stillness of the + night made audible at some little distance. + </p> + <p> + “If you took me for a Huron girl, warrior,” she said, “I don't wonder you + are so little pleased. I am Hetty Hutter, Thomas Hutter's daughter, and + have never met any man at night, for mother always said it was wrong, and + modest young women should never do it; modest young women of the + pale-faces, I mean; for customs are different in different parts of the + world, I know. No, no; I'm Hetty Hutter, and wouldn't meet even Hurry + Harry, though he should fall down on his knees and ask me! Mother said it + was wrong.” + </p> + <p> + By the time Hetty had said this, she reached the place where the canoes + had come ashore, and, owing to the curvature of the land and the bushes, + would have been completely hid from the sight of the sentinel, had it been + broad day. But another footstep had caught the lover's ear, and he was + already nearly beyond the sound of the girl's silvery voice. Still Hetty, + bent only on her own thoughts and purposes, continued to speak, though the + gentleness of her tones prevented the sounds from penetrating far into the + woods. On the water they were more widely diffused. + </p> + <p> + “Here I am, Judith,” she added, “and there is no one near me. The Huron on + watch has gone to meet his sweetheart, who is an Indian girl you know, and + never had a Christian mother to tell her how wrong it is to meet a man at + night.” + </p> + <p> + Hetty's voice was hushed by a “Hist!” that came from the water, and then + she caught a dim view of the canoe, which approached noiselessly, and soon + grated on the shingle with its bow. The moment the weight of Hetty was + felt in the light craft the canoe withdrew, stern foremost, as if + possessed of life and volition, until it was a hundred yards from the + shore. Then it turned and, making a wide sweep, as much to prolong the + passage as to get beyond the sound of voices, it held its way towards the + ark. For several minutes nothing was uttered; but, believing herself to be + in a favourable position to confer with her sister, Judith, who alone sat + in the stern, managing the canoe with a skill little short of that of a + man, began a discourse which she had been burning to commence ever since + they had quitted the point. + </p> + <p> + “Here we are safe, Hetty,” she said, “and may talk without the fear of + being overheard. You must speak low, however, for sounds are heard far on + the water in a still night. I was so close to the point some of the time + while you were on it, that I have heard the voices of the warriors, and I + heard your shoes on the gravel of the beach, even before you spoke.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe, Judith, the Hurons know I have left them.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite likely they do not, for a lover makes a poor sentry, unless it be + to watch for his sweetheart! But tell me, Hetty, did you see and speak + with Deerslayer?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes—there he was seated near the fire, with his legs tied, + though they left his arms free, to move them as he pleased.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what did he tell you, child? Speak quick; I am dying to know what + message he sent me.” + </p> + <p> + “What did he tell me? why, what do you think, Judith; he told me that he + couldn't read! Only think of that! a white man, and not know how to read + his Bible even! He never could have had a mother, sister!” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind that, Hetty. All men can't read; though mother knew so much + and taught us so much, father knows very little about books, and he can + barely read the Bible you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I never thought fathers could read much, but mothers ought all to + read, else how can they teach their children? Depend on it, Judith, + Deerslayer could never have had a mother, else he would know how to read.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you tell him I sent you ashore, Hetty, and how much concern I feel + for his misfortune?” asked the other, impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “I believe I did, Judith; but you know I am feeble-minded, and I may have + forgotten. I did tell him you brought me ashore. And he told me a great + deal that I was to say to you, which I remember well, for it made my blood + run cold to hear him. He told me to say that his friends—I suppose + you are one of them, sister?” + </p> + <p> + “How can you torment me thus, Hetty! Certainly, I am one of the truest + friends he has on earth.” + </p> + <p> + “Torment you! yes, now I remember all about it. I am glad you used that + word, Judith, for it brings it all back to my mind. Well, he said he might + be tormented by the savages, but he would try to bear it as becomes a + Christian white man, and that no one need be afeard—why does + Deerslayer call it afeard, when mother always taught us to say afraid?” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, dear Hetty, never mind that, now,” cried the other, almost + gasping for breath. “Did Deerslayer really tell you that he thought the + savages would put him to the torture? Recollect now, well, Hetty, for this + is a most awful and serious thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes he did; and I remember it by your speaking about my tormenting you. + Oh! I felt very sorry for him, and Deerslayer took all so quietly and + without noise! Deerslayer is not as handsome as Hurry Harry, Judith, but + he is more quiet.” + </p> + <p> + “He's worth a million Hurrys! yes, he's worth all the young men who ever + came upon the lake put together,” said Judith, with an energy and + positiveness that caused her sister to wonder. “He is true. There is no + lie about Deerslayer. You, Hetty, may not know what a merit it is in a man + to have truth, but when you get—no—I hope you will never know + it. Why should one like you be ever made to learn the hard lesson to + distrust and hate!” + </p> + <p> + Judith bowed her face, dark as it was, and unseen as she must have been by + any eye but that of Omniscience, between her hands, and groaned. This + sudden paroxysm of feeling, however, lasted but for a moment, and she + continued more calmly, still speaking frankly to her sister, whose + intelligence, and whose discretion in any thing that related to herself, + she did not in the least distrust. Her voice, however, was low and husky, + instead of having its former clearness and animation. + </p> + <p> + “It is a hard thing to fear truth, Hetty,” she said, “and yet do I more + dread Deerslayer's truth, than any enemy! One cannot tamper with such + truth—so much honesty—such obstinate uprightness! But we are + not altogether unequal, sister—Deerslayer and I? He is not + altogether my superior?” + </p> + <p> + It was not usual for Judith so far to demean herself as to appeal to + Hetty's judgment. Nor did she often address her by the title of sister, a + distinction that is commonly given by the junior to the senior, even where + there is perfect equality in all other respects. As trifling departures + from habitual deportment oftener strike the imagination than more + important changes, Hetty perceived the circumstances, and wondered at them + in her own simple way. Her ambition was a little quickened, and the answer + was as much out of the usual course of things as the question; the poor + girl attempting to refine beyond her strength. + </p> + <p> + “Superior, Judith!” she repeated with pride. “In what can Deerslayer be + your superior? Are you not mother's child—and does he know how to + read—and wasn't mother before any woman in all this part of the + world? I should think, so far from supposing himself your superior, he + would hardly believe himself mine. You are handsome, and he is ugly—” + </p> + <p> + “No, not ugly, Hetty,” interrupted Judith. “Only plain. But his honest + face has a look in it that is far better than beauty. In my eyes, + Deerslayer is handsomer than Hurry Harry.” + </p> + <p> + “Judith Hutter! you frighten me. Hurry is the handsomest mortal in the + world—even handsomer than you are yourself; because a man's good + looks, you know, are always better than a woman's good looks.” + </p> + <p> + This little innocent touch of natural taste did not please the elder + sister at the moment, and she did not scruple to betray it. “Hetty, you + now speak foolishly, and had better say no more on this subject,” she + answered. “Hurry is not the handsomest mortal in the world, by many; and + there are officers in the garrisons—” Judith stammered at the words—“there + are officers in the garrisons, near us, far comelier than he. But why do + you think me the equal of Deerslayer—speak of that, for I do not + like to hear you show so much admiration of a man like Hurry Harry, who + has neither feelings, manners, nor conscience. You are too good for him, + and he ought to be told it, at once.” + </p> + <p> + “I! Judith, how you forget! Why I am not beautiful, and am feeble-minded.” + </p> + <p> + “You are good, Hetty, and that is more than can be said of Harry March. He + may have a face, and a body, but he has no heart. But enough of this, for + the present. Tell me what raises me to an equality with Deerslayer.” + </p> + <p> + “To think of you asking me this, Judith! He can't read, and you can. He + don't know how to talk, but speaks worse than Hurry even;—for, + sister, Harry doesn't always pronounce his words right! Did you ever + notice that?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, he is as coarse in speech as in everything else. But I fear + you flatter me, Hetty, when you think I can be justly called the equal of + a man like Deerslayer. It is true, I have been better taught; in one sense + am more comely; and perhaps might look higher; but then his truth—his + truth—makes a fearful difference between us! Well, I will talk no + more of this; and we will bethink us of the means of getting him out of + the hands of the Hurons. We have father's chest in the ark, Hetty, and + might try the temptation of more elephants; though I fear such baubles + will not buy the liberty of a man like Deerslayer. I am afraid father and + Hurry will not be as willing to ransom Deerslayer, as Deerslayer was to + ransom them!” + </p> + <p> + “Why not, Judith? Hurry and Deerslayer are friends, and friends should + always help one another.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! poor Hetty, you little know mankind! Seeming friends are often more + to be dreaded than open enemies; particularly by females. But you'll have + to land in the morning, and try again what can be done for Deerslayer. + Tortured he shall not be, while Judith Hutter lives, and can find means to + prevent it.” + </p> + <p> + The conversation now grew desultory, and was drawn out, until the elder + sister had extracted from the younger every fact that the feeble faculties + of the latter permitted her to retain, and to communicate. When Judith was + satisfied—though she could never be said to be satisfied, whose + feelings seemed to be so interwoven with all that related to the subject, + as to have excited a nearly inappeasable curiosity—but, when Judith + could think of no more questions to ask, without resorting to repetition, + the canoe was paddled towards the scow. The intense darkness of the night, + and the deep shadows which the hills and forest cast upon the water, + rendered it difficult to find the vessel, anchored, as it had been, as + close to the shore as a regard to safety rendered prudent. Judith was + expert in the management of a bark canoe, the lightness of which demanded + skill rather than strength; and she forced her own little vessel swiftly + over the water, the moment she had ended her conference with Hetty, and + had come to the determination to return. Still no ark was seen. Several + times the sisters fancied they saw it, looming up in the obscurity, like a + low black rock; but on each occasion it was found to be either an optical + illusion, or some swell of the foliage on the shore. After a search that + lasted half an hour, the girls were forced to the unwelcome conviction + that the ark had departed. Most young women would have felt the + awkwardness of their situation, in a physical sense, under the + circumstances in which the sisters were left, more than any apprehensions + of a different nature. Not so with Judith, however; and even Hetty felt + more concern about the motives that might have influenced her father and + Hurry, than any fears for her own safety. + </p> + <p> + “It cannot be, Hetty,” said Judith, when a thorough search had satisfied + them both that no ark was to be found; “it cannot be that the Indians have + rafted, or swum off and surprised our friends as they slept?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe that Hist and Chingachgook would sleep until they had + told each other all they had to say after so long a separation—do + you, sister?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps not, child. There was much to keep them awake, but one Indian may + have been surprised even when not asleep, especially as his thoughts may + have been on other things. Still we should have heard a noise; for in a + night like this, an oath of Hurry Harry's would have echoed in the eastern + hills like a clap of thunder.” + </p> + <p> + “Hurry is sinful and thoughtless about his words, Judith,” Hetty meekly + and sorrowfully answered. + </p> + <p> + “No—no; 'tis impossible the ark could be taken and I not hear the + noise. It is not an hour since I left it, and the whole time I have been + attentive to the smallest sound. And yet, it is not easy to believe a + father would willingly abandon his children!” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps father has thought us in our cabin asleep, Judith, and has moved + away to go home. You know we often move the ark in the night.” + </p> + <p> + “This is true, Hetty, and it must be as you suppose. There is a little + more southern air than there was, and they have gone up the lake—” + Judith stopped, for, as the last word was on her tongue, the scene was + suddenly lighted, though only for a single instant, by a flash. The crack + of a rifle succeeded, and then followed the roll of the echo along the + eastern mountains. Almost at the same moment a piercing female cry rose in + the air in a prolonged shriek. The awful stillness that succeeded was, if + possible, more appalling than the fierce and sudden interruption of the + deep silence of midnight. Resolute as she was both by nature and habit, + Judith scarce breathed, while poor Hetty hid her face and trembled. + </p> + <p> + “That was a woman's cry, Hetty,” said the former solemnly, “and it was a + cry of anguish! If the ark has moved from this spot it can only have gone + north with this air, and the gun and shriek came from the point. Can any + thing have befallen Hist?” + </p> + <p> + “Let us go and see, Judith; she may want our assistance—for, besides + herself, there are none but men in the ark.” + </p> + <p> + It was not a moment for hesitation, and ere Judith had ceased speaking her + paddle was in the water. The distance to the point, in a direct line, was + not great, and the impulses under which the girls worked were too exciting + to allow them to waste the precious moments in useless precautions. They + paddled incautiously for them, but the same excitement kept others from + noting their movements. Presently a glare of light caught the eye of + Judith through an opening in the bushes, and steering by it, she so + directed the canoe as to keep it visible, while she got as near the land + as was either prudent or necessary. + </p> + <p> + The scene that was now presented to the observation of the girls was + within the woods, on the side of the declivity so often mentioned, and in + plain view from the boat. Here all in the camp were collected, some six or + eight carrying torches of fat-pine, which cast a strong but funereal light + on all beneath the arches of the forest. With her back supported against a + tree, and sustained on one side by the young sentinel whose remissness had + suffered Hetty to escape, sat the female whose expected visit had produced + his delinquency. By the glare of the torch that was held near her face, it + was evident that she was in the agonies of death, while the blood that + trickled from her bared bosom betrayed the nature of the injury she had + received. The pungent, peculiar smell of gunpowder, too, was still quite + perceptible in the heavy, damp night air. There could be no question that + she had been shot. Judith understood it all at a glance. The streak of + light had appeared on the water a short distance from the point, and + either the rifle had been discharged from a canoe hovering near the land, + or it had been fired from the ark in passing. An incautious exclamation, + or laugh, may have produced the assault, for it was barely possible that + the aim had been assisted by any other agent than sound. As to the effect, + that was soon still more apparent, the head of the victim dropping, and + the body sinking in death. Then all the torches but one were extinguished—a + measure of prudence; and the melancholy train that bore the body to the + camp was just to be distinguished by the glimmering light that remained. + Judith sighed heavily and shuddered, as her paddle again dipped, and the + canoe moved cautiously around the point. A sight had afflicted her senses, + and now haunted her imagination, that was still harder to be borne, than + even the untimely fate and passing agony of the deceased girl. + </p> + <p> + She had seen, under the strong glare of all the torches, the erect form of + Deerslayer, standing with commiseration, and as she thought, with shame + depicted on his countenance, near the dying female. He betrayed neither + fear nor backwardness himself; but it was apparent by the glances cast at + him by the warriors, that fierce passions were struggling in their bosoms. + All this seemed to be unheeded by the captive, but it remained impressed + on the memory of Judith throughout the night. No canoe was met hovering + near the point. A stillness and darkness, as complete as if the silence of + the forest had never been disturbed, or the sun had never shone on that + retired region, now reigned on the point, and on the gloomy water, the + slumbering woods, and even the murky sky. No more could be done, + therefore, than to seek a place of safety; and this was only to be found + in the centre of the lake. Paddling in silence to that spot, the canoe was + suffered to drift northerly, while the girls sought such repose as their + situation and feelings would permit. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XIX + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Stand to your arms, and guard the door—all's lost + Unless that fearful bell be silenced soon. + The officer hath miss'd his path, or purpose, + Or met some unforeseen and hideous obstacle. + Anselmo, with thy company proceed + Straight to the tower; the rest remain with me.” + + Byron, Marino Faliero, IV.ii.230-35. +</pre> + <p> + The conjecture of Judith Hutter, concerning the manner in which the Indian + girl had met her death, was accurate in the main. After sleeping several + hours, her father and March awoke. This occurred a few minutes after she + had left the Ark to go in quest of her sister, and when of course + Chingachgook and his betrothed were on board. From the Delaware the old + man learned the position of the camp, and the recent events, as well as + the absence of his daughters. The latter gave him no concern, for he + relied greatly on the sagacity of the elder, and the known impunity with + which the younger passed among the savages. Long familiarity with danger, + too, had blunted his sensibilities. Nor did he seem much to regret the + captivity of Deerslayer, for, while he knew how material his aid might be + in a defence, the difference in their views on the morality of the woods, + had not left much sympathy between them. He would have rejoiced to know + the position of the camp before it had been alarmed by the escape of Hist, + but it would be too hazardous now to venture to land, and he reluctantly + relinquished for the night the ruthless designs that cupidity and revenge + had excited him to entertain. In this mood Hutter took a seat in the head + of the scow, where he was quickly joined by Hurry, leaving the Serpent and + Hist in quiet possession of the other extremity of the vessel. + </p> + <p> + “Deerslayer has shown himself a boy, in going among the savages at this + hour, and letting himself fall into their hands like a deer that tumbles + into a pit,” growled the old man, perceiving as usual the mote in his + neighbor's eyes, while he overlooked the beam in his own; “if he is left + to pay for his stupidity with his own flesh, he can blame no one but + himself.” + </p> + <p> + “That's the way of the world, old Tom,” returned Hurry. “Every man must + meet his own debts, and answer for his own sins. I'm amazed, howsever, + that a lad as skilful and watchful as Deerslayer should have been caught + in such a trap! Didn't he know any better than to go prowling about a + Huron camp at midnight, with no place to retreat to but a lake? or did he + think himself a buck, that by taking to the water could throw off the + scent and swim himself out of difficulty? I had a better opinion of the + boy's judgment, I'll own; but we must overlook a little ignorance in a raw + hand. I say, Master Hutter, do you happen to know what has become of the + gals—I see no signs of Judith, or Hetty, though I've been through + the Ark, and looked into all its living creatur's.” + </p> + <p> + Hutter briefly explained the manner in which his daughters had taken to + the canoe, as it had been related by the Delaware, as well as the return + of Judith after landing her sister, and her second departure. + </p> + <p> + “This comes of a smooth tongue, Floating Tom,” exclaimed Hurry, grating + his teeth in pure resentment—“This comes of a smooth tongue, and a + silly gal's inclinations, and you had best look into the matter! You and I + were both prisoners—” Hurry could recall that circumstance now—“you + and I were both prisoners and yet Judith never stirred an inch to do us + any sarvice! She is bewitched with this lank-looking Deerslayer, and he, + and she, and you, and all of us, had best look to it. I am not a man to + put up with such a wrong quietly, and I say, all the parties had best look + to it! Let's up kedge, old fellow, and move nearer to this p'int, and see + how matters are getting on.” + </p> + <p> + Hutter had no objections to this movement, and the Ark was got under way + in the usual manner; care being taken to make no noise. The wind was + passing northward, and the sail soon swept the scow so far up the lake as + to render the dark outlines of the trees that clothed the point dimly + visible. Floating Tom steered, and he sailed along as near the land as the + depth of the water and the overhanging branches would allow. It was + impossible to distinguish anything that stood within the shadows of the + shore, but the forms of the sail and of the hut were discerned by the + young sentinel on the beach, who has already been mentioned. In the moment + of sudden surprise, a deep Indian exclamation escaped him. In that spirit + of recklessness and ferocity that formed the essence of Hurry's character, + this man dropped his rifle and fired. The ball was sped by accident, or by + that overruling providence which decides the fates of all, and the girl + fell. Then followed the scene with the torches, which has just been + described. + </p> + <p> + At the precise moment when Hurry committed this act of unthinking cruelty, + the canoe of Judith was within a hundred feet of the spot from which the + Ark had so lately moved. Her own course has been described, and it has now + become our office to follow that of her father and his companions. The + shriek announced the effects of the random shot of March, and it also + proclaimed that the victim was a woman. Hurry himself was startled at + these unlooked for consequences, and for a moment he was sorely disturbed + by conflicting sensations. At first he laughed, in reckless and + rude-minded exultation; and then conscience, that monitor planted in our + breasts by God, and which receives its more general growth from the + training bestowed in the tillage of childhood, shot a pang to his heart. + For a minute, the mind of this creature equally of civilization and of + barbarism, was a sort of chaos as to feeling, not knowing what to think of + its own act; and then the obstinacy and pride of one of his habits, + interposed to assert their usual ascendency. He struck the butt of his + rifle on the bottom of the scow, with a species of defiance, and began to + whistle a low air with an affectation of indifference. All this time the + Ark was in motion, and it was already opening the bay above the point, and + was consequently quitting the land. + </p> + <p> + Hurry's companions did not view his conduct with the same indulgence as + that with which he appeared disposed to regard it himself. Hutter growled + out his dissatisfaction, for the act led to no advantage, while it + threatened to render the warfare more vindictive than ever, and none + censure motiveless departures from the right more severely than the + mercenary and unprincipled. Still he commanded himself, the captivity of + Deerslayer rendering the arm of the offender of double consequence to him + at that moment. Chingachgook arose, and for a single instant the ancient + animosity of tribes was forgotten, in a feeling of colour; but he + recollected himself in season to prevent any of the fierce consequences + that, for a passing moment, he certainly meditated. Not so with Hist. + Rushing through the hut, or cabin, the girl stood at the side of Hurry, + almost as soon as his rifle touched the bottom of the scow, and with a + fearlessness that did credit to her heart, she poured out her reproaches + with the generous warmth of a woman. + </p> + <p> + “What for you shoot?” she said. “What Huron gal do, dat you kill him? What + you t'ink Manitou say? What you t'ink Manitou feel? What Iroquois do? No + get honour—no get camp—no get prisoner—no get battle—no + get scalp—no get not'ing at all! Blood come after blood! How you + feel, your wife killed? Who pity you, when tear come for moder, or sister? + You big as great pine—Huron gal little slender birch—why you + fall on her and crush her? You t'ink Huron forget it? No; red-skin never + forget! Never forget friend; never forget enemy. Red man Manitou in dat. + Why you so wicked, great pale-face?” + </p> + <p> + Hurry had never been so daunted as by this close and warm attack of the + Indian girl. It is true that she had a powerful ally in his conscience, + and while she spoke earnestly, it was in tones so feminine as to deprive + him of any pretext for unmanly anger. The softness of her voice added to + the weight of her remonstrance, by lending to the latter an air of purity + and truth. Like most vulgar minded men, he had only regarded the Indians + through the medium of their coarser and fiercer characteristics. It had + never struck him that the affections are human, that even high principles—modified + by habits and prejudices, but not the less elevated within their circle—can + exist in the savage state, and that the warrior who is most ruthless in + the field, can submit to the softest and gentlest influences in the + moments of domestic quiet. In a word, it was the habit of his mind to + regard all Indians as being only a slight degree removed from the wild + beasts that roamed the woods, and to feel disposed to treat them + accordingly, whenever interest or caprice supplied a motive or an impulse. + Still, though daunted by these reproaches, the handsome barbarian could + hardly be said to be penitent. He was too much rebuked by conscience to + suffer an outbreak of temper to escape him, and perhaps he felt that he + had already committed an act that might justly bring his manhood in + question. Instead of resenting, or answering the simple but natural appeal + of Hist, he walked away, like one who disdained entering into a + controversy with a woman. + </p> + <p> + In the mean while the Ark swept onward, and by the time the scene with the + torches was enacting beneath the trees, it had reached the open lake, + Floating Tom causing it to sheer further from the land with a sort of + instinctive dread of retaliation. An hour now passed in gloomy silence, no + one appearing disposed to break it. Hist had retired to her pallet, and + Chingachgook lay sleeping in the forward part of the scow. Hutter and + Hurry alone remained awake, the former at the steering oar, while the + latter brooded over his own conduct, with the stubbornness of one little + given to a confession of his errors, and the secret goadings of the worm + that never dies. This was at the moment when Judith and Hetty reached the + centre of the lake, and had lain down to endeavor to sleep in their + drifting canoe. + </p> + <p> + The night was calm, though so much obscured by clouds. The season was not + one of storms, and those which did occur in the month of June, on that + embedded water, though frequently violent were always of short + continuance. Nevertheless, there was the usual current of heavy, damp + night air, which, passing over the summits of the trees, scarcely appeared + to descend as low as the surface of the glassy lake, but kept moving a + short distance above it, saturated with the humidity that constantly arose + from the woods, and apparently never proceeding far in any one direction. + The currents were influenced by the formation of the hills, as a matter of + course, a circumstance that rendered even fresh breezes baffling, and + which reduced the feebler efforts of the night air to be a sort of + capricious and fickle sighings of the woods. Several times the head of the + Ark pointed east, and once it was actually turned towards the south, + again; but, on the whole, it worked its way north; Hutter making always a + fair wind, if wind it could be called, his principal motive appearing to + keep in motion, in order to defeat any treacherous design of his enemies. + He now felt some little concern about his daughters, and perhaps as much + about the canoe; but, on the whole, this uncertainty did not much disturb + him, as he had the reliance already mentioned on the intelligence of + Judith. + </p> + <p> + It was the season of the shortest nights, and it was not long before the + deep obscurity which precedes the day began to yield to the returning + light. If any earthly scene could be presented to the senses of man that + might soothe his passions and temper his ferocity, it was that which grew + upon the eyes of Hutter and Hurry as the hours advanced, changing night to + morning. There were the usual soft tints of the sky, in which neither the + gloom of darkness nor the brilliancy of the sun prevails, and under which + objects appear more unearthly, and we might add holy, than at any other + portion of the twenty four hours. The beautiful and soothing calm of + eventide has been extolled by a thousand poets, and yet it does not bring + with it the far-reaching and sublime thoughts of the half hour that + precedes the rising of a summer sun. In the one case the panorama is + gradually hid from the sight, while in the other its objects start out + from the unfolding picture, first dim and misty; then marked in, in solemn + background; next seen in the witchery of an increasing, a thing as + different as possible from the decreasing twilight, and finally mellow, + distinct and luminous, as the rays of the great centre of light diffuse + themselves in the atmosphere. The hymns of birds, too, have no moral + counterpart in the retreat to the roost, or the flight to the nest, and + these invariably accompany the advent of the day, until the appearance of + the sun itself— + </p> + <p> + “Bathes in deep joy, the land and sea.” + </p> + <p> + All this, however, Hutter and Hurry witnessed without experiencing any of + that calm delight which the spectacle is wont to bring, when the thoughts + are just and the aspirations pure. They not only witnessed it, but they + witnessed it under circumstances that had a tendency to increase its + power, and to heighten its charms. Only one solitary object became visible + in the returning light that had received its form or uses from human taste + or human desires, which as often deform as beautify a landscape. This was + the castle, all the rest being native, and fresh from the hand of God. + That singular residence, too, was in keeping with the natural objects of + the view, starting out from the gloom, quaint, picturesque and ornamental. + Nevertheless the whole was lost on the observers, who knew no feeling of + poetry, had lost their sense of natural devotion in lives of obdurate and + narrow selfishness, and had little other sympathy with nature, than that + which originated with her lowest wants. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the light was sufficiently strong to allow of a distinct view + of the lake, and more particularly of its shores, Hutter turned the head + of the Ark directly towards the castle, with the avowed intention of + taking possession, for the day at least, as the place most favorable for + meeting his daughters and for carrying on his operations against the + Indians. By this time, Chingachgook was up, and Hist was heard stirring + among the furniture of the kitchen. The place for which they steered was + distant only a mile, and the air was sufficiently favorable to permit it + to be reached by means of the sail. At this moment, too, to render the + appearances generally auspicious, the canoe of Judith was seen floating + northward in the broadest part of the lake; having actually passed the + scow in the darkness, in obedience to no other power than that of the + elements. Hutter got his glass, and took a long and anxious survey, to + ascertain if his daughters were in the light craft or not, and a slight + exclamation like that of joy escaped him, as he caught a glimpse of what + he rightly conceived to be a part of Judith's dress above the top of the + canoe. At the next instant the girl arose and was seen gazing about her, + like one assuring herself of her situation. A minute later, Hetty was seen + on her knees in the other end of the canoe, repeating the prayers that had + been taught her in childhood by a misguided but repentant mother. As + Hutter laid down the glass, still drawn to its focus, the Serpent raised + it to his eye and turned it towards the canoe. It was the first time he + had ever used such an instrument, and Hist understood by his “Hugh!,” the + expression of his face, and his entire mien, that something wonderful had + excited his admiration. It is well known that the American Indians, more + particularly those of superior characters and stations, singularly + maintain their self-possession and stoicism, in the midst of the flood of + marvels that present themselves in their occasional visits to the abodes + of civilization, and Chingachgook had imbibed enough of this impassibility + to suppress any very undignified manifestation of surprise. With Hist, + however, no such law was binding, and when her lover managed to bring the + glass in a line with the canoe, and her eye was applied to the smaller + end, the girl started back in alarm; then she clapped her hands with + delight, and a laugh, the usual attendant of untutored admiration, + followed. A few minutes sufficed to enable this quick witted girl to + manage the instrument for herself, and she directed it at every prominent + object that struck her fancy. Finding a rest in one of the windows, she + and the Delaware first surveyed the lake; then the shores, the hills, and, + finally, the castle attracted their attention. After a long steady gaze at + the latter, Hist took away her eye, and spoke to her lover in a low, + earnest manner. Chingachgook immediately placed his eye to the glass, and + his look even exceeded that of his betrothed in length and intensity. + Again they spoke together, confidentially, appearing to compare opinions, + after which the glass was laid aside, and the young warrior quitted the + cabin to join Hutter and Hurry. + </p> + <p> + The Ark was slowly but steadily advancing, and the castle was materially + within half a mile, when Chingachgook joined the two white men in the + stern of the scow. His manner was calm, but it was evident to the others, + who were familiar with the habits of the Indians, that he had something to + communicate. Hurry was generally prompt to speak and, according to custom, + he took the lead on this occasion. + </p> + <p> + “Out with it, red-skin,” he cried, in his usual rough manner. “Have you + discovered a chipmunk in a tree, or is there a salmon-trout swimming under + the bottom of the scow? You find what a pale-face can do in the way of + eyes, now, Sarpent, and mustn't wonder that they can see the land of the + Indians from afar off.” + </p> + <p> + “No good to go to Castle,” put in Chingachgook with emphasis, the moment + the other gave him an opportunity of speaking. “Huron there.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil he is!—If this should turn out to be true, Floating Tom, + a pretty trap were we about to pull down on our heads! Huron, there!—Well, + this may be so; but no signs can I see of any thing, near or about the old + hut, but logs, water, and bark—bating two or three windows, and one + door.” + </p> + <p> + Hutter called for the glass, and took a careful survey of the spot, before + he ventured an opinion, at all; then he somewhat cavalierly expressed his + dissent from that given by the Indian. + </p> + <p> + “You've got this glass wrong end foremost, Delaware,” continued Hurry. + “Neither the old man nor I can see any trail in the lake.” + </p> + <p> + “No trail—water make no trail,” said Hist, eagerly. “Stop boat—no + go too near. Huron there!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that's it!—Stick to the same tale, and more people will believe + you. I hope, Sarpent, you and your gal will agree in telling the same + story arter marriage, as well as you do now. 'Huron, there!'—Whereabouts + is he to be seen—in the padlock, or the chains, or the logs. There + isn't a gaol in the colony that has a more lock up look about it, than old + Tom's chiente, and I know something about gaols from exper'ence.” + </p> + <p> + “No see moccasin,” said Hist, impatiently “why no look—and see him.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me the glass, Harry,” interrupted Hutter, “and lower the sail. It is + seldom that an Indian woman meddles, and when she does, there is generally + a cause for it. There is, truly, a moccasin floating against one of the + piles, and it may or may not be a sign that the castle hasn't escaped + visitors in our absence. Moccasins are no rarities, however, for I wear + 'em myself; and Deerslayer wears 'em, and you wear 'em, March, and, for + that matter so does Hetty, quite as often as she wears shoes, though I + never yet saw Judith trust her pretty foot in a moccasin.” + </p> + <p> + Hurry had lowered the sail, and by this time the Ark was within two + hundred yards of the castle, setting in, nearer and nearer, each moment, + but at a rate too slow to excite any uneasiness. Each now took the glass + in turn, and the castle, and every thing near it, was subjected to a + scrutiny still more rigid than ever. There the moccasin lay, beyond a + question, floating so lightly, and preserving its form so well, that it + was scarcely wet. It had caught by a piece of the rough bark of one of the + piles, on the exterior of the water-palisade that formed the dock already + mentioned, which circumstance alone prevented it from drifting away before + the air. There were many modes, however, of accounting for the presence of + the moccasin, without supposing it to have been dropped by an enemy. It + might have fallen from the platform, even while Hutter was in possession + of the place, and drifted to the spot where it was now seen, remaining + unnoticed until detected by the acute vision of Hist. It might have + drifted from a distance, up or down the lake, and accidentally become + attached to the pile, or palisade. It might have been thrown from a + window, and alighted in that particular place; or it might certainly have + fallen from a scout, or an assailant, during the past night, who was + obliged to abandon it to the lake, in the deep obscurity which then + prevailed. + </p> + <p> + All these conjectures passed from Hutter to Hurry, the former appearing + disposed to regard the omen as a little sinister, while the latter treated + it with his usual reckless disdain. As for the Indian, he was of opinion + that the moccasin should be viewed as one would regard a trail in the + woods, which might, or might not, equally, prove to be threatening. Hist, + however, had something available to propose. She declared her readiness to + take a canoe, to proceed to the palisade and bring away the moccasin, when + its ornaments would show whether it came from the Canadas or not. Both the + white men were disposed to accept this offer, but the Delaware interfered + to prevent the risk. If such a service was to be undertaken, it best + became a warrior to expose himself in its execution, and he gave his + refusal to let his betrothed proceed, much in the quiet but brief manner + in which an Indian husband issues his commands. + </p> + <p> + “Well then, Delaware, go yourself if you're so tender of your squaw,” put + in the unceremonious Hurry. “That moccasin must be had, or Floating Tom + will keep off, here, at arm's length, till the hearth cools in his cabin. + It's but a little deerskin, a'ter all, and cut this-a-way or that-a-way, + it's not a skear-crow to frighten true hunters from their game. What say + you, Sarpent, shall you or I canoe it?” + </p> + <p> + “Let red man go.—Better eyes than pale-face—know Huron trick + better, too.” + </p> + <p> + “That I'll gainsay, to the hour of my death! A white man's eyes, and a + white man's nose, and for that matter his sight and ears are all better + than an Injin's when fairly tried. Time and ag'in have I put that to the + proof, and what is proved is sartain. Still I suppose the poorest vagabond + going, whether Delaware or Huron, can find his way to yonder hut and back + ag'in, and so, Sarpent, use your paddle and welcome.” + </p> + <p> + Chingachgook was already in the canoe, and he dipped the implement the + other named into the water, just as Hurry's limber tongue ceased. + Wah-ta-Wah saw the departure of her warrior on this occasion with the + submissive silence of an Indian girl, but with most of the misgivings and + apprehensions of her sex. Throughout the whole of the past night, and down + to the moment, when they used the glass together in the hut, Chingachgook + had manifested as much manly tenderness towards his betrothed as one of + the most refined sentiment could have shown under similar circumstances, + but now every sign of weakness was lost in an appearance of stern + resolution. Although Hist timidly endeavored to catch his eye as the canoe + left the side of the Ark, the pride of a warrior would not permit him to + meet her fond and anxious looks. The canoe departed and not a wandering + glance rewarded her solicitude. + </p> + <p> + Nor were the Delaware's care and gravity misplaced, under the impressions + with which he proceeded on this enterprise. If the enemy had really gained + possession of the building he was obliged to put himself under the very + muzzles of their rifles, as it were, and this too without the protection + of any of that cover which forms so essential an ally in Indian warfare. + It is scarcely possible to conceive of a service more dangerous, and had + the Serpent been fortified by the experience of ten more years, or had his + friend the Deerslayer been present, it would never have been attempted; + the advantages in no degree compensating for the risk. But the pride of an + Indian chief was acted on by the rivalry of colour, and it is not unlikely + that the presence of the very creature from whom his ideas of manhood + prevented his receiving a single glance, overflowing as he was with the + love she so well merited, had no small influence on his determination. + </p> + <p> + Chingachgook paddled steadily towards the palisades, keeping his eyes on + the different loops of the building. Each instant he expected to see the + muzzle of a rifle protruded, or to hear its sharp crack; but he succeeded + in reaching the piles in safety. Here he was, in a measure, protected, + having the heads of the palisades between him and the hut, and the chances + of any attempt on his life while thus covered, were greatly diminished. + The canoe had reached the piles with its head inclining northward, and at + a short distance from the moccasin. Instead of turning to pick up the + latter, the Delaware slowly made the circuit of the whole building, + deliberately examining every object that should betray the presence of + enemies, or the commission of violence. Not a single sign could he + discover, however, to confirm the suspicions that had been awakened. The + stillness of desertion pervaded the building; not a fastening was + displaced, not a window had been broken. The door looked as secure as at + the hour when it was closed by Hutter, and even the gate of the dock had + all the customary fastenings. In short, the most wary and jealous eye + could detect no other evidence of the visit of enemies, than that which + was connected with the appearance of the floating moccasin. + </p> + <p> + The Delaware was now greatly at a loss how to proceed. At one moment, as + he came round in front of the castle, he was on the point of stepping up + on the platform and of applying his eye to one of the loops, with a view + of taking a direct personal inspection of the state of things within; but + he hesitated. Though of little experience in such matters, himself, he had + heard so much of Indian artifices through traditions, had listened with + such breathless interest to the narration of the escapes of the elder + warriors, and, in short, was so well schooled in the theory of his + calling, that it was almost as impossible for him to make any gross + blunder on such an occasion, as it was for a well grounded scholar, who + had commenced correctly, to fail in solving his problem in mathematics. + Relinquishing the momentary intention to land, the chief slowly pursued + his course round the palisades. As he approached the moccasin, having now + nearly completed the circuit of the building, he threw the ominous article + into the canoe, by a dexterous and almost imperceptible movement of his + paddle. He was now ready to depart, but retreat was even more dangerous + than the approach, as the eye could no longer be riveted on the loops. If + there was really any one in the castle, the motive of the Delaware in + reconnoitering must be understood, and it was the wisest way, however + perilous it might be, to retire with an air of confidence, as if all + distrust were terminated by the examination. Such, accordingly, was the + course adopted by the Indian, who paddled deliberately away, taking the + direction of the Ark, suffering no nervous impulse to quicken the motions + of his arms, or to induce him to turn even a furtive glance behind him. + </p> + <p> + No tender wife, reared in the refinements of the highest civilization, + ever met a husband on his return from the field with more of sensibility + in her countenance than Hist discovered, as she saw the Great Serpent of + the Delawares step, unharmed, into the Ark. Still she repressed her + emotion, though the joy that sparkled in her dark eyes, and the smile that + lighted her pretty mouth, spoke a language that her betrothed could + understand. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Sarpent,” cried Hurry, always the first to speak, “what news from + the muskrats? Did they shew their teeth, as you surrounded their + dwelling?” + </p> + <p> + “I no like him,” sententiously returned the Delaware. “Too still. So + still, can see silence!” + </p> + <p> + “That's downright Injin—as if any thing could make less noise than + nothing! If you've no better reason than this to give, old Tom had better + hoist his sail, and go and get his breakfast under his own roof. What has + become of the moccasin?” + </p> + <p> + “Here,” returned Chingachgook, holding up his prize for the general + inspection. The moccasin was examined, and Hist confidently pronounced it + to be Huron, by the manner in which the porcupine's quills were arranged + on its front. Hutter and the Delaware, too, were decidedly of the same + opinion. Admitting all this, however, it did not necessarily follow that + its owners were in the castle. The moccasin might have drifted from a + distance, or it might have fallen from the foot of some scout, who had + quitted the place when his errand was accomplished. In short it explained + nothing, while it awakened so much distrust. + </p> + <p> + Under the circumstances, Hutter and Hurry were not men to be long deterred + from proceeding by proofs as slight as that of the moccasin. They hoisted + the sail again, and the Ark was soon in motion, heading towards the + castle. The wind or air continued light, and the movement was sufficiently + slow to allow of a deliberate survey of the building, as the scow + approached. The same death-like silence reigned, and it was difficult to + fancy that any thing possessing animal life could be in or around the + place. Unlike the Serpent, whose imagination had acted through his + traditions until he was ready to perceive an artificial, in a natural + stillness, the others saw nothing to apprehend in a tranquility that, in + truth, merely denoted the repose of inanimate objects. The accessories of + the scene, too, were soothing and calm, rather than exciting. The day had + not yet advanced so far as to bring the sun above the horizon, but the + heavens, the atmosphere, and the woods and lake were all seen under that + softened light which immediately precedes his appearance, and which + perhaps is the most witching period of the four and twenty hours. It is + the moment when every thing is distinct, even the atmosphere seeming to + possess a liquid lucidity, the hues appearing gray and softened, with the + outlines of objects defined, and the perspective just as moral truths that + are presented in their simplicity, without the meretricious aids of + ornament or glitter. In a word, it is the moment when the senses seem to + recover their powers, in the simplest and most accurate forms, like the + mind emerging from the obscurity of doubts into the tranquility and peace + of demonstration. Most of the influence that such a scene is apt to + produce on those who are properly constituted in a moral sense, was lost + on Hutter and Hurry; but both the Delawares, though too much accustomed to + witness the loveliness of morning-tide to stop to analyze their feelings, + were equally sensible of the beauties of the hour, though it was probably + in a way unknown to themselves. It disposed the young warrior to peace, + and never had he felt less longings for the glory of the combat, than when + he joined Hist in the cabin, the instant the scow rubbed against the side + of the platform. From the indulgence of such gentle emotions, however, he + was aroused by a rude summons from Hurry, who called on him to come forth + and help to take in the sail, and to secure the Ark. + </p> + <p> + Chingachgook obeyed, and by the time he had reached the head of the scow, + Hurry was on the platform, stamping his feet, like one glad to touch what, + by comparison, might be called terra firma, and proclaiming his + indifference to the whole Huron tribe in his customary noisy, dogmatical + manner. Hutter had hauled a canoe up to the head of the scow, and was + already about to undo the fastenings of the gate, in order to enter within + the 'dock.' March had no other motive in landing than a senseless bravado, + and having shaken the door in a manner to put its solidity to the proof, + he joined Hutter in the canoe and began to aid him in opening the gate. + The reader will remember that this mode of entrance was rendered necessary + by the manner in which the owner of this singular residence habitually + secured it, whenever it was left empty; more particularly at moments when + danger was apprehended. Hutter had placed a line in the Delaware's hand, + on entering the canoe, intimating that the other was to fasten the Ark to + the platform and to lower the sail. Instead of following these directions, + however, Chingachgook left the sail standing, and throwing the bight of + the rope over the head of a pile, he permitted the Ark to drift round + until it lay against the defences, in a position where it could be entered + only by means of a boat, or by passing along the summits of the palisades; + the latter being an exploit that required some command of the feet, and + which was not to be attempted in the face of a resolute enemy. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of this change in the position of the scow, which was + effected before Hutter had succeeded in opening the gate of his dock, the + Ark and the Castle lay, as sailors would express it, yard-arm and + yard-arm, kept asunder some ten or twelve feet by means of the piles. As + the scow pressed close against the latter, their tops formed a species of + breast work that rose to the height of a man's head, covering in a certain + degree the parts of the scow that were not protected by the cabin. The + Delaware surveyed this arrangement with great satisfaction and, as the + canoe of Hutter passed through the gate into the dock, he thought that he + might defend his position against any garrison in the castle, for a + sufficient time, could he but have had the helping arm of his friend + Deerslayer. As it was, he felt comparatively secure, and no longer + suffered the keen apprehensions he had lately experienced in behalf of + Hist. + </p> + <p> + A single shove sent the canoe from the gate to the trap beneath the + castle. Here Hutter found all fast, neither padlock nor chain nor bar + having been molested. The key was produced, the locks removed, the chain + loosened, and the trap pushed upward. Hurry now thrust his head in at the + opening; the arms followed, and the colossal legs rose without any + apparent effort. At the next instant, his heavy foot was heard stamping in + the passage above; that which separated the chambers of the father and + daughters, and into which the trap opened. He then gave a shout of + triumph. + </p> + <p> + “Come on, old Tom,” the reckless woodsman called out from within the + building—“here's your tenement, safe and sound; ay, and as empty as + a nut that has passed half an hour in the paws of a squirrel! The Delaware + brags of being able to see silence; let him come here, and he may feel it, + in the bargain.” + </p> + <p> + “Any silence where you are, Hurry Harry,” returned Hutter, thrusting his + head in at the hole as he uttered the last word, which instantly caused + his voice to sound smothered to those without—“Any silence where you + are, ought to be both seen and felt, for it's unlike any other silence.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, old fellow; hoist yourself up, and we'll open doors and + windows and let in the fresh air to brighten up matters. Few words in + troublesome times, make men the best fri'nds. Your darter Judith is what I + call a misbehaving young woman, and the hold of the whole family on me is + so much weakened by her late conduct, that it wouldn't take a speech as + long as the ten commandments to send me off to the river, leaving you and + your traps, your Ark and your children, your man servants and your maid + servants, your oxen and your asses, to fight this battle with the Iroquois + by yourselves. Open that window, Floating Tom, and I'll blunder through + and do the same job to the front door.” + </p> + <p> + A moment of silence succeeded, and a noise like that produced by the fall + of a heavy body followed. A deep execration from Hurry succeeded, and then + the whole interior of the building seemed alive. The noises that now so + suddenly, and we may add so unexpectedly even to the Delaware, broke the + stillness within, could not be mistaken. They resembled those that would + be produced by a struggle between tigers in a cage. Once or twice the + Indian yell was given, but it seemed smothered, and as if it proceeded + from exhausted or compressed throats, and, in a single instance, a deep + and another shockingly revolting execration came from the throat of Hurry. + It appeared as if bodies were constantly thrown upon the floor with + violence, as often rising to renew the struggle. Chingachgook felt greatly + at a loss what to do. He had all the arms in the Ark, Hutter and Hurry + having proceeded without their rifles, but there was no means of using + them, or of passing them to the hands of their owners. The combatants were + literally caged, rendering it almost as impossible under the circumstances + to get out, as to get into the building. Then there was Hist to embarrass + his movements, and to cripple his efforts. With a view to relieve himself + from this disadvantage, he told the girl to take the remaining canoe and + to join Hutter's daughters, who were incautiously but deliberately + approaching, in order to save herself, and to warn the others of their + danger. But the girl positively and firmly refused to comply. At that + moment no human power, short of an exercise of superior physical force, + could have induced her to quit the Ark. The exigency of the moment did not + admit of delay, and the Delaware seeing no possibility of serving his + friends, cut the line and by a strong shove forced the scow some twenty + feet clear of the piles. Here he took the sweeps and succeeded in getting + a short distance to windward, if any direction could be thus termed in so + light an air, but neither the time, nor his skill at the oars, allowed the + distance to be great. When he ceased rowing, the Ark might have been a + hundred yards from the platform, and half that distance to the southward + of it, the sail being lowered. Judith and Hetty had now discovered that + something was wrong, and were stationary a thousand feet farther north. + </p> + <p> + All this while the furious struggle continued within the house. In scenes + like these, events thicken in less time than they can be related. From the + moment when the first fall was heard within the building to that when the + Delaware ceased his awkward attempts to row, it might have been three or + four minutes, but it had evidently served to weaken the combatants. The + oaths and execrations of Hurry were no longer heard, and even the + struggles had lost some of their force and fury. Nevertheless they still + continued with unabated perseverance. At this instant the door flew open, + and the fight was transferred to the platform, the light and the open air. + A Huron had undone the fastenings of the door, and three or four of his + tribe rushed after him upon the narrow space, as if glad to escape from + some terrible scene within. The body of another followed, pitched headlong + through the door with terrific violence. Then March appeared, raging like + a lion at bay, and for an instant freed from his numerous enemies. Hutter + was already a captive and bound. There was now a pause in the struggle, + which resembled a lull in a tempest. The necessity of breathing was common + to all, and the combatants stood watching each other, like mastiffs that + have been driven from their holds, and are waiting for a favorable + opportunity of renewing them. We shall profit by this pause to relate the + manner in which the Indians had obtained possession of the castle, and + this the more willingly because it may be necessary to explain to the + reader why a conflict which had been so close and fierce, should have also + been so comparatively bloodless. + </p> + <p> + Rivenoak and his companion, particularly the latter who had appeared to be + a subordinate and occupied solely with his raft, had made the closest + observations in their visits to the castle. Even the boy had brought away + minute and valuable information. By these means the Hurons obtained a + general idea of the manner in which the place was constructed and secured, + as well as of details that enabled them to act intelligently in the dark. + Notwithstanding the care that Hutter had taken to drop the Ark on the east + side of the building when he was in the act of transferring the furniture + from the former to the latter, he had been watched in a way to render the + precaution useless. Scouts were on the look-out on the eastern as well as + on the western shore of the lake, and the whole proceeding had been noted. + As soon as it was dark, rafts like that already described approached from + both shores to reconnoitre, and the Ark had passed within fifty feet of + one of them without its being discovered; the men it held lying at their + length on the logs, so as to blend themselves and their slow moving + machine with the water. When these two sets of adventurers drew near the + castle they encountered each other, and after communicating their + respective observations, they unhesitatingly approached the building. As + had been expected, it was found empty. The rafts were immediately sent for + a reinforcement to the shore, and two of the savages remained to profit by + their situation. These men succeeded in getting on the roof, and by + removing some of the bark, in entering what might be termed the garret. + Here they were found by their companions. Hatchets now opened a hole + through the squared logs of the upper floor, through which no less than + eight of the most athletic of the Indians dropped into the rooms beneath. + Here they were left, well supplied with arms and provisions, either to + stand a siege, or to make a sortie, as the case might require. The night + was passed in sleep, as is usual with Indians in a state of inactivity. + The returning day brought them a view of the approach of the Ark through + the loops, the only manner in which light and air were now admitted, the + windows being closed most effectually with plank, rudely fashioned to fit. + As soon as it was ascertained that the two white men were about to enter + by the trap, the chief who directed the proceedings of the Hurons took his + measures accordingly. He removed all the arms from his own people, even to + the knives, in distrust of savage ferocity when awakened by personal + injuries, and he hid them where they could not be found without a search. + Ropes of bark were then prepared, and taking their stations in the three + different rooms, they all waited for the signal to fall upon their + intended captives. As soon as the party had entered the building, men + without replaced the bark of the roof, removed every sign of their visit, + with care, and then departed for the shore. It was one of these who had + dropped his moccasin, which he had not been able to find again in the + dark. Had the death of the girl been known, it is probable nothing could + have saved the lives of Hurry and Hutter, but that event occurred after + the ambush was laid, and at a distance of several miles from the + encampment near the castle. Such were the means that had been employed to + produce the state of things we shall continue to describe. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XX + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Now all is done that man can do, + And all is done in vain! + My love! my native land, adieu + For I must cross the main, My dear, + For I must cross the main.” + + Robert Burns, “It was a' for our Rightfu' King,” II. 7-12. +</pre> + <p> + The last chapter we left the combatants breathing in their narrow lists. + Accustomed to the rude sports of wrestling and jumping, then so common in + America, more especially on the frontiers, Hurry possessed an advantage, + in addition to his prodigious strength, that had rendered the struggle + less unequal than it might otherwise appear to be. This alone had enabled + him to hold out so long, against so many enemies, for the Indian is by no + means remarkable for his skill, or force, in athletic exercises. As yet, + no one had been seriously hurt, though several of the savages had received + severe falls, and he, in particular, who had been thrown bodily upon the + platform, might be said to be temporarily hors de combat. Some of the rest + were limping, and March himself had not entirely escaped from bruises, + though want of breath was the principal loss that both sides wished to + repair. + </p> + <p> + Under circumstances like those in which the parties were placed, a truce, + let it come from what cause it might, could not well be of long + continuance. The arena was too confined, and the distrust of treachery too + great, to admit of this. Contrary to what might be expected in his + situation, Hurry was the first to recommence hostilities. Whether this + proceeded from policy, an idea that he might gain some advantage by making + a sudden and unexpected assault, or was the fruit of irritation and his + undying hatred of an Indian, it is impossible to say. His onset was + furious, however, and at first it carried all before it. He seized the + nearest Huron by the waist, raised him entirely from the platform, and + hurled him into the water, as if he had been a child. In half a minute, + two more were at his side, one of whom received a grave injury by the + friend who had just preceded him. But four enemies remained, and, in a + hand to hand conflict, in which no arms were used but those which nature + had furnished, Hurry believed himself fully able to cope with that number + of red-skins. + </p> + <p> + “Hurrah! Old Tom,” he shouted—“The rascals are taking to the lake, + and I'll soon have 'em all swimming!” As these words were uttered a + violent kick in the face sent back the injured Indian, who had caught at + the edge of the platform, and was endeavoring to raise himself to its + level, helplessly and hopelessly into the water. When the affray was over, + his dark body was seen, through the limpid element of the Glimmerglass, + lying, with outstretched arms, extended on the bottom of the shoal on + which the Castle stood, clinging to the sands and weeds, as if life were + to be retained by this frenzied grasp of death. A blow sent into the pit + of another's stomach doubled him up like a worm that had been trodden on, + and but two able bodied foes remained to be dealt with. One of these, + however, was not only the largest and strongest of the Hurons, but he was + also the most experienced of their warriors present, and that one whose + sinews were the best strung in fights, and by marches on the warpath. This + man fully appreciated the gigantic strength of his opponent, and had + carefully husbanded his own. He was also equipped in the best manner for + such a conflict, standing in nothing but his breech-cloth, the model of a + naked and beautiful statue of agility and strength. To grasp him required + additional dexterity and unusual force. Still Hurry did not hesitate, but + the kick that had actually destroyed one fellow creature was no sooner + given, than he closed in with this formidable antagonist, endeavoring to + force him into the water, also. The struggle that succeeded was truly + frightful. So fierce did it immediately become, and so quick and changeful + were the evolutions of the athletes, that the remaining savage had no + chance for interfering, had he possessed the desire; but wonder and + apprehension held him spell bound. He was an inexperienced youth, and his + blood curdled as he witnessed the fell strife of human passions, exhibited + too, in an unaccustomed form. + </p> + <p> + Hurry first attempted to throw his antagonist. With this view he seized + him by the throat, and an arm, and tripped with the quickness and force of + an American borderer. The effect was frustrated by the agile movements of + the Huron, who had clothes to grasp by, and whose feet avoided the attempt + with a nimbleness equal to that with which it was made. Then followed a + sort of melee, if such a term can be applied to a struggle between two in + which no efforts were strictly visible, the limbs and bodies of the + combatants assuming so many attitudes and contortions as to defeat + observation. This confused but fierce rally lasted less than a minute, + however; when, Hurry, furious at having his strength baffled by the + agility and nakedness of his foe, made a desperate effort, which sent the + Huron from him, hurling his body violently against the logs of the hut. + The concussion was so great as momentarily to confuse the latter's + faculties. The pain, too, extorted a deep groan; an unusual concession to + agony to escape a red man in the heat of battle. Still he rushed forward + again to meet his enemy, conscious that his safety rested on it's + resolution. Hurry now seized the other by the waist, raised him bodily + from the platform, and fell with his own great weight on the form beneath. + This additional shock so stunned the sufferer, that his gigantic white + opponent now had him completely at his mercy. Passing his hands around the + throat of his victim, he compressed them with the strength of a vice, + fairly doubling the head of the Huron over the edge of the platform, until + the chin was uppermost, with the infernal strength he expended. An instant + sufficed to show the consequences. The eyes of the sufferer seemed to + start forward, his tongue protruded, and his nostrils dilated nearly to + splitting. At this instant a rope of bark, having an eye, was passed + dexterously within the two arms of Hurry, the end threaded the eye, + forming a noose, and his elbows were drawn together behind his back, with + a power that all his gigantic strength could not resist. Reluctantly, even + under such circumstances, did the exasperated borderer see his hands drawn + from their deadly grasp, for all the evil passions were then in the + ascendant. Almost at the same instant a similar fastening secured his + ankles, and his body was rolled to the centre of the platform as + helplessly, and as cavalierly, as if it were a log of wood. His rescued + antagonist, however, did not rise, for while he began again to breathe, + his head still hung helplessly over the edge of the logs, and it was + thought at first that his neck was dislocated. He recovered gradually + only, and it was hours before he could walk. Some fancied that neither his + body, nor his mind, ever totally recovered from this near approach to + death. + </p> + <p> + Hurry owed his defeat and capture to the intensity with which he had + concentrated all his powers on his fallen foe. While thus occupied, the + two Indians he had hurled into the water mounted to the heads of the + piles, along which they passed, and joined their companion on the + platform. The latter had so far rallied his faculties as to have gotten + the ropes, which were in readiness for use as the others appeared, and + they were applied in the manner related, as Hurry lay pressing his enemy + down with his whole weight, intent only on the horrible office of + strangling him. Thus were the tables turned, in a single moment; he who + had been so near achieving a victory that would have been renowned for + ages, by means of traditions, throughout all that region, lying helpless, + bound and a captive. So fearful had been the efforts of the pale-face, and + so prodigious the strength he exhibited, that even as he lay tethered like + a sheep before them, they regarded him with respect, and not without + dread. The helpless body of their stoutest warrior was still stretched on + the platform, and, as they cast their eyes towards the lake, in quest of + the comrade that had been hurled into it so unceremoniously, and of whom + they had lost sight in the confusion of the fray, they perceived his + lifeless form clinging to the grass on the bottom, as already described. + These several circumstances contributed to render the victory of the + Hurons almost as astounding to themselves as a defeat. + </p> + <p> + Chingachgook and his betrothed witnessed the whole of this struggle from + the Ark. When the three Hurons were about to pass the cords around the + arms of the prostrate Hurry the Delaware sought his rifle, but, before he + could use it the white man was bound and the mischief was done. He might + still bring down an enemy, but to obtain the scalp was impossible, and the + young chief, who would so freely risk his own life to obtain such a + trophy, hesitated about taking that of a foe without such an object in + view. A glance at Hist, and the recollection of what might follow, checked + any transient wish for revenge. The reader has been told that Chingachgook + could scarcely be said to know how to manage the oars of the Ark at all, + however expert he might be in the use of the paddle. Perhaps there is no + manual labor at which men are so bungling and awkward, as in their first + attempts to pull oar, even the experienced mariner, or boat man, breaking + down in his efforts to figure with the celebrated rullock of the + gondolier. In short it is, temporarily, an impracticable thing for a new + beginner to succeed with a single oar, but in this case it was necessary + to handle two at the same time, and those of great size. Sweeps, or large + oars, however, are sooner rendered of use by the raw hand than lighter + implements, and this was the reason that the Delaware had succeeded in + moving the Ark as well as he did in a first trial. That trial, + notwithstanding, sufficed to produce distrust, and he was fully aware of + the critical situation in which Hist and himself were now placed, should + the Hurons take to the canoe that was still lying beneath the trap, and + come against them. At the moment he thought of putting Hist into the canoe + in his own possession, and of taking to the eastern mountain in the hope + of reaching the Delaware villages by direct flight. But many + considerations suggested themselves to put a stop to this indiscreet step. + It was almost certain that scouts watched the lake on both sides, and no + canoe could possibly approach shore without being seen from the hills. + Then a trail could not be concealed from Indian eyes, and the strength of + Hist was unequal to a flight sufficiently sustained to outstrip the + pursuit of trained warriors. This was a part of America in which the + Indians did not know the use of horses, and everything would depend on the + physical energies of the fugitives. Last, but far from being least, were + the thoughts connected with the situation of Deerslayer, a friend who was + not to be deserted in his extremity. + </p> + <p> + Hist in some particulars reasoned, and even felt, differently though she + arrived at the same conclusions. Her own anger disturbed her less than her + concern for the two sisters, on whose behalf her womanly sympathies were + now strongly enlisted. The canoe of the girls, by the time the struggle on + the platform had ceased, was within three hundred yards of the castle, and + here Judith ceased paddling, the evidences of strife first becoming + apparent to the eyes. She and Hetty were standing erect, anxiously + endeavoring to ascertain what had occurred, but unable to satisfy their + doubts from the circumstance that the building, in a great measure, + concealed the scene of action. + </p> + <p> + The parties in the Ark, and in the canoe, were indebted to the ferocity of + Hurry's attack for their momentary security. In any ordinary case, the + girls would have been immediately captured, a measure easy of execution + now the savages had a canoe, were it not for the rude check the audacity + of the Hurons had received in the recent struggle. It required some little + time to recover from the effects of this violent scene, and this so much + the more, because the principal man of the party, in the way of personal + prowess at least, had been so great a sufferer. Still it was of the last + importance that Judith and her sister should seek immediate refuge in the + Ark, where the defences offered a temporary shelter at least, and the + first step was to devise the means of inducing them to do so. Hist showed + herself in the stern of the scow, and made many gestures and signs, in + vain, in order to induce the girls to make a circuit to avoid the Castle, + and to approach the Ark from the eastward. But these signs were distrusted + or misunderstood. It is probable Judith was not yet sufficiently aware of + the real state of things to put full confidence in either party. Instead + of doing as desired, she rather kept more aloof, paddling slowly back to + the north, or into the broadest part of the lake, where she could command + the widest view, and had the fairest field for flight before her. At this + instant the sun appeared above the pines of the eastern range of mountains + and a light southerly breeze arose, as was usual enough at that season and + hour. Chingachgook lost no time in hoisting the sail. Whatever might be in + reserve for him, there could be no question that it was every way + desirable to get the Ark at such a distance from the castle as to reduce + his enemies to the necessity of approaching the former in the canoe, which + the chances of war had so inopportunely, for his wishes and security, + thrown into their hands. The appearance of the opening duck seemed first + to arouse the Hurons from their apathy, and by the time the head of the + scow had fallen off before the wind, which it did unfortunately in the + wrong direction, bringing it within a few yards of the platform, Hist + found it necessary to warn her lover of the importance of covering his + person against the rifles of his foes. This was a danger to be avoided + under all circumstances, and so much the more, because the Delaware found + that Hist would not take to the cover herself so long as he remained + exposed. Accordingly, Chingachgook abandoned the scow to its own + movements, forced Hist into the cabin, the doors of which he immediately + secured, and then he looked about him for the rifles. The situation of the + parties was now so singular as to merit a particular description. The Ark + was within sixty yards of the castle, a little to the southward, or to + windward of it, with its sail full, and the steering oar abandoned. The + latter, fortunately, was loose, so that it produced no great influence on + the crab like movements of the unwieldy craft. The sail being as sailors + term it, flying, or having no braces, the air forced the yard forward, + though both sheets were fast. The effect was threefold on a boat with a + bottom that was perfectly flat, and which drew merely some three or four + inches water. It pressed the head slowly round to leeward, it forced the + whole fabric bodily in the same direction at the same time, and the water + that unavoidably gathered under the lee gave the scow also a forward + movement. All these changes were exceedingly slow, however, for the wind + was not only light, but it was baffling as usual, and twice or thrice the + sail shook. Once it was absolutely taken aback. + </p> + <p> + Had there been any keel to the Ark, it would inevitably have run foul of + the platform, bows on, when it is probable nothing could have prevented + the Hurons from carrying it; more particularly as the sail would have + enabled them to approach under cover. As it was, the scow wore slowly + round, barely clearing that part of the building. The piles projecting + several feet, they were not cleared, but the head of the slow moving craft + caught between two of them, by one of its square corners, and hung. At + this moment the Delaware was vigilantly watching through a loop for an + opportunity to fire, while the Hurons kept within the building, similarly + occupied. The exhausted warrior reclined against the hut, there having + been no time to remove him, and Hurry lay, almost as helpless as a log, + tethered like a sheep on its way to the slaughter, near the middle of the + platform. Chingachgook could have slain the first, at any moment, but his + scalp would have been safe, and the young chief disdained to strike a blow + that could lead to neither honor nor advantage. + </p> + <p> + “Run out one of the poles, Sarpent, if Sarpent you be,” said Hurry, amid + the groans that the tightness of the ligatures was beginning to extort + from him—“run out one of the poles, and shove the head of the scow + off, and you'll drift clear of us—and, when you've done that good + turn for yourself just finish this gagging blackguard for me.” + </p> + <p> + The appeal of Hurry, however, had no other effect than to draw the + attention of Hist to his situation. This quick witted creature + comprehended it at a glance. His ankles were bound with several turns of + stout bark rope, and his arms, above the elbows, were similarly secured + behind his back; barely leaving him a little play of the hands and wrists. + Putting her mouth near a loop she said in a low but distinct voice—“Why + you don't roll here, and fall in scow? Chingachgook shoot Huron, if he + chase!” + </p> + <p> + “By the Lord, gal, that's a judgematical thought, and it shall be tried, + if the starn of your scow will come a little nearer. Put a bed at the + bottom, for me to fall on.” + </p> + <p> + This was said at a happy moment, for, tired of waiting, all the Indians + made a rapid discharge of their rifles, almost simultaneously, injuring no + one; though several bullets passed through the loops. Hist had heard part + of Hurry's words, but most of what he said was lost in the sharp reports + of the firearms. She undid the bar of the door that led to the stern of + the scow, but did not dare to expose her person. All this time, the head + of the Ark hung, but by a gradually decreasing hold as the other end swung + slowly round, nearer and nearer to the platform. Hurry, who now lay with + his face towards the Ark, occasionally writhing and turning over like one + in pain, evolutions he had performed ever since he was secured, watched + every change, and, at last, he saw that the whole vessel was free, and was + beginning to grate slowly along the sides of the piles. The attempt was + desperate, but it seemed to be the only chance for escaping torture and + death, and it suited the reckless daring of the man's character. Waiting + to the last moment, in order that the stern of the scow might fairly rub + against the platform, he began to writhe again, as if in intolerable + suffering, execrating all Indians in general, and the Hurons in + particular, and then he suddenly and rapidly rolled over and over, taking + the direction of the stern of the scow. Unfortunately, Hurry's shoulders + required more space to revolve in than his feet, and by the time he + reached the edge of the platform his direction had so far changed as to + carry him clear of the Ark altogether, and the rapidity of his revolutions + and the emergency admitting of no delay, he fell into the water. At this + instant, Chingachgook, by an understanding with his betrothed, drew the + fire of the Hurons again, not a man of whom saw the manner in which one + whom they knew to be effectually tethered, had disappeared. But Hist's + feelings were strongly interested in the success of so bold a scheme, and + she watched the movements of Hurry as the cat watches the mouse. The + moment he was in motion she foresaw the consequences, and this the more + readily, as the scow was now beginning to move with some steadiness, and + she bethought her of the means of saving him. With a sort of instinctive + readiness, she opened the door at the very moment the rifles were ringing + in her ears, and protected by the intervening cabin, she stepped into the + stem of the scow in time to witness the fall of Hurry into the lake. Her + foot was unconsciously placed on the end of one of the sheets of the sail, + which was fastened aft, and catching up all the spare rope with the + awkwardness, but also with the generous resolution of a woman, she threw + it in the direction of the helpless Hurry. The line fell on the head and + body of the sinking man and he not only succeeded in grasping separate + parts of it with his hands, but he actually got a portion of it between + his teeth. Hurry was an expert swimmer, and tethered as he was he resorted + to the very expedient that philosophy and reflection would have suggested. + He had fallen on his back, and instead of floundering and drowning himself + by desperate efforts to walk on the water, he permitted his body to sink + as low as possible, and was already submerged, with the exception of his + face, when the line reached him. In this situation he might possibly have + remained until rescued by the Hurons, using his hands as fishes use their + fins, had he received no other succour, but the movement of the Ark soon + tightened the rope, and of course he was dragged gently ahead holding even + pace with the scow. The motion aided in keeping his face above the surface + of the water, and it would have been possible for one accustomed to + endurance to have been towed a mile in this singular but simple manner. + </p> + <p> + It has been said that the Hurons did not observe the sudden disappearance + of Hurry. In his present situation he was not only hid from view by the + platform, but, as the Ark drew slowly ahead, impelled by a sail that was + now filled, he received the same friendly service from the piles. The + Hurons, indeed, were too intent on endeavoring to slay their Delaware foe, + by sending a bullet through some one of the loops or crevices of the + cabin, to bethink them at all of one whom they fancied so thoroughly tied. + Their great concern was the manner in which the Ark rubbed past the piles, + although its motion was lessened at least one half by the friction, and + they passed into the northern end of the castle in order to catch + opportunities of firing through the loops of that part of the building. + Chingachgook was similarly occupied, and remained as ignorant as his + enemies of the situation of Hurry. As the Ark grated along the rifles sent + their little clouds of smoke from one cover to the other, but the eyes and + movements of the opposing parties were too quick to permit any injury to + be done. At length one side had the mortification and the other the + pleasure of seeing the scow swing clear of the piles altogether, when it + immediately moved away, with a materially accelerated motion, towards the + north. + </p> + <p> + Chingachgook now first learned from Hist the critical condition of Hurry. + To have exposed either of their persons in the stern of the scow would + have been certain death, but fortunately the sheet to which the man clung + led forward to the foot of the sail. The Delaware found means to unloosen + it from the cleet aft, and Hist, who was already forward for that purpose, + immediately began to pull upon the line. At this moment Hurry was towing + fifty or sixty feet astern, with nothing but his face above water. As he + was dragged out clear of the castle and the piles he was first perceived + by the Hurons, who raised a hideous yell and commenced a fire on, what may + very well be termed the floating mass. It was at the same instant that + Hist began to pull upon the line forward—a circumstance that + probably saved Hurry's life, aided by his own self-possession and border + readiness. The first bullet struck the water directly on the spot where + the broad chest of the young giant was visible through the pure element, + and might have pierced his heart had the angle at which it was fired been + less acute. Instead of penetrating the lake, however, it glanced from its + smooth surface, rose, and buried itself in the logs of the cabin near the + spot at which Chingachgook had shown himself the minute before, while + clearing the line from the cleet. A second, and a third, and a fourth + bullet followed, all meeting with the same resistance of the water, though + Hurry sensibly felt the violence of the blows they struck upon the lake so + immediately above, and so near his breast. Discovering their mistake, the + Hurons now changed their plan, and aimed at the uncovered face; but by + this time Hist was pulling on the line, the target advanced and the deadly + missiles still fell upon the water. In another moment the body was dragged + past the end of the scow and became concealed. As for the Delaware and + Hist, they worked perfectly covered by the cabin, and in less time than it + requires to tell it, they had hauled the huge frame of Harry to the place + they occupied. Chingachgook stood in readiness with his keen knife, and + bending over the side of the scow he soon severed the bark that bound the + limbs of the borderer. To raise him high enough to reach the edge of the + boat and to aid him in entering were less easy, as Hurry's arms were still + nearly useless, but both were done in time, when the liberated man + staggered forward and fell exhausted and helpless into the bottom of the + scow. Here we shall leave him to recover his strength and the due + circulation of his blood, while we proceed with the narrative of events + that crowd upon us too fast to admit of any postponement. The moment the + Hurons lost sight of the body of Hurry they gave a common yell of + disappointment, and three of the most active of their number ran to the + trap and entered the canoe. It required some little delay, however, to + embark with their weapons, to find the paddles and, if we may use a phrase + so purely technical, “to get out of dock.” By this time Hurry was in the + scow, and the Delaware had his rifles again in readiness. As the Ark + necessarily sailed before the wind, it had got by this time quite two + hundred yards from the castle, and was sliding away each instant, farther + and farther, though with a motion so easy as scarcely to stir the water. + The canoe of the girls was quite a quarter of a mile distant from the Ark, + obviously keeping aloof, in ignorance of what had occurred, and in + apprehension of the consequences of venturing too near. They had taken the + direction of the eastern shore, endeavoring at the same time to get to + windward of the Ark, and in a manner between the two parties, as if + distrusting which was to be considered a friend, and which an enemy. The + girls, from long habit, used the paddles with great dexterity, and Judith, + in particular, had often sportively gained races, in trials of speed with + the youths that occasionally visited the lake. + </p> + <p> + When the three Hurons emerged from behind the palisades, and found + themselves on the open lake, and under the necessity of advancing + unprotected on the Ark, if they persevered in the original design, their + ardor sensibly cooled. In a bark canoe they were totally without cover, + and Indian discretion was entirely opposed to such a sacrifice of life as + would most probably follow any attempt to assault an enemy entrenched as + effectually as the Delaware. Instead of following the Ark, therefore, + these three warriors inclined towards the eastern shore, keeping at a safe + distance from the rifles of Chingachgook. But this manoeuvre rendered the + position of the girls exceedingly critical. It threatened to place them if + not between two fires, at least between two dangers, or what they + conceived to be dangers, and instead of permitting the Hurons to enclose + her, in what she fancied a sort of net, Judith immediately commenced her + retreat in a southern direction, at no very great distance from the shore. + She did not dare to land; if such an expedient were to be resorted to at + all, she could only venture on it in the last extremity. At first the + Indians paid little or no attention to the other canoe, for, fully + apprised of its contents, they deemed its capture of comparatively little + moment, while the Ark, with its imaginary treasures, the persons of the + Delaware and of Hurry, and its means of movement on a large scale, was + before them. But this Ark had its dangers as well as its temptations, and + after wasting near an hour in vacillating evolutions, always at a safe + distance from the rifle, the Hurons seemed suddenly to take their + resolution, and began to display it by giving eager chase to the girls. + </p> + <p> + When this last design was adopted, the circumstances of all parties, as + connected with their relative positions, were materially changed. The Ark + had sailed and drifted quite half a mile, and was nearly that distance due + north of the castle. As soon as the Delaware perceived that the girls + avoided him, unable to manage his unwieldy craft, and knowing that flight + from a bark canoe, in the event of pursuit, would be a useless expedient + if attempted, he had lowered his sail, in the hope it might induce the + sisters to change their plan and to seek refuge in the scow. This + demonstration produced no other effect than to keep the Ark nearer to the + scene of action, and to enable those in her to become witnesses of the + chase. The canoe of Judith was about a quarter of a mile south of that of + the Hurons, a little nearer to the east shore, and about the same distance + to the southward of the castle as it was from the hostile canoe, a + circumstance which necessarily put the last nearly abreast of Hutter's + fortress. With the several parties thus situated the chase commenced. + </p> + <p> + At the moment when the Hurons so suddenly changed their mode of attack + their canoe was not in the best possible racing trim. There were but two + paddles, and the third man so much extra and useless cargo. Then the + difference in weight between the sisters and the other two men, more + especially in vessels so extremely light, almost neutralized any + difference that might proceed from the greater strength of the Hurons, and + rendered the trial of speed far from being as unequal as it might seem. + Judith did not commence her exertions until the near approach of the other + canoe rendered the object of the movement certain, and then she exhorted + Hetty to aid her with her utmost skill and strength. + </p> + <p> + “Why should we run, Judith?” asked the simple minded girl. “The Hurons + have never harmed me, nor do I think they ever will.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be true as to you, Hetty, but it will prove very different with + me. Kneel down and say your prayer, and then rise and do your utmost to + help escape. Think of me, dear girl, too, as you pray.” + </p> + <p> + Judith gave these directions from a mixed feeling; first because she knew + that her sister ever sought the support of her great ally in trouble, and + next because a sensation of feebleness and dependance suddenly came over + her own proud spirit, in that moment of apparent desertion and trial. The + prayer was quickly said, however, and the canoe was soon in rapid motion. + Still, neither party resorted to their greatest exertions from the outset, + both knowing that the chase was likely to be arduous and long. Like two + vessels of war that are preparing for an encounter, they seemed desirous + of first ascertaining their respective rates of speed, in order that they + might know how to graduate their exertions, previously to the great + effort. A few minutes sufficed to show the Hurons that the girls were + expert, and that it would require all their skill and energies to overtake + them. + </p> + <p> + Judith had inclined towards the eastern shore at the commencement of the + chase, with a vague determination of landing and flying to the woods as a + last resort, but as she approached the land, the certainty that scouts + must be watching her movements made her reluctance to adopt such an + expedient unconquerable. Then she was still fresh, and had sanguine hopes + of being able to tire out her pursuers. With such feelings she gave a + sweep with her paddle, and sheered off from the fringe of dark hemlocks + beneath the shades of which she was so near entering, and held her way + again, more towards the centre of the lake. This seemed the instant + favorable for the Hurons to make their push, as it gave them the entire + breadth of the sheet to do it in; and this too in the widest part, as soon + as they had got between the fugitives and the land. The canoes now flew, + Judith making up for what she wanted in strength by her great dexterity + and self command. For half a mile the Indians gained no material + advantage, but the continuance of so great exertions for so many minutes + sensibly affected all concerned. Here the Indians resorted to an expedient + that enabled them to give one of their party time to breathe, by shifting + their paddles from hand to hand, and this too without sensibly relaxing + their efforts. + </p> + <p> + Judith occasionally looked behind her, and she saw this expedient + practised. It caused her immediately to distrust the result, since her + powers of endurance were not likely to hold out against those of men who + had the means of relieving each other. Still she persevered, allowing no + very visible consequences immediately to follow the change. + </p> + <p> + As yet the Indians had not been able to get nearer to the girls than two + hundred yards, though they were what seamen would term “in their wake”; or + in a direct line behind them, passing over the same track of water. This + made the pursuit what is technically called a “stern chase”, which is + proverbially a “long chase”: the meaning of which is that, in consequence + of the relative positions of the parties, no change becomes apparent + except that which is a direct gain in the nearest possible approach. + “Long” as this species of chase is admitted to be, however, Judith was + enabled to perceive that the Hurons were sensibly drawing nearer and + nearer, before she had gained the centre of the lake. She was not a girl + to despair, but there was an instant when she thought of yielding, with + the wish of being carried to the camp where she knew the Deerslayer to be + a captive; but the considerations connected with the means she hoped to be + able to employ in order to procure his release immediately interposed, in + order to stimulate her to renewed exertions. Had there been any one there + to note the progress of the two canoes, he would have seen that of Judith + flying swiftly away from its pursuers, as the girl gave it freshly + impelled speed, while her mind was thus dwelling on her own ardent and + generous schemes. So material, indeed, was the difference in the rate of + going between the two canoes for the next five minutes, that the Hurons + began to be convinced all their powers must be exerted or they would + suffer the disgrace of being baffled by women. Making a furious effort + under the mortification of such a conviction, one of the strongest of + their party broke his paddle at the very moment when he had taken it from + the hand of a comrade to relieve him. This at once decided the matter, a + canoe containing three men and having but one paddle being utterly unable + to overtake fugitives like the daughters of Thomas Hutter. + </p> + <p> + “There, Judith!” exclaimed Hetty, who saw the accident, “I hope now you + will own, that praying is useful! The Hurons have broke a paddle, and they + never can overtake us.” + </p> + <p> + “I never denied it, poor Hetty, and sometimes wish in bitterness of spirit + that I had prayed more myself, and thought less of my beauty! As you say, + we are now safe and need only go a little south and take breath.” + </p> + <p> + This was done; the enemy giving up the pursuit, as suddenly as a ship that + has lost an important spar, the instant the accident occurred. Instead of + following Judith's canoe, which was now lightly skimming over the water + towards the south, the Hurons turned their bows towards the castle, where + they soon arrived and landed. The girls, fearful that some spare paddles + might be found in or about the buildings, continued on, nor did they stop + until so distant from their enemies as to give them every chance of + escape, should the chase be renewed. It would seem that the savages + meditated no such design, but at the end of an hour their canoe, filled + with men, was seen quitting the castle and steering towards the shore. The + girls were without food, and they now drew nearer to the buildings and the + Ark, having finally made up their minds from its manoeuvres that the + latter contained friends. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the seeming desertion of the castle, Judith approached it + with extreme caution. The Ark was now quite a mile to the northward, but + sweeping up towards the buildings, and this, too, with a regularity of + motion that satisfied Judith a white man was at the oars. When within a + hundred yards of the building the girls began to encircle it, in order to + make sure that it was empty. No canoe was nigh, and this emboldened them + to draw nearer and nearer, until they had gone round the piles and reached + the platform. + </p> + <p> + “Do you go into the house, Hetty,” said Judith, “and see that the savages + are gone. They will not harm you, and if any of them are still here you + can give me the alarm. I do not think they will fire on a poor defenceless + girl, and I at least may escape, until I shall be ready to go among them + of my own accord.” + </p> + <p> + Hetty did as desired, Judith retiring a few yards from the platform the + instant her sister landed, in readiness for flight. But the last was + unnecessary, not a minute elapsing before Hetty returned to communicate + that all was safe. + </p> + <p> + “I've been in all the rooms, Judith,” said the latter earnestly, “and they + are empty, except father's; he is in his own chamber, sleeping, though not + as quietly as we could wish.” + </p> + <p> + “Has any thing happened to father?” demanded Judith, as her foot touched + the platform; speaking quickly, for her nerves were in a state to be + easily alarmed. + </p> + <p> + Hetty seemed concerned, and she looked furtively about her as if unwilling + any one but a child should hear what she had to communicate, and even that + she should learn it abruptly. + </p> + <p> + “You know how it is with father sometimes, Judith,” she said, “When + overtaken with liquor he doesn't always know what he says or does, and he + seems to be overtaken with liquor now.” + </p> + <p> + “That is strange! Would the savages have drunk with him, and then leave + him behind? But 'tis a grievous sight to a child, Hetty, to witness such a + failing in a parent, and we will not go near him 'til he wakes.” + </p> + <p> + A groan from the inner room, however, changed this resolution, and the + girls ventured near a parent whom it was no unusual thing for them to find + in a condition that lowers a man to the level of brutes. He was seated, + reclining in a corner of the narrow room with his shoulders supported by + the angle, and his head fallen heavily on his chest. Judith moved forward + with a sudden impulse, and removed a canvass cap that was forced so low on + his head as to conceal his face, and indeed all but his shoulders. The + instant this obstacle was taken away, the quivering and raw flesh, the + bared veins and muscles, and all the other disgusting signs of mortality, + as they are revealed by tearing away the skin, showed he had been scalped, + though still living. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Lightly they'll talk of the spirit that's gone, + And o'er his cold ashes upbraid him; + But nothing he'll reck, if they'll let him sleep on, + In the grave where a Briton has laid him.” + + Charles Wolfe, “The Burial of Sir John Moore,” vi. +</pre> + <p> + The reader must imagine the horror that daughters would experience, at + unexpectedly beholding the shocking spectacle that was placed before the + eyes of Judith and Esther, as related in the close of the last chapter. We + shall pass over the first emotions, the first acts of filial piety, and + proceed with the narrative by imagining rather than relating most of the + revolting features of the scene. The mutilated and ragged head was bound + up, the unseemly blood was wiped from the face of the sufferer, the other + appliances required by appearances and care were resorted to, and there + was time to enquire into the more serious circumstances of the case. The + facts were never known until years later in all their details, simple as + they were, but they may as well be related here, as it can be done in a + few words. In the struggle with the Hurons, Hutter had been stabbed by the + knife of the old warrior, who had used the discretion to remove the arms + of every one but himself. Being hard pushed by his sturdy foe, his knife + had settled the matter. This occurred just as the door was opened, and + Hurry burst out upon the platform, as has been previously related. This + was the secret of neither party's having appeared in the subsequent + struggle; Hutter having been literally disabled, and his conqueror being + ashamed to be seen with the traces of blood about him, after having used + so many injunctions to convince his young warriors of the necessity of + taking their prisoners alive. When the three Hurons returned from the + chase, and it was determined to abandon the castle and join the party on + the land, Hutter was simply scalped to secure the usual trophy, and was + left to die by inches, as has been done in a thousand similar instances by + the ruthless warriors of this part of the American continent. Had the + injury of Hutter been confined to his head, he might have recovered, + however, for it was the blow of the knife that proved mortal. There are + moments of vivid consciousness, when the stern justice of God stands forth + in colours so prominent as to defy any attempts to veil them from the + sight, however unpleasant they may appear, or however anxious we may be to + avoid recognising it. Such was now the fact with Judith and Hetty, who + both perceived the decrees of a retributive Providence, in the manner of + their father's suffering, as a punishment for his own recent attempts on + the Iroquois. This was seen and felt by Judith with the keenness of + perception and sensibility that were suited to her character, while the + impression made on the simpler mind of her sister was perhaps less lively, + though it might well have proved more lasting. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Judith,” exclaimed the weak minded girl, as soon as their first care + had been bestowed on sufferer. “Father went for scalps, himself, and now + where is his own? The Bible might have foretold this dreadful punishment!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, Hetty—hush, poor sister—He opens his eyes; he may hear + and understand you. 'Tis as you say and think, but 'tis too dreadful to + speak.” + </p> + <p> + “Water,” ejaculated Hutter, as it might be by a desperate effort, that + rendered his voice frightfully deep and strong for one as near death as he + evidently was—“Water—foolish girls—will you let me die + of thirst?” + </p> + <p> + Water was brought and administered to the sufferer; the first he had + tasted in hours of physical anguish. It had the double effect of clearing + his throat and of momentarily reviving his sinking system. His eyes opened + with that anxious, distended gaze which is apt to accompany the passage of + a soul surprised by death, and he seemed disposed to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Father,” said Judith, inexpressibly pained by his deplorable situation, + and this so much the more from her ignorance of what remedies ought to be + applied—“Father, can we do any thing for you? Can Hetty and I + relieve your pain?” + </p> + <p> + “Father!” slowly repeated the old man. “No, Judith; no, Hetty—I'm no + father. She was your mother, but I'm no father. Look in the chest—'Tis + all there—give me more water.” + </p> + <p> + The girls complied, and Judith, whose early recollections extended farther + back than her sister's, and who on every account had more distinct + impressions of the past, felt an uncontrollable impulse of joy as she + heard these words. There had never been much sympathy between her reputed + father and herself, and suspicions of this very truth had often glanced + across her mind, in consequence of dialogues she had overheard between + Hutter and her mother. It might be going too far to say she had never + loved him, but it is not so to add that she rejoiced it was no longer a + duty. With Hetty the feeling was different. Incapable of making all the + distinctions of her sister, her very nature was full of affection, and she + had loved her reputed parent, though far less tenderly than the real + parent, and it grieved her now to hear him declare he was not naturally + entitled to that love. She felt a double grief, as if his death and his + words together were twice depriving her of parents. Yielding to her + feelings, the poor girl went aside and wept. + </p> + <p> + The very opposite emotions of the two girls kept both silent for a long + time. Judith gave water to the sufferer frequently, but she forbore to + urge him with questions, in some measure out of consideration for his + condition, but, if truth must be said, quite as much lest something he + should add in the way of explanation might disturb her pleasing belief + that she was not Thomas Hutter's child. At length Hetty dried her tears, + and came and seated herself on a stool by the side of the dying man, who + had been placed at his length on the floor, with his head supported by + some coarse vestments that had been left in the house. + </p> + <p> + “Father,” she said “you will let me call you father, though you say you + are not one—Father, shall I read the Bible to you—mother + always said the Bible was good for people in trouble. She was often in + trouble herself, and then she made me read the Bible to her—for + Judith wasn't as fond of the Bible as I am—and it always did her + good. Many is the time I've known mother begin to listen with the tears + streaming from her eyes, and end with smiles and gladness. Oh! father, you + don't know how much good the Bible can do, for you've never tried it. Now, + I'll read a chapter and it will soften your heart as it softened the + hearts of the Hurons.” + </p> + <p> + While poor Hetty had so much reverence for, and faith in, the virtues of + the Bible, her intellect was too shallow to enable her fully to appreciate + its beauties, or to fathom its profound and sometimes mysterious wisdom. + That instinctive sense of right which appeared to shield her from the + commission of wrong, and even cast a mantle of moral loveliness and truth + around her character, could not penetrate abstrusities, or trace the nice + affinities between cause and effect, beyond their more obvious and + indisputable connection, though she seldom failed to see all the latter, + and to defer to all their just consequences. In a word, she was one of + those who feel and act correctly without being able to give a logical + reason for it, even admitting revelation as her authority. Her selections + from the Bible, therefore, were commonly distinguished by the simplicity + of her own mind, and were oftener marked for containing images of known + and palpable things than for any of the higher cast of moral truths with + which the pages of that wonderful book abound—wonderful, and + unequalled, even without referring to its divine origin, as a work replete + with the profoundest philosophy, expressed in the noblest language. Her + mother, with a connection that will probably strike the reader, had been + fond of the book of Job, and Hetty had, in a great measure, learned to + read by the frequent lessons she had received from the different chapters + of this venerable and sublime poem—now believed to be the oldest + book in the world. On this occasion the poor girl was submissive to her + training, and she turned to that well known part of the sacred volume, + with the readiness with which the practised counsel would cite his + authorities from the stores of legal wisdom. In selecting the particular + chapter, she was influenced by the caption, and she chose that which + stands in our English version as “Job excuseth his desire of death.” This + she read steadily, from beginning to end, in a sweet, low and plaintive + voice; hoping devoutly that the allegorical and abstruse sentences might + convey to the heart of the sufferer the consolation he needed. It is + another peculiarity of the comprehensive wisdom of the Bible that scarce a + chapter, unless it be strictly narration, can be turned to, that does not + contain some searching truth that is applicable to the condition of every + human heart, as well as to the temporal state of its owner, either through + the workings of that heart, or even in a still more direct form. In this + instance, the very opening sentence—“Is there not an appointed time + to man on earth?” was startling, and as Hetty proceeded, Hutter applied, + or fancied he could apply many aphorisms and figures to his own worldly + and mental condition. As life is ebbing fast, the mind clings eagerly to + hope when it is not absolutely crushed by despair. The solemn words “I + have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? Why hast + thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself,” + struck Hutter more perceptibly than the others, and, though too obscure + for one of his blunted feelings and obtuse mind either to feel or to + comprehend in their fullest extent, they had a directness of application + to his own state that caused him to wince under them. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you feel better now, father?” asked Hetty, closing the volume. + “Mother was always better when she had read the Bible.” + </p> + <p> + “Water,” returned Hutter—“give me water, Judith. I wonder if my + tongue will always be so hot! Hetty, isn't there something in the Bible + about cooling the tongue of a man who was burning in Hell fire?” + </p> + <p> + Judith turned away shocked, but Hetty eagerly sought the passage, which + she read aloud to the conscience stricken victim of his own avaricious + longings. + </p> + <p> + “That's it, poor Hetty; yes, that's it. My tongue wants cooling, now—what + will it be hereafter?” + </p> + <p> + This appeal silenced even the confiding Hetty, for she had no answer ready + for a confession so fraught with despair. Water, so long as it could + relieve the sufferer, it was in the power of the sisters to give, and from + time to time it was offered to the lips of the sufferer as he asked for + it. Even Judith prayed. As for Hetty, as soon as she found that her + efforts to make her father listen to her texts were no longer rewarded + with success, she knelt at his side and devoutly repeated the words which + the Saviour has left behind him as a model for human petitions. This she + continued to do, at intervals, as long as it seemed to her that the act + could benefit the dying man. Hutter, however, lingered longer than the + girls had believed possible when they first found him. At times he spoke + intelligibly, though his lips oftener moved in utterance of sounds that + carried no distinct impressions to the mind. Judith listened intently, and + she heard the words—“husband”—“death”—“pirate”—“law”—“scalps”—and + several others of similar import, though there was no sentence to tell the + precise connection in which they were used. Still they were sufficiently + expressive to be understood by one whose ears had not escaped all the + rumours that had been circulated to her reputed father's discredit, and + whose comprehension was as quick as her faculties were attentive. + </p> + <p> + During the whole of the painful hour that succeeded, neither of the + sisters bethought her sufficiently of the Hurons to dread their return. It + seemed as if their desolation and grief placed them above the danger of + such an interruption, and when the sound of oars was at length heard, even + Judith, who alone had any reason to apprehend the enemy, did not start, + but at once understood that the Ark was near. She went upon the platform + fearlessly, for should it turn out that Hurry was not there, and that the + Hurons were masters of the scow also, escape was impossible. Then she had + the sort of confidence that is inspired by extreme misery. But there was + no cause for any new alarm, Chingachgook, Hist, and Hurry all standing in + the open part of the scow, cautiously examining the building to make + certain of the absence of the enemy. They, too, had seen the departure of + the Hurons, as well as the approach of the canoe of the girls to the + castle, and presuming on the latter fact, March had swept the scow up to + the platform. A word sufficed to explain that there was nothing to be + apprehended, and the Ark was soon moored in her old berth. + </p> + <p> + Judith said not a word concerning the condition of her father, but Hurry + knew her too well not to understand that something was more than usually + wrong. He led the way, though with less of his confident bold manner than + usual, into the house, and penetrating to the inner room, found Hutter + lying on his back with Hetty sitting at his side, fanning him with pious + care. The events of the morning had sensibly changed the manner of Hurry. + Notwithstanding his skill as a swimmer, and the readiness with which he + had adopted the only expedient that could possibly save him, the + helplessness of being in the water, bound hand and foot, had produced some + such effect on him, as the near approach of punishment is known to produce + on most criminals, leaving a vivid impression of the horrors of death upon + his mind, and this too in connection with a picture of bodily + helplessness; the daring of this man being far more the offspring of vast + physical powers, than of the energy of the will, or even of natural + spirit. Such heroes invariably lose a large portion of their courage with + the failure of their strength, and though Hurry was now unfettered and as + vigorous as ever, events were too recent to permit the recollection of his + late deplorable condition to be at all weakened. Had he lived a century, + the occurrences of the few momentous minutes during which he was in the + lake would have produced a chastening effect on his character, if not + always on his manner. + </p> + <p> + Hurry was not only shocked when he found his late associate in this + desperate situation, but he was greatly surprised. During the struggle in + the building, he had been far too much occupied himself to learn what had + befallen his comrade, and, as no deadly weapon had been used in his + particular case, but every effort had been made to capture him without + injury, he naturally believed that Hutter had been overcome, while he owed + his own escape to his great bodily strength, and to a fortunate + concurrence of extraordinary circumstances. Death, in the silence and + solemnity of a chamber, was a novelty to him. Though accustomed to scenes + of violence, he had been unused to sit by the bedside and watch the slow + beating of the pulse, as it gradually grew weaker and weaker. + Notwithstanding the change in his feelings, the manners of a life could + not be altogether cast aside in a moment, and the unexpected scene + extorted a characteristic speech from the borderer. + </p> + <p> + “How now! old Tom,” he said, “have the vagabonds got you at an advantage, + where you're not only down, but are likely to be kept down! I thought you + a captyve it's true, but never supposed you so hard run as this!” + </p> + <p> + Hutter opened his glassy eyes, and stared wildly at the speaker. A flood + of confused recollections rushed on his wavering mind at the sight of his + late comrade. It was evident that he struggled with his own images, and + knew not the real from the unreal. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” he asked in a husky whisper, his failing strength refusing + to aid him in a louder effort of his voice. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?—You look like the mate of 'The Snow'—he was a + giant, too, and near overcoming us.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm your mate, Floating Tom, and your comrade, but have nothing to do + with any snow. It's summer now, and Harry March always quits the hills as + soon after the frosts set in, as is convenient.” + </p> + <p> + “I know you—Hurry Skurry—I'll sell you a scalp!—a sound + one, and of a full grown man—What'll you give?” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Tom! That scalp business hasn't turned out at all profitable, and + I've pretty much concluded to give it up; and to follow a less bloody + calling.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you got any scalp? Mine's gone—How does it feel to have a + scalp? I know how it feels to lose one—fire and flames about the + brain—and a wrenching at the heart—no—no—kill + first, Hurry, and scalp afterwards.” + </p> + <p> + “What does the old fellow mean, Judith? He talks like one that is getting + tired of the business as well as myself. Why have you bound up his head? + or, have the savages tomahawked him about the brains?” + </p> + <p> + “They have done that for him which you and he, Harry March, would have so + gladly done for them. His skin and hair have been torn from his head to + gain money from the governor of Canada, as you would have torn theirs from + the heads of the Hurons, to gain money from the Governor of York.” + </p> + <p> + Judith spoke with a strong effort to appear composed, but it was neither + in her nature, nor in the feeling of the moment to speak altogether + without bitterness. The strength of her emphasis, indeed, as well as her + manner, caused Hetty to look up reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + “These are high words to come from Thomas Hutter's darter, as Thomas + Hutter lies dying before her eyes,” retorted Hurry. + </p> + <p> + “God be praised for that!—whatever reproach it may bring on my poor + mother, I am not Thomas Hutter's daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Not Thomas Hutter's darter!—Don't disown the old fellow in his last + moments, Judith, for that's a sin the Lord will never overlook. If you're + not Thomas Hutter's darter, whose darter be you?” + </p> + <p> + This question rebuked the rebellious spirit of Judith, for, in getting rid + of a parent whom she felt it was a relief to find she might own she had + never loved, she overlooked the important circumstance that no substitute + was ready to supply his place. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot tell you, Harry, who my father was,” she answered more mildly; + “I hope he was an honest man, at least.” + </p> + <p> + “Which is more than you think was the case with old Hutter? Well, Judith, + I'll not deny that hard stories were in circulation consarning Floating + Tom, but who is there that doesn't get a scratch, when an inimy holds the + rake? There's them that say hard things of me, and even you, beauty as you + be, don't always escape.” + </p> + <p> + This was said with a view to set up a species of community of character + between the parties, and as the politicians are wont to express it, with + ulterior intentions. What might have been the consequences with one of + Judith's known spirit, as well as her assured antipathy to the speaker, it + is not easy to say, for, just then, Hutter gave unequivocal signs that his + last moment was nigh. Judith and Hetty had stood by the dying bed of their + mother, and neither needed a monitor to warn them of the crisis, and every + sign of resentment vanished from the face of the first. Hutter opened his + eyes, and even tried to feel about him with his hands, a sign that sight + was failing. A minute later, his breathing grew ghastly; a pause totally + without respiration followed; and, then, succeeded the last, long drawn + sigh, on which the spirit is supposed to quit the body. This sudden + termination of the life of one who had hitherto filled so important a + place in the narrow scene on which he had been an actor, put an end to all + discussion. + </p> + <p> + The day passed by without further interruption, the Hurons, though + possessed of a canoe, appearing so far satisfied with their success as to + have relinquished all immediate designs on the castle. It would not have + been a safe undertaking, indeed, to approach it under the rifles of those + it was now known to contain, and it is probable that the truce was more + owing to this circumstance than to any other. In the mean while the + preparations were made for the interment of Hutter. To bury him on the + land was impracticable, and it was Hetty's wish that his body should lie + by the side of that of her mother, in the lake. She had it in her power to + quote one of his speeches, in which he himself had called the lake the + “family burying ground,” and luckily this was done without the knowledge + of her sister, who would have opposed the plan, had she known it, with + unconquerable disgust. But Judith had not meddled with the arrangement, + and every necessary disposition was made without her privity or advice. + </p> + <p> + The hour chosen for the rude ceremony was just as the sun was setting, and + a moment and a scene more suited to paying the last offices to one of calm + and pure spirit could not have been chosen. There are a mystery and a + solemn dignity in death, that dispose the living to regard the remains of + even a malefactor with a certain degree of reverence. All worldly + distinctions have ceased; it is thought that the veil has been removed, + and that the character and destiny of the departed are now as much beyond + human opinions, as they are beyond human ken. In nothing is death more + truly a leveller than in this, since, while it may be impossible + absolutely to confound the great with the low, the worthy with the + unworthy, the mind feels it to be arrogant to assume a right to judge of + those who are believed to be standing at the judgment seat of God. When + Judith was told that all was ready, she went upon the platform, passive to + the request of her sister, and then she first took heed of the + arrangement. The body was in the scow, enveloped in a sheet, and quite a + hundred weight of stones, that had been taken from the fire place, were + enclosed with it, in order that it might sink. No other preparation seemed + to be thought necessary, though Hetty carried her Bible beneath her arm. + </p> + <p> + When all were on board the Ark, the singular habitation of the man whose + body it now bore to its final abode, was set in motion. Hurry was at the + oars. In his powerful hands, indeed, they seemed little more than a pair + of sculls, which were wielded without effort, and, as he was expert in + their use, the Delaware remained a passive spectator of the proceedings. + The progress of the Ark had something of the stately solemnity of a + funeral procession, the dip of the oars being measured, and the movement + slow and steady. The wash of the water, as the blades rose and fell, kept + time with the efforts of Hurry, and might have been likened to the + measured tread of mourners. Then the tranquil scene was in beautiful + accordance with a rite that ever associates with itself the idea of God. + At that instant, the lake had not even a single ripple on its glassy + surface, and the broad panorama of woods seemed to look down on the holy + tranquillity of the hour and ceremony in melancholy stillness. Judith was + affected to tears, and even Hurry, though he hardly knew why, was + troubled. Hetty preserved the outward signs of tranquillity, but her + inward grief greatly surpassed that of her sister, since her affectionate + heart loved more from habit and long association, than from the usual + connections of sentiment and taste. She was sustained by religious hope, + however, which in her simple mind usually occupied the space that worldly + feelings filled in that of Judith, and she was not without an expectation + of witnessing some open manifestation of divine power, on an occasion so + solemn. Still she was neither mystical nor exaggerated; her mental + imbecility denying both. Nevertheless her thoughts had generally so much + of the purity of a better world about them that it was easy for her to + forget earth altogether, and to think only of heaven. Hist was serious, + attentive and interested, for she had often seen the interments of the + pale-faces, though never one that promised to be as peculiar as this; + while the Delaware, though grave, and also observant, in his demeanor was + stoical and calm. + </p> + <p> + Hetty acted as pilot, directing Hurry how to proceed, to find that spot in + the lake which she was in the habit of terming “mother's grave.” The + reader will remember that the castle stood near the southern extremity of + a shoal that extended near half a mile northerly, and it was at the + farthest end of this shallow water that Floating Tom had seen fit to + deposit the remains of his wife and child. His own were now in the course + of being placed at their side. Hetty had marks on the land by which she + usually found the spot, although the position of the buildings, the + general direction of the shoal, and the beautiful transparency of the + water all aided her, the latter even allowing the bottom to be seen. By + these means the girl was enabled to note their progress, and at the proper + time she approached March, whispering, “Now, Hurry you can stop rowing. We + have passed the stone on the bottom, and mother's grave is near.” + </p> + <p> + March ceased his efforts, immediately dropping the kedge and taking the + warp in his hand in order to check the scow. The Ark turned slowly round + under this restraint, and when it was quite stationary, Hetty was seen at + its stern, pointing into the water, the tears streaming from her eyes, in + ungovernable natural feeling. Judith had been present at the interment of + her mother, but she had never visited the spot since. The neglect + proceeded from no indifference to the memory of the deceased; for she had + loved her mother, and bitterly had she found occasion to mourn her loss; + but she was averse to the contemplation of death; and there had been + passages in her own life since the day of that interment which increased + this feeling, and rendered her, if possible, still more reluctant to + approach the spot that contained the remains of one whose severe lessons + of female morality and propriety had been deepened and rendered doubly + impressive by remorse for her own failings. With Hetty, the case had been + very different. To her simple and innocent mind, the remembrance of her + mother brought no other feeling than one of gentle sorrow; a grief that is + so often termed luxurious even, because it associates with itself the + images of excellence and the purity of a better state of existence. For an + entire summer, she had been in the habit of repairing to the place after + night-fall; and carefully anchoring her canoe so as not to disturb the + body, she would sit and hold fancied conversations with the deceased, sing + sweet hymns to the evening air, and repeat the orisons that the being who + now slumbered below had taught her in infancy. Hetty had passed her + happiest hours in this indirect communion with the spirit of her mother; + the wildness of Indian traditions and Indian opinions, unconsciously to + herself, mingling with the Christian lore received in childhood. Once she + had even been so far influenced by the former as to have bethought her of + performing some of those physical rites at her mother's grave which the + redmen are known to observe; but the passing feeling had been obscured by + the steady, though mild light of Christianity, which never ceased to burn + in her gentle bosom. Now her emotions were merely the natural outpourings + of a daughter that wept for a mother whose love was indelibly impressed on + the heart, and whose lessons had been too earnestly taught to be easily + forgotten by one who had so little temptation to err. + </p> + <p> + There was no other priest than nature at that wild and singular funeral + rite. March cast his eyes below, and through the transparent medium of the + clear water, which was almost as pure as air, he saw what Hetty was + accustomed to call “mother's grave.” It was a low, straggling mound of + earth, fashioned by no spade, out of a corner of which gleamed a bit of + the white cloth that formed the shroud of the dead. The body had been + lowered to the bottom, and Hutter brought earth from the shore and let it + fall upon it, until all was concealed. In this state the place had + remained until the movement of the waters revealed the solitary sign of + the uses of the spot that has just been mentioned. + </p> + <p> + Even the most rude and brawling are chastened by the ceremonies of a + funeral. March felt no desire to indulge his voice in any of its coarse + outbreakings, and was disposed to complete the office he had undertaken in + decent sobriety. Perhaps he reflected on the retribution that had alighted + on his late comrade, and bethought him of the frightful jeopardy in which + his own life had so lately been placed. He signified to Judith that all + was ready, received her directions to proceed, and, with no other + assistant than his own vast strength, raised the body and bore it to the + end of the scow. Two parts of a rope were passed beneath the legs and + shoulders, as they are placed beneath coffins, and then the corpse was + slowly lowered beneath the surface of the lake. + </p> + <p> + “Not there—Harry March—no, not there,” said Judith, shuddering + involuntarily; “do not lower it quite so near the spot where mother lies!” + </p> + <p> + “Why not, Judith?” asked Hetty, earnestly. “They lived together in life, + and should lie together in death.” + </p> + <p> + “No—no—Harry March, further off—further off. Poor Hetty, + you know not what you say. Leave me to order this.” + </p> + <p> + “I know I am weak-minded, Judith, and that you are clever—but, + surely a husband should be placed near a wife. Mother always said that + this was the way they bury in Christian churchyards.” + </p> + <p> + This little controversy was conducted earnestly, but in smothered voices, + as if the speakers feared that the dead might overhear them. Judith could + not contend with her sister at such a moment, but a significant gesture + induced March to lower the body at a little distance from that of his + wife; when he withdrew the cords, and the act was performed. + </p> + <p> + “There's an end of Floating Tom!” exclaimed Hurry, bending over the scow, + and gazing through the water at the body. “He was a brave companion on a + scout, and a notable hand with traps. Don't weep, Judith, don't be + overcome, Hetty, for the righteousest of us all must die; and when the + time comes, lamentations and tears can't bring the dead to life. Your + father will be a loss to you, no doubt; most fathers are a loss, + especially to onmarried darters; but there's a way to cure that evil, and + you're both too young and handsome to live long without finding it out. + When it's agreeable to hear what an honest and onpretending man has to + say, Judith, I should like to talk a little with you, apart.” + </p> + <p> + Judith had scarce attended to this rude attempt of Hurry's at consolation, + although she necessarily understood its general drift, and had a tolerably + accurate notion of its manner. She was weeping at the recollection of her + mother's early tenderness, and painful images of long forgotten lessons + and neglected precepts were crowding her mind. The words of Hurry, + however, recalled her to the present time, and abrupt and unseasonable as + was their import, they did not produce those signs of distaste that one + might have expected from the girl's character. On the contrary, she + appeared to be struck with some sudden idea, gazed intently for a moment + at the young man, dried her eyes, and led the way to the other end of the + scow, signifying her wish for him to follow. Here she took a seat and + motioned for March to place himself at her side. The decision and + earnestness with which all this was done a little intimidated her + companion, and Judith found it necessary to open the subject herself. + </p> + <p> + “You wish to speak to me of marriage, Harry March,” she said, “and I have + come here, over the grave of my parents, as it might be—no—no—over + the grave of my poor, dear, dear, mother, to hear what you have to say.” + </p> + <p> + “This is oncommon, and you have a skearful way with you this evening, + Judith,” answered Hurry, more disturbed than he would have cared to own, + “but truth is truth, and it shall come out, let what will follow. You well + know, gal, that I've long thought you the comeliest young woman my eyes + ever beheld, and that I've made no secret of that fact, either here on the + lake, out among the hunters and trappers, or in the settlements.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—yes, I've heard this before, and I suppose it to be true,” + answered Judith with a sort of feverish impatience. + </p> + <p> + “When a young man holds such language of any particular young woman, it's + reasonable to calculate he sets store by her.” + </p> + <p> + “True—true, Hurry—all this you've told me, again and again.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if it's agreeable, I should think a woman coul'n't hear it too + often. They all tell me this is the way with your sex, that nothing + pleases them more than to repeat over and over, for the hundredth time, + how much you like 'em, unless it be to talk to 'em of their good looks!” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt—we like both, on most occasions, but this is an uncommon + moment, Hurry, and vain words should not be too freely used. I would + rather hear you speak plainly.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have your own way, Judith, and I some suspect you always will. + I've often told you that I not only like you better than any other young + woman going, or, for that matter, better than all the young women going, + but you must have obsarved, Judith, that I've never asked you, in up and + down tarms, to marry me.” + </p> + <p> + “I have observed both,” returned the girl, a smile struggling about her + beautiful mouth, in spite of the singular and engrossing intentness which + caused her cheeks to flush and lighted her eyes with a brilliancy that was + almost dazzling—“I have observed both, and have thought the last + remarkable for a man of Harry March's decision and fearlessness.” + </p> + <p> + “There's been a reason, gal, and it's one that troubles me even now—nay, + don't flush up so, and look fiery like, for there are thoughts which will + stick long in any man's mind, as there be words that will stick in his + throat—but, then ag'in, there's feelin's that will get the better of + 'em all, and to these feelin's I find I must submit. You've no longer a + father, or a mother, Judith, and it's morally unpossible that you and + Hetty could live here, alone, allowing it was peace and the Iroquois was + quiet; but, as matters stand, not only would you starve, but you'd both be + prisoners, or scalped, afore a week was out. It's time to think of a + change and a husband, and, if you'll accept of me, all that's past shall + be forgotten, and there's an end on't.” + </p> + <p> + Judith had difficulty in repressing her impatience until this rude + declaration and offer were made, which she evidently wished to hear, and + which she now listened to with a willingness that might well have excited + hope. She hardly allowed the young man to conclude, so eager was she to + bring him to the point, and so ready to answer. + </p> + <p> + “There—Hurry—that's enough,” she said, raising a hand as if to + stop him—“I understand you as well as if you were to talk a month. + You prefer me to other girls, and you wish me to become your wife.” + </p> + <p> + “You put it in better words than I can do, Judith, and I wish you to fancy + them said just as you most like to hear 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “They're plain enough, Harry, and 'tis fitting they should be so. This is + no place to trifle or deceive in. Now, listen to my answer, which shall + be, in every tittle, as sincere as your offer. There is a reason, March, + why I should never— + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I understand you, Judith, but if I'm willing to overlook that + reason, it's no one's consarn but mine—Now, don't brighten up like + the sky at sundown, for no offence is meant, and none should be taken.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not brighten up, and will not take offence,” said Judith, struggling + to repress her indignation, in a way she had never found it necessary to + exert before. “There is a reason why I should not, cannot, ever be your + wife, Hurry, that you seem to overlook, and which it is my duty now to + tell you, as plainly as you have asked me to consent to become so. I do + not, and I am certain that I never shall, love you well enough to marry + you. No man can wish for a wife who does not prefer him to all other men, + and when I tell you this frankly, I suppose you yourself will thank me for + my sincerity.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Judith, them flaunting, gay, scarlet-coated officers of the garrisons + have done all this mischief!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, March; do not calumniate a daughter over her mother's grave! Do + not, when I only wish to treat you fairly, give me reason to call for evil + on your head in bitterness of heart! Do not forget that I am a woman, and + that you are a man; and that I have neither father, nor brother, to + revenge your words!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there is something in the last, and I'll say no more. Take time, + Judith, and think better on this.” + </p> + <p> + “I want no time—my mind has long been made up, and I have only + waited for you to speak plainly, to answer plainly. We now understand each + other, and there is no use in saying any more.” + </p> + <p> + The impetuous earnestness of the girl awed the young man, for never before + had he seen her so serious and determined. In most, of their previous + interviews she had met his advances with evasion or sarcasm, but these + Hurry had mistaken for female coquetry, and had supposed might easily be + converted into consent. The struggle had been with himself, about + offering, nor had he ever seriously believed it possible that Judith would + refuse to become the wife of the handsomest man on all that frontier. Now + that the refusal came, and that in terms so decided as to put all + cavilling out of the question; if not absolutely dumbfounded, he was so + much mortified and surprised as to feel no wish to attempt to change her + resolution. + </p> + <p> + “The Glimmerglass has now no great call for me,” he exclaimed after a + minute's silence. “Old Tom is gone, the Hurons are as plenty on the shore + as pigeons in the woods, and altogether it is getting to be an onsuitable + place.” + </p> + <p> + “Then leave it. You see it is surrounded by dangers, and there is no + reason why you should risk your life for others. Nor do I know that you + can be of any service to us. Go, to-night; we'll never accuse you of + having done any thing forgetful, or unmanly.” + </p> + <p> + “If I do go, 'twill be with a heavy heart on your account, Judith; I would + rather take you with me.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not to be spoken of any longer, March; but, I will land you in + one of the canoes, as soon as it is dark and you can strike a trail for + the nearest garrison. When you reach the fort, if you send a party—” + </p> + <p> + Judith smothered the words, for she felt that it was humiliating to be + thus exposing herself to the comments and reflections of one who was not + disposed to view her conduct in connection with all in those garrisons, + with an eye of favor. Hurry, however, caught the idea, and without + perverting it, as the girl dreaded, he answered to the purpose. + </p> + <p> + “I understand what you would say, and why you don't say it.” he replied. + “If I get safe to the fort, a party shall start on the trail of these + vagabonds, and I'll come with it, myself, for I should like to see you and + Hetty in a place of safety, before we part forever.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Harry March, had you always spoken thus, felt thus, my feelings + towards you might have been different!” + </p> + <p> + “Is it too late, now, Judith? I'm rough and a woodsman, but we all change + under different treatment from what we have been used to.” + </p> + <p> + “It is too late, March. I can never feel towards you, or any other man but + one, as you would wish to have me. There, I've said enough, surely, and + you will question me no further. As soon as it is dark, I or the Delaware + will put you on the shore. You will make the best of your way to the + Mohawk, and the nearest garrison, and send all you can to our assistance. + And, Hurry, we are now friends, and I may trust in you, may I not?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain, Judith; though our fri'ndship would have been all the warmer, + could you look upon me as I look upon you.” + </p> + <p> + Judith hesitated, and some powerful emotion was struggling within her. + Then, as if determined to look down all weaknesses, and accomplish her + purposes at every hazard, she spoke more plainly. + </p> + <p> + “You will find a captain of the name of Warley at the nearest post,” she + said, pale as death, and even trembling as she spoke; “I think it likely + he will wish to head the party, but I would greatly prefer it should be + another. If Captain Warley can be kept back, 't would make me very happy!” + </p> + <p> + “That's easier said than done, Judith, for these officers do pretty much + as they please. The Major will order, and captains, and lieutenants, and + ensigns must obey. I know the officer you mean, a red faced, gay, oh! be + joyful sort of a gentleman, who swallows madeira enough to drown the + Mohawk, and yet a pleasant talker. All the gals in the valley admire him, + and they say he admires all the gals. I don't wonder he is your dislike, + Judith, for he's a very gin'ral lover, if he isn't a gin'ral officer.” + </p> + <p> + Judith did not answer, though her frame shook, and her colour changed from + pale to crimson, and from crimson back again to the hue of death. + </p> + <p> + “Alas! my poor mother!” she ejaculated mentally instead of uttering it + aloud, “We are over thy grave, but little dost thou know how much thy + lessons have been forgotten; thy care neglected; thy love defeated!” + </p> + <p> + As this goading of the worm that never dies was felt, she arose and + signified to Hurry, that she had no more to communicate. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “That point in misery, which makes the oppressed man regardless + of his own life, makes him too Lord of the oppressor's.” + + Coleridge, Remorse, V.i.201-04. +</pre> + <p> + All this time Hetty had remained seated in the head of the scow, looking + sorrowfully into the water which held the body of her mother, as well as + that of the man whom she had been taught to consider her father. Hist + stood near her in gentle quiet, but had no consolation to offer in words. + The habits of her people taught her reserve in this respect, and the + habits of her sex induced her to wait patiently for a moment when she + might manifest some soothing sympathy by means of acts, rather than of + speech. Chingachgook held himself a little aloof, in grave reserve, + looking like a warrior, but feeling like a man. + </p> + <p> + Judith joined her sister with an air of dignity and solemnity it was not + her practice to show, and, though the gleamings of anguish were still + visible on her beautiful face, when she spoke it was firmly and without + tremor. At that instant Hist and the Delaware withdrew, moving towards + Hurry, in the other end of the boat. + </p> + <p> + “Sister,” said Judith kindly, “I have much to say to you; we will get into + this canoe, and paddle off to a distance from the Ark—The secrets of + two orphans ought not to be heard by every ear.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, Judith, by the ears of their parents? Let Hurry lift the + grapnel and move away with the Ark, and leave us here, near the graves of + father and mother, to say what we may have to say.” + </p> + <p> + “Father!” repeated Judith slowly, the blood for the first time since her + parting with March mounting to her cheeks—“He was no father of ours, + Hetty! That we had from his own mouth, and in his dying moments.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you glad, Judith, to find you had no father! He took care of us, and + fed us, and clothed us, and loved us; a father could have done no more. I + don't understand why he wasn't a father.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind, dear child, but let us do as you have said. It may be well to + remain here, and let the Ark move a little away. Do you prepare the canoe, + and I will tell Hurry and the Indians our wishes.” + </p> + <p> + This was soon and simply done, the Ark moving with measured strokes of the + sweeps a hundred yards from the spot, leaving the girls floating, + seemingly in air, above the place of the dead; so buoyant was the light + vessel that held them, and so limpid the element by which it was + sustained. + </p> + <p> + “The death of Thomas Hutter,” Judith commenced, after a short pause had + prepared her sister to receive her communications, “has altered all our + prospects, Hetty. If he was not our father, we are sisters, and must feel + alike and live together.” + </p> + <p> + “How do I know, Judith, that you wouldn't be as glad to find I am not your + sister, as you are in finding that Thomas Hutter, as you call him, was not + your father. I am only half witted, and few people like to have half + witted relations; and then I'm not handsome—at least, not as + handsome as you—and you may wish a handsomer sister.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no Hetty. You and you only are my sister—my heart, and my love + for you tell me that—and mother was my mother—of that too am I + glad, and proud; for she was a mother to be proud of—but father was + not father!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, Judith! His spirit may be near; it would grieve it to hear his + children talking so, and that, too, over his very grave. Children should + never grieve parents, mother often told me, and especially when they are + dead!” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Hetty! They are happily removed beyond all cares on our account. + Nothing that I can do or say will cause mother any sorrow now—there + is some consolation in that, at least! And nothing you can say or do will + make her smile, as she used to smile on your good conduct when living.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't know that, Judith. Spirits can see, and mother may see as well + as any spirit. She always told us that God saw all we did, and that we + should do nothing to offend him; and now she has left us, I strive to do + nothing that can displease her. Think how her spirit would mourn and feel + sorrow, Judith, did it see either of us doing what is not right; and + spirits may see, after all; especially the spirits of parents that feel + anxious about their children.” + </p> + <p> + “Hetty—Hetty—you know not what you say!” murmured Judith, + almost livid with emotion—“The dead cannot see, and know nothing of + what passes here! But, we will not talk of this any longer. The bodies of + Mother and Thomas Hutter lie together in the lake, and we will hope that + the spirits of both are with God. That we, the children of one of them, + remain on earth is certain; it is now proper to know what we are to do in + future.” + </p> + <p> + “If we are not Thomas Hutter's children, Judith, no one will dispute our + right to his property. We have the castle and the Ark, and the canoes, and + the woods, and the lakes, the same as when he was living, and what can + prevent us from staying here, and passing our lives just as we ever have + done?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no poor sister—this can no longer be. Two girls would not be + safe here, even should these Hurons fail in getting us into their power. + Even father had as much as he could sometimes do, to keep peace upon the + lake, and we should fail altogether. We must quit this spot, Hetty, and + remove into the settlements.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry you think so, Judith,” returned Hetty, dropping her head on + her bosom, and looking thoughtfully down at the spot where the funeral + pile of her mother could just be seen. “I am very sorry to hear it. I + would rather stay here, where, if I wasn't born, I've passed my life. I + don't like the settlements—they are full of wickedness and heart + burnings, while God dwells unoffended in these hills! I love the trees, + and the mountains, and the lake, and the springs; all that his bounty has + given us, and it would grieve me sorely, Judith, to be forced to quit + them. You are handsome, and not at all half-witted, and one day you will + marry, and then you will have a husband, and I a brother to take care of + us, if women can't really take care of themselves in such a place as + this.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! if this could be so, Hetty, then, indeed, I could now be a thousand + times happier in these woods, than in the settlements. Once I did not feel + thus, but now I do. Yet where is the man to turn this beautiful place into + such a garden of Eden for us?” + </p> + <p> + “Harry March loves you, sister,” returned poor Hetty, unconsciously + picking the bark off the canoe as she spoke. “He would be glad to be your + husband, I'm sure, and a stouter and a braver youth is not to be met with + the whole country round.” + </p> + <p> + “Harry March and I understand each other, and no more need be said about + him. There is one—but no matter. It is all in the hands of + providence, and we must shortly come to some conclusion about our future + manner of living. Remain here—that is, remain here, alone, we cannot—and + perhaps no occasion will ever offer for remaining in the manner you think + of. It is time, too, Hetty, we should learn all we can concerning our + relations and family. It is not probable we are altogether without + relations, and they may be glad to see us. The old chest is now our + property, and we have a right to look into it, and learn all we can by + what it holds. Mother was so very different from Thomas Hutter, that, now + I know we are not his children, I burn with a desire to know whose + children we can be. There are papers in that chest, I am certain, and + those papers may tell us all about our parents and natural friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Judith, you know best, for you are cleverer than common, mother + always said, and I am only half-witted. Now father and mother are dead, I + don't much care for any relation but you, and don't think I could love + them I never saw, as well as I ought. If you don't like to marry Hurry, I + don't see who you can choose for a husband, and then I fear we shall have + to quit the lake, after all.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of Deerslayer, Hetty?” asked Judith, bending forward + like her unsophisticated sister, and endeavoring to conceal her + embarrassment in a similar manner. “Would he not make a brother-in-law to + your liking?” + </p> + <p> + “Deerslayer!” repeated the other, looking up in unfeigned surprise. “Why, + Judith, Deerslayer isn't in the least comely, and is altogether unfit for + one like you!” + </p> + <p> + “He is not ill-looking, Hetty, and beauty in a man is not of much matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think so, Judith? I know that beauty is of no great matter, in man + or woman, in the eyes of God, for mother has often told me so, when she + thought I might have been sorry I was not as handsome as you, though she + needn't have been uneasy on that account, for I never coveted any thing + that is yours, sister—but, tell me so she did—still, beauty is + very pleasant to the eye, in both! I think, if I were a man, I should pine + more for good looks than I do as a girl. A handsome man is a more pleasing + sight than a handsome woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor child! You scarce know what you say, or what you mean! Beauty in our + sex is something, but in men, it passes for little. To be sure, a man + ought to be tall, but others are tall, as well as Hurry; and active—and + I think I know those that are more active—and strong; well, he + hasn't all the strength in the world—and brave—I am certain I + can name a youth who is braver!” + </p> + <p> + “This is strange, Judith!—I didn't think the earth held a handsomer, + or a stronger, or a more active or a braver man than Hurry Harry! I'm sure + I never met his equal in either of these things.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, Hetty—say no more of this. I dislike to hear you + talking in this manner. 'Tis not suitable to your innocence, and truth, + and warm-hearted sincerity. Let Harry March go. He quits us to-night, and + no regret of mine will follow him, unless it be that he has staid so long, + and to so little purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Judith; that is what I've long feared—and I did so hope he + might be my brother-in-law!” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind it now. Let us talk of our poor mother—and of Thomas + Hutter.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak kindly then, sister, for you can't be quite certain that spirits + don't both hear and see. If father wasn't father, he was good to us, and + gave us food and shelter. We can't put any stones over their graves, here + in the water, to tell people all this, and so we ought to say it with our + tongues.” + </p> + <p> + “They will care little for that, girl. 'Tis a great consolation to know, + Hetty, that if mother ever did commit any heavy fault when young, she + lived sincerely to repent of it; no doubt her sins were forgiven her.” + </p> + <p> + “Tisn't right, Judith, for children to talk of their parents' sins. We had + better talk of our own.” + </p> + <p> + “Talk of your sins, Hetty!—If there ever was a creature on earth + without sin, it is you! I wish I could say, or think the same of myself; + but we shall see. No one knows what changes affection for a good husband + can make in a woman's heart. I don't think, child, I have even now the + same love for finery I once had.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be a pity, Judith, if you did think of clothes, over your + parents' graves! We will never quit this spot, if you say so, and will let + Hurry go where he pleases.” + </p> + <p> + “I am willing enough to consent to the last, but cannot answer for the + first, Hetty. We must live, in future, as becomes respectable young women, + and cannot remain here, to be the talk and jest of all the rude and foul + tongu'd trappers and hunters that may come upon the lake. Let Hurry go by + himself, and then I'll find the means to see Deerslayer, when the future + shall be soon settled. Come, girl, the sun has set, and the Ark is + drifting away from us; let us paddle up to the scow, and consult with our + friends. This night I shall look into the chest, and to-morrow shall + determine what we are to do. As for the Hurons, now we can use our stores + without fear of Thomas Hutter, they will be easily bought off. Let me get + Deerslayer once out of their hands, and a single hour shall bring things + to an understanding.” + </p> + <p> + Judith spoke with decision, and she spoke with authority, a habit she had + long practised towards her feeble-minded sister. But, while thus + accustomed to have her way, by the aid of manner and a readier command of + words, Hetty occasionally checked her impetuous feelings and hasty acts by + the aid of those simple moral truths that were so deeply engrafted in all + her own thoughts and feelings; shining through both with a mild and + beautiful lustre that threw a sort of holy halo around so much of what she + both said and did. On the present occasion, this healthful ascendancy of + the girl of weak intellect, over her of a capacity that, in other + situations, might have become brilliant and admired, was exhibited in the + usual simple and earnest manner. + </p> + <p> + “You forget, Judith, what has brought us here,” she said reproachfully. + “This is mother's grave, and we have just laid the body of father by her + side. We have done wrong to talk so much of ourselves at such a spot, and + ought now to pray God to forgive us, and ask him to teach us where we are + to go, and what we are to do.” + </p> + <p> + Judith involuntarily laid aside her paddle, while Hetty dropped on her + knees, and was soon lost in her devout but simple petitions. Her sister + did not pray. This she had long ceased to do directly, though anguish of + spirit frequently wrung from her mental and hasty appeals to the great + source of benevolence, for support, if not for a change of spirit. Still + she never beheld Hetty on her knees, that a feeling of tender + recollection, as well as of profound regret at the deadness of her own + heart, did not come over her. Thus had she herself done in childhood, and + even down to the hour of her ill fated visits to the garrisons, and she + would willingly have given worlds, at such moments, to be able to exchange + her present sensations for the confiding faith, those pure aspirations, + and the gentle hope that shone through every lineament and movement of her + otherwise, less favored sister. All she could do, however, was to drop her + head to her bosom, and assume in her attitude some of that devotion in + which her stubborn spirit refused to unite. When Hetty rose from her + knees, her countenance had a glow and serenity that rendered a face that + was always agreeable, positively handsome. Her mind was at peace, and her + conscience acquitted her of a neglect of duty. + </p> + <p> + “Now, you may go if you want to, Judith,” she said, “for God has been kind + to me, and lifted a burden off my heart. Mother had many such burdens, she + used to tell me, and she always took them off in this way. 'Tis the only + way, sister, such things can be done. You may raise a stone, or a log, + with your hands; but the heart must be lightened by prayer. I don't think + you pray as often as you used to do, when younger, Judith!” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind—never mind, child,” answered the other huskily, “'tis no + matter, now. Mother is gone, and Thomas Hutter is gone, and the time has + come when we must think and act for ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + As the canoe moved slowly away from the place, under the gentle impulsion + of the elder sister's paddle, the younger sat musing, as was her wont + whenever her mind was perplexed by any idea more abstract and difficult of + comprehension than common. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know what you mean by 'future', Judith,” she at length, suddenly + observed. “Mother used to call Heaven the future, but you seem to think it + means next week, or to-morrow!” + </p> + <p> + “It means both, dear sister—every thing that is yet to come, whether + in this world or another. It is a solemn word, Hetty, and most so, I fear, + to them that think the least about it. Mother's future is eternity; ours + may yet mean what will happen while we live in this world—Is not + that a canoe just passing behind the castle—here, more in the + direction of the point, I mean; it is hid, now; but certainly I saw a + canoe stealing behind the logs!” + </p> + <p> + “I've seen it some time,” Hetty quietly answered, for the Indians had few + terrors for her, “but I didn't think it right to talk about such things + over mother's grave! The canoe came from the camp, Judith, and was paddled + by a single man. He seemed to be Deerslayer, and no Iroquois.” + </p> + <p> + “Deerslayer!” returned the other, with much of her native impetuosity—“That + cannot be! Deerslayer is a prisoner, and I have been thinking of the means + of setting him free. Why did you fancy it Deerslayer, child?” + </p> + <p> + “You can look for yourself, sister, for there comes the canoe in sight, + again, on this side of the hut.” + </p> + <p> + Sure enough, the light boat had passed the building, and was now steadily + advancing towards the Ark; the persons on board of which were already + collecting in the head of the scow to receive their visitor. A single + glance sufficed to assure Judith that her sister was right, and that + Deerslayer was alone in the canoe. His approach was so calm and leisurely, + however, as to fill her with wonder, since a man who had effected his + escape from enemies by either artifice or violence, would not be apt to + move with the steadiness and deliberation with which his paddle swept the + water. By this time the day was fairly departing, and objects were already + seen dimly under the shores. In the broad lake, however, the light still + lingered, and around the immediate scene of the present incidents, which + was less shaded than most of the sheet, being in its broadest part, it + cast a glow that bore some faint resemblance to the warm tints of an + Italian or Grecian sunset. The logs of the hut and Ark had a sort of + purple hue, blended with the growing obscurity, and the bark of the + hunter's boat was losing its distinctness in colours richer, but more + mellowed, than those it showed under a bright sun. As the two canoes + approached each other—for Judith and her sister had plied their + paddles so as to intercept the unexpected visiter ere he reached the Ark—even + Deerslayer's sun-burned countenance wore a brighter aspect than common, + under the pleasing tints that seemed to dance in the atmosphere. Judith + fancied that delight at meeting her had some share in this unusual and + agreeable expression. She was not aware that her own beauty appeared to + more advantage than common, from the same natural cause, nor did she + understand what it would have given her so much pleasure to know, that the + young man actually thought her, as she drew nearer, the loveliest creature + of her sex his eyes had ever dwelt on. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome—welcome, Deerslayer!” exclaimed the girl, as the canoes + floated at each other's side; “we have had a melancholy—a frightful + day—but your return is, at least, one misfortune the less! Have the + Hurons become more human, and let you go; or have you escaped from the + wretches, by your own courage and skill?” + </p> + <p> + “Neither, Judith—neither one nor t'other. The Mingos are Mingos + still, and will live and die Mingos; it is not likely their natur's will + ever undergo much improvement. Well! They've their gifts, and we've our'n, + Judith, and it doesn't much become either to speak ill of what the Lord + has created; though, if the truth must be said, I find it a sore trial to + think kindly or to talk kindly of them vagabonds. As for outwitting them, + that might have been done, and it was done, too, atween the Sarpent, + yonder, and me, when we were on the trail of Hist—” here the hunter + stopped to laugh in his own silent fashion—“but it's no easy matter + to sarcumvent the sarcumvented. Even the fa'ans get to know the tricks of + the hunters afore a single season is over, and an Indian whose eyes have + once been opened by a sarcumvention never shuts them ag'in in precisely + the same spot. I've known whites to do that, but never a red-skin. What + they l'arn comes by practice, and not by books, and of all schoolmasters + exper'ence gives lessons that are the longest remembered.” + </p> + <p> + “All this is true, Deerslayer, but if you have not escaped from the + savages, how came you here?” + </p> + <p> + “That's a nat'ral question, and charmingly put. You are wonderful handsome + this evening, Judith, or Wild Rose, as the Sarpent calls you, and I may as + well say it, since I honestly think it! You may well call them Mingos, + savages too, for savage enough do they feel, and savage enough will they + act, if you once give them an opportunity. They feel their loss here, in + the late skrimmage, to their hearts' cores, and are ready to revenge it on + any creatur' of English blood that may fall in their way. Nor, for that + matter do I much think they would stand at taking their satisfaction out + of a Dutch man.” + </p> + <p> + “They have killed father; that ought to satisfy their wicked cravings for + blood,” observed Hetty reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + “I know it, gal—I know the whole story—partly from what I've + seen from the shore, since they brought me up from the point, and partly + from their threats ag'in myself, and their other discourse. Well, life is + unsartain at the best, and we all depend on the breath of our nostrils for + it, from day to day. If you've lost a staunch fri'nd, as I make no doubt + you have, Providence will raise up new ones in his stead, and since our + acquaintance has begun in this oncommon manner, I shall take it as a hint + that it will be a part of my duty in futur', should the occasion offer, to + see you don't suffer for want of food in the wigwam. I can't bring the + dead to life, but as to feeding the living, there's few on all this + frontier can outdo me, though I say it in the way of pity and consolation, + like, and in no particular, in the way of boasting.” + </p> + <p> + “We understand you, Deerslayer,” returned Judith, hastily, “and take all + that falls from your lips, as it is meant, in kindness and friendship. + Would to Heaven all men had tongues as true, and hearts as honest!” + </p> + <p> + “In that respect men do differ, of a sartainty, Judith. I've known them + that wasn't to be trusted any farther than you can see them; and others + ag'in whose messages, sent with a small piece of wampum, perhaps, might + just as much be depended on, as if the whole business was finished afore + your face. Yes, Judith, you never said truer word, than when you said some + men might be depended on, and other some might not.” + </p> + <p> + “You are an unaccountable being, Deerslayer,” returned the girl, not a + little puzzled with the childish simplicity of character that the hunter + so often betrayed—a simplicity so striking that it frequently + appeared to place him nearly on a level with the fatuity of poor Hetty, + though always relieved by the beautiful moral truth that shone through all + that this unfortunate girl both said and did—“You are a most + unaccountable man, and I often do not know how to understand you. But + never mind, just now; you have forgotten to tell us by what means you are + here.” + </p> + <p> + “I!—Oh! That's not very onaccountable, if I am myself, Judith. I'm + out on furlough.” + </p> + <p> + “Furlough!—That word has a meaning among the soldiers that I + understand; but I cannot tell what it signifies when used by a prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + “It means just the same. You're right enough; the soldiers do use it, and + just in the same way as I use it. A furlough is when a man has leave to + quit a camp or a garrison for a sartain specified time; at the end of + which he is to come back and shoulder his musket, or submit to his + torments, just as he may happen to be a soldier, or a captyve. Being the + last, I must take the chances of a prisoner.” + </p> + <p> + “Have the Hurons suffered you to quit them in this manner, without watch + or guard.” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain—I woul'n't have come in any other manner, unless indeed it + had been by a bold rising, or a sarcumvention.” + </p> + <p> + “What pledge have they that you will ever return?” + </p> + <p> + “My word,” answered the hunter simply. “Yes, I own I gave 'em that, and + big fools would they have been to let me come without it! Why in that + case, I shouldn't have been obliged to go back and ondergo any deviltries + their fury may invent, but might have shouldered my rifle, and made the + best of my way to the Delaware villages. But, Lord! Judith, they know'd + this, just as well as you and I do, and would no more let me come away, + without a promise to go back, than they would let the wolves dig up the + bones of their fathers!” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible you mean to do this act of extraordinary self-destruction + and recklessness?” + </p> + <p> + “Anan!” + </p> + <p> + “I ask if it can be possible that you expect to be able to put yourself + again in the power of such ruthless enemies, by keeping your word.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer looked at his fair questioner for a moment with stern + displeasure. Then the expression of his honest and guileless face suddenly + changed, lighting as by a quick illumination of thought, after which he + laughed in his ordinary manner. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't understand you, at first, Judith; no, I didn't! You believe that + Chingachgook and Hurry Harry won't suffer it; but you don't know mankind + thoroughly yet, I see. The Delaware would be the last man on 'arth to + offer any objections to what he knows is a duty, and, as for March, he + doesn't care enough about any creatur' but himself to spend many words on + such a subject. If he did, 'twould make no great difference howsever; but + not he, for he thinks more of his gains than of even his own word. As for + my promises, or your'n, Judith, or any body else's, they give him no + consarn. Don't be under any oneasiness, therefore, gal; I shall be allowed + to go back according to the furlough; and if difficulties was made, I've + not been brought up, and edicated as one may say, in the woods, without + knowing how to look 'em down.” + </p> + <p> + Judith made no answer for some little time. All her feelings as a woman, + and as a woman who, for the first time in her life was beginning to submit + to that sentiment which has so much influence on the happiness or misery + of her sex, revolted at the cruel fate that she fancied Deerslayer was + drawing down upon himself, while the sense of right, which God has + implanted in every human breast, told her to admire an integrity as + indomitable and as unpretending as that which the other so unconsciously + displayed. Argument, she felt, would be useless, nor was she at that + moment disposed to lessen the dignity and high principle that were so + striking in the intentions of the hunter, by any attempt to turn him from + his purpose. That something might yet occur to supersede the necessity for + this self immolation she tried to hope, and then she proceeded to + ascertain the facts in order that her own conduct might be regulated by + her knowledge of circumstances. + </p> + <p> + “When is your furlough out, Deerslayer,” she asked, after both canoes were + heading towards the Ark, and moving, with scarcely a perceptible effort of + the paddles, through the water. + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow noon; not a minute afore; and you may depend on it, Judith, I + shan't quit what I call Christian company, to go and give myself up to + them vagabonds, an instant sooner than is downright necessary. They begin + to fear a visit from the garrisons, and wouldn't lengthen the time a + moment, and it's pretty well understood atween us that, should I fail in + my ar'n'd, the torments are to take place when the sun begins to fall, + that they may strike upon their home trail as soon as it is dark.” + </p> + <p> + This was said solemnly, as if the thought of what was believed to be in + reserve duly weighed on the prisoner's mind, and yet so simply, and + without a parade of suffering, as rather to repel than to invite any open + manifestations of sympathy. + </p> + <p> + “Are they bent on revenging their losses?” Judith asked faintly, her own + high spirit yielding to the influence of the other's quiet but dignified + integrity of purpose. + </p> + <p> + “Downright, if I can judge of Indian inclinations by the symptoms. They + think howsever I don't suspect their designs, I do believe, but one that + has lived so long among men of red-skin gifts, is no more likely to be + misled in Injin feelin's, than a true hunter is like to lose his trail, or + a stanch hound his scent. My own judgment is greatly ag'in my own escape, + for I see the women are a good deal enraged on behalf of Hist, though I + say it, perhaps, that shouldn't say it, seein' that I had a considerable + hand myself in getting the gal off. Then there was a cruel murder in their + camp last night, and that shot might just as well have been fired into my + breast. Howsever, come what will, the Sarpent and his wife will be safe, + and that is some happiness in any case.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Deerslayer, they will think better of this, since they have given you + until to-morrow noon to make up your mind!” + </p> + <p> + “I judge not, Judith; yes, I judge not. An Injin is an Injin, gal, and + it's pretty much hopeless to think of swarving him, when he's got the + scent and follows it with his nose in the air. The Delawares, now, are a + half Christianized tribe—not that I think such sort of Christians + much better than your whole blooded onbelievers—but, nevertheless, + what good half Christianizing can do to a man, some among 'em have got, + and yet revenge clings to their hearts like the wild creepers here to the + tree! Then, I slew one of the best and boldest of their warriors, they + say, and it is too much to expect that they should captivate the man who + did this deed, in the very same scouting on which it was performed, and + they take no account of the matter. Had a month, or so, gone by, their + feelin's would have been softened down, and we might have met in a more + friendly way, but it is as it is. Judith, this is talking of nothing but + myself, and my own consarns, when you have had trouble enough, and may + want to consult a fri'nd a little about your own matters. Is the old man + laid in the water, where I should think his body would like to rest?” + </p> + <p> + “It is, Deerslayer,” answered Judith, almost inaudibly. “That duty has + just been performed. You are right in thinking that I wish to consult a + friend; and that friend is yourself. Hurry Harry is about to leave us; + when he is gone, and we have got a little over the feelings of this solemn + office, I hope you will give me an hour alone. Hetty and I are at a loss + what to do.” + </p> + <p> + “That's quite nat'ral, coming as things have, suddenly and fearfully. But + here's the Ark, and we'll say more of this when there is a better + opportunity.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The winde is great upon the highest hilles; + The quiet life is in the dale below; + Who tread on ice shall slide against their willes; + They want not cares, that curious arts should know. + Who lives at ease and can content him so, + Is perfect wise, and sets us all to schoole: + Who hates this lore may well be called a foole.” + + Thomas Churchyard, “Shore's Wife,” xlvii. +</pre> + <p> + The meeting between Deerslayer and his friends in the Ark was grave and + anxious. The two Indians, in particular, read in his manner that he was + not a successful fugitive, and a few sententious words sufficed to let + them comprehend the nature of what their friend had termed his 'furlough.' + Chingachgook immediately became thoughtful, while Hist, as usual, had no + better mode of expressing her sympathy than by those little attentions + which mark the affectionate manner of woman. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes, however, something like a general plan for the + proceedings of the night was adopted, and to the eye of an uninstructed + observer things would be thought to move in their ordinary train. It was + now getting to be dark, and it was decided to sweep the Ark up to the + castle, and secure it in its ordinary berth. This decision was come to, in + some measure on account of the fact that all the canoes were again in the + possession of their proper owners, but principally, from the security that + was created by the representations of Deerslayer. He had examined the + state of things among the Hurons, and felt satisfied that they meditated + no further hostilities during the night, the loss they had met having + indisposed them to further exertions for the moment. Then, he had a + proposition to make; the object of his visit; and, if this were accepted, + the war would at once terminate between the parties; and it was improbable + that the Hurons would anticipate the failure of a project on which their + chiefs had apparently set their hearts, by having recourse to violence + previously to the return of their messenger. As soon as the Ark was + properly secured, the different members of the party occupied themselves + in their several peculiar manners, haste in council, or in decision, no + more characterizing the proceedings of these border whites, than it did + those of their red neighbors. The women busied themselves in preparations + for the evening meal, sad and silent, but ever attentive to the first + wants of nature. Hurry set about repairing his moccasins, by the light of + a blazing knot; Chingachgook seated himself in gloomy thought, while + Deerslayer proceeded, in a manner equally free from affectation and + concern, to examine 'Killdeer', the rifle of Hutter that has been already + mentioned, and which subsequently became so celebrated, in the hands of + the individual who was now making a survey of its merits. The piece was a + little longer than usual, and had evidently been turned out from the work + shops of some manufacturer of a superior order. It had a few silver + ornaments, though, on the whole, it would have been deemed a plain piece + by most frontier men, its great merit consisting in the accuracy of its + bore, the perfection of the details, and the excellence of the metal. + Again and again did the hunter apply the breech to his shoulder, and + glance his eye along the sights, and as often did he poise his body and + raise the weapon slowly, as if about to catch an aim at a deer, in order + to try the weight, and to ascertain its fitness for quick and accurate + firing. All this was done, by the aid of Hurry's torch, simply, but with + an earnestness and abstraction that would have been found touching by any + spectator who happened to know the real situation of the man. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis a glorious we'pon, Hurry!” Deerslayer at length exclaimed, “and it + may be thought a pity that it has fallen into the hands of women. The + hunters have told me of its expl'ites, and by all I have heard, I should + set it down as sartain death in exper'enced hands. Hearken to the tick of + this lock—a wolf trap has'n't a livelier spring; pan and cock speak + together, like two singing masters undertaking a psalm in meetin'. I never + did see so true a bore, Hurry, that's sartain!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Old Tom used to give the piece a character, though he wasn't the man + to particularize the ra'al natur' of any sort of fire arms, in practise,” + returned March, passing the deer's thongs through the moccasin with the + coolness of a cobbler. “He was no marksman, that we must all allow; but he + had his good p'ints, as well as his bad ones. I have had hopes that Judith + might consait the idee of giving Killdeer to me.” + </p> + <p> + “There's no saying what young women may do, that's a truth, Hurry, and I + suppose you're as likely to own the rifle as another. Still, when things + are so very near perfection, it's a pity not to reach it entirely.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that?—Would not that piece look as well on my + shoulder, as on any man's?” + </p> + <p> + “As for looks, I say nothing. You are both good-looking, and might make + what is called a good-looking couple. But the true p'int is as to conduct. + More deer would fall in one day, by that piece, in some man's hands, than + would fall in a week in your'n, Hurry! I've seen you try; yes, remember + the buck t'other day.” + </p> + <p> + “That buck was out of season, and who wishes to kill venison out of + season. I was merely trying to frighten the creatur', and I think you will + own that he was pretty well skeared, at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, have it as you say. But this is a lordly piece, and would + make a steady hand and quick eye the King of the Woods!” + </p> + <p> + “Then keep it, Deerslayer, and become King of the Woods,” said Judith, + earnestly, who had heard the conversation, and whose eye was never long + averted from the honest countenance of the hunter. “It can never be in + better hands than it is, at this moment, and there I hope it will remain + these fifty years. + </p> + <p> + “Judith you can't be in 'arnest!” exclaimed Deerslayer, taken so much by + surprise, as to betray more emotion than it was usual for him to manifest + on ordinary occasions. “Such a gift would be fit for a ra'al King to make; + yes, and for a ra'al King to receive.” + </p> + <p> + “I never was more in earnest, in my life, Deerslayer, and I am as much in + earnest in the wish as in the gift.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, gal, well; we'll find time to talk of this ag'in. You mustn't be + down hearted, Hurry, for Judith is a sprightly young woman, and she has a + quick reason; she knows that the credit of her father's rifle is safer in + my hands, than it can possibly be in yourn; and, therefore, you mustn't be + down hearted. In other matters, more to your liking, too, you'll find + she'll give you the preference.” + </p> + <p> + Hurry growled out his dissatisfaction, but he was too intent on quitting + the lake, and in making his preparations, to waste his breath on a subject + of this nature. Shortly after, the supper was ready, and it was eaten in + silence as is so much the habit of those who consider the table as merely + a place of animal refreshment. On this occasion, however, sadness and + thought contributed their share to the general desire not to converse, for + Deerslayer was so far an exception to the usages of men of his cast, as + not only to wish to hold discourse on such occasions, but as often to + create a similar desire in his companions. + </p> + <p> + The meal ended, and the humble preparations removed, the whole party + assembled on the platform to hear the expected intelligence from + Deerslayer on the subject of his visit. It had been evident he was in no + haste to make his communication, but the feelings of Judith would no + longer admit of delay. Stools were brought from the Ark and the hut, and + the whole six placed themselves in a circle, near the door, watching each + other's countenances, as best they could, by the scanty means that were + furnished by a lovely star-light night. Along the shores, beneath the + mountains, lay the usual body of gloom, but in the broad lake no shadow + was cast, and a thousand mimic stars were dancing in the limpid element, + that was just stirred enough by the evening air to set them all in motion. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Deerslayer,” commenced Judith, whose impatience resisted further + restraint—“now, Deerslayer, tell us all the Hurons have to say, and + the reason why they have sent you on parole, to make us some offer.” + </p> + <p> + “Furlough, Judith; furlough is the word; and it carries the same meaning + with a captyve at large, as it does with a soldier who has leave to quit + his colors. In both cases the word is passed to come back, and now I + remember to have heard that's the ra'al signification; 'furlough' meaning + a 'word' passed for the doing of any thing of the like. Parole I rather + think is Dutch, and has something to do with the tattoos of the garrisons. + But this makes no great difference, since the vartue of a pledge lies in + the idee, and not in the word. Well, then, if the message must be given, + it must; and perhaps there is no use in putting it off. Hurry will soon be + wanting to set out on his journey to the river, and the stars rise and + set, just as if they cared for neither Injin nor message. Ah's! me; + 'Tisn't a pleasant, and I know it's a useless ar'n'd, but it must be + told.” + </p> + <p> + “Harkee, Deerslayer,” put in Hurry, a little authoritatively—“You're + a sensible man in a hunt, and as good a fellow on a march, as a + sixty-miler-a-day could wish to meet with, but you're oncommon slow about + messages; especially them that you think won't be likely to be well + received. When a thing is to be told, why tell it; and don't hang back + like a Yankee lawyer pretending he can't understand a Dutchman's English, + just to get a double fee out of him.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, Hurry, and well are you named to-night, seeing you've + no time to lose. But let us come at once to the p'int, seeing that's the + object of this council—for council it may be called, though women + have seats among us. The simple fact is this. When the party came back + from the castle, the Mingos held a council, and bitter thoughts were + uppermost, as was plain to be seen by their gloomy faces. No one likes to + be beaten, and a red-skin as little as a pale-face. Well, when they had + smoked upon it, and made their speeches, and their council fire had burnt + low, the matter came out. It seems the elders among 'em consaited I was a + man to be trusted on a furlough—They're wonderful obsarvant, them + Mingos; that their worst mimics must allow—but they consaited I was + such a man; and it isn't often—” added the hunter, with a pleasing + consciousness that his previous life justified this implicit reliance on + his good faith—“it isn't often they consait any thing so good of a + pale-face; but so they did with me, and, therefore, they didn't hesitate + to speak their minds, which is just this: You see the state of things. The + lake, and all on it, they fancy, lie at their marcy. Thomas Hutter is + deceased, and, as for Hurry, they've got the idee he has been near enough + to death to-day, not to wish to take another look at him this summer. + Therefore, they account all your forces as reduced to Chingachgook and the + two young women, and, while they know the Delaware to be of a high race, + and a born warrior, they know he's now on his first war path. As for the + gals, of course they set them down much as they do women in gin'ral.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean that they despise us!” interrupted Judith, with eyes that + flashed so brightly as to be observed by all present. + </p> + <p> + “That will be seen in the end. They hold that all on the lake lies at + their marcy, and, therefore, they send by me this belt of wampum,” showing + the article in question to the Delaware, as he spoke, “with these words. + 'Tell the Sarpent, they say, that he has done well for a beginner; he may + now strike across the mountains for his own villages, and no one shall + look for his trail. If he has found a scalp, let him take it with him, for + the Huron braves have hearts, and can feel for a young warrior who doesn't + wish to go home empty-handed. If he is nimble, he is welcome to lead out a + party in pursuit. Hist, howsever, must go back to the Hurons, for, when + she left there in the night, she carried away by mistake, that which + doesn't belong to her.” + </p> + <p> + “That can't be true!” said Hetty earnestly. “Hist is no such girl, but one + that gives every body his due—” + </p> + <p> + How much more she would have said in remonstrance cannot be known, + inasmuch as Hist, partly laughing and partly hiding her face in shame, + passed her own hand across the speaker's mouth in a way to check the + words. + </p> + <p> + “You don't understand Mingo messages, poor Hetty—” resumed + Deerslayer, “which seldom mean what lies exactly uppermost. Hist has + brought away with her the inclinations of a young Huron, and they want her + back again, that the poor young man may find them where he last saw them! + The Sarpent they say is too promising a young warrior not to find as many + wives as he wants, but this one he cannot have. That's their meaning, and + nothing else, as I understand it.” + </p> + <p> + “They are very obliging and thoughtful, in supposing a young woman can + forget all her own inclinations in order to let this unhappy youth find + his!” said Judith, ironically; though her manner became more bitter as she + proceeded. “I suppose a woman is a woman, let her colour be white, or red, + and your chiefs know little of a woman's heart, Deerslayer, if they think + it can ever forgive when wronged, or ever forget when it fairly loves.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose that's pretty much the truth with some women, Judith, though + I've known them that could do both. The next message is to you. They say + the Muskrat, as they called your father, has dove to the bottom of the + lake; that he will never come up again, and that his young will soon be in + want of wigwams if not of food. The Huron huts, they think, are better + than the huts of York, and they wish you to come and try them. Your colour + is white, they own, but they think young women who've lived so long in the + woods would lose their way in the clearin's. A great warrior among them + has lately lost his wife, and he would be glad to put the Wild Rose on her + bench at his fireside. As for the Feeble Mind, she will always be honored + and taken care of by red warriors. Your father's goods they think ought to + go to enrich the tribe, but your own property, which is to include + everything of a female natur', will go like that of all wives, into the + wigwam of the husband. Moreover, they've lost a young maiden by violence, + lately, and 'twill take two pale-faces to fill her seat.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you bring such a message to me,” exclaimed Judith, though the tone + in which the words were uttered had more in it of sorrow than of anger. + “Am I a girl to be an Indian's slave?” + </p> + <p> + “If you wish my honest thoughts on this p'int, Judith, I shall answer that + I don't think you'll, willingly, ever become any man's slave; red-skin or + white. You're not to think hard, howsever, of my bringing the message, as + near as I could, in the very words in which it was given to me. Them was + the conditions on which I got my furlough, and a bargain is a bargain, + though it is made with a vagabond. I've told you what they've said, but + I've not yet told you what I think you ought, one and all, to answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay; let's hear that, Deerslayer,” put in Hurry. “My cur'osity is up on + that consideration, and I should like, right well, to hear your idees of + the reasonableness of the reply. For my part, though, my own mind is + pretty much settled on the p'int of my own answer, which shall be made + known as soon as necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “And so is mine, Hurry, on all the different heads, and on no one is it + more sartainly settled that on your'n. If I was you, I should say—'Deerslayer, + tell them scamps they don't know Harry March! He is human; and having a + white skin, he has also a white natur', which natur' won't let him desart + females of his own race and gifts in their greatest need. So set me down + as one that will refuse to come into your treaty, though you should smoke + a hogshead of tobacco over it.'” + </p> + <p> + March was a little embarrassed at this rebuke, which was uttered with + sufficient warmth of manner, and with a point that left no doubt of the + meaning. Had Judith encouraged him, he would not have hesitated about + remaining to defend her and her sister, but under the circumstances a + feeling of resentment rather urged him to abandon them. At all events, + there was not a sufficiency of chivalry in Hurry Harry to induce him to + hazard the safety of his own person unless he could see a direct + connection between the probable consequences and his own interests. It is + no wonder, therefore, that his answer partook equally of his intention, + and of the reliance he so boastingly placed on his gigantic strength, + which if it did not always make him outrageous, usually made him impudent, + as respects those with whom he conversed. + </p> + <p> + “Fair words make long friendships, Master Deerslayer,” he said a little + menacingly. “You're but a stripling, and you know by exper'ence what you + are in the hands of a man. As you're not me, but only a go between sent by + the savages to us Christians, you may tell your empl'yers that they do + know Harry March, which is a proof of their sense as well as his. He's + human enough to follow human natur', and that tells him to see the folly + of one man's fighting a whole tribe. If females desart him, they must + expect to be desarted by him, whether they're of his own gifts or another + man's gifts. Should Judith see fit to change her mind, she's welcome to my + company to the river, and Hetty with her; but shouldn't she come to this + conclusion, I start as soon as I think the enemy's scouts are beginning to + nestle themselves in among the brush and leaves for the night.” + </p> + <p> + “Judith will not change her mind, and she does not ask your company, + Master March,” returned the girl with spirit. + </p> + <p> + “That p'int's settled, then,” resumed Deerslayer, unmoved by the other's + warmth. “Hurry Harry must act for himself, and do that which will be most + likely to suit his own fancy. The course he means to take will give him an + easy race, if it don't give him an easy conscience. Next comes the + question with Hist—what say you gal?—Will you desart your + duty, too, and go back to the Mingos and take a Huron husband, and all not + for the love of the man you're to marry, but for the love of your own + scalp?” + </p> + <p> + “Why you talk so to Hist!” demanded the girl half-offended. “You t'ink a + red-skin girl made like captain's lady, to laugh and joke with any officer + that come.” + </p> + <p> + “What I think, Hist, is neither here nor there in this matter. I must + carry back your answer, and in order to do so it is necessary that you + should send it. A faithful messenger gives his ar'n'd, word for word.” + </p> + <p> + Hist no longer hesitated to speak her mind fully. In the excitement she + rose from her bench, and naturally recurring to that language in which she + expressed herself the most readily, she delivered her thoughts and + intentions, beautifully and with dignity, in the tongue of her own people. + </p> + <p> + “Tell the Hurons, Deerslayer,” she said, “that they are as ignorant as + moles; they don't know the wolf from the dog. Among my people, the rose + dies on the stem where it budded, the tears of the child fall on the + graves of its parents; the corn grows where the seed has been planted. The + Delaware girls are not messengers to be sent, like belts of wampum, from + tribe to tribe. They are honeysuckles, that are sweetest in their own + woods; their own young men carry them away in their bosoms, because they + are fragrant; they are sweetest when plucked from their native stems. Even + the robin and the martin come back, year after year, to their old nests; + shall a woman be less true hearted than a bird? Set the pine in the clay + and it will turn yellow; the willow will not flourish on the hill; the + tamarack is healthiest in the swamp; the tribes of the sea love best to + hear the winds that blow over the salt water. As for a Huron youth, what + is he to a maiden of the Lenni Lenape. He may be fleet, but her eyes do + not follow him in the race; they look back towards the lodges of the + Delawares. He may sing a sweet song for the girls of Canada, but there is + no music for Wah, but in the tongue she has listened to from childhood. + Were the Huron born of the people that once owned the shores of the salt + lake, it would be in vain, unless he were of the family of Uncas. The + young pine will rise to be as high as any of its fathers. Wah-ta-Wah has + but one heart, and it can love but one husband.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer listened to this characteristic message, which was given with + an earnestness suited to the feelings from which it sprung, with + undisguised delight, meeting the ardent eloquence of the girl, as she + concluded, with one of his own heartfelt, silent, and peculiar fits of + laughter. + </p> + <p> + “That's worth all the wampum in the woods!” he exclaimed. “You don't + understand it, I suppose, Judith, but if you'll look into your feelin's, + and fancy that an inimy had sent to tell you to give up the man of your + ch'ice, and to take up with another that wasn't the man of your ch'ice, + you'll get the substance of it, I'll warrant! Give me a woman for ra'al + eloquence, if they'll only make up their minds to speak what they feel. By + speakin', I don't mean chatterin', howsever; for most of them will do that + by the hour; but comm' out with their honest, deepest feelin's in proper + words. And now, Judith, having got the answer of a red-skin girl, it is + fit I should get that of a pale-face, if, indeed, a countenance that is as + blooming as your'n can in any wise so be tarmed. You are well named the + Wild Rose, and so far as colour goes, Hetty ought to be called the + Honeysuckle.” + </p> + <p> + “Did this language come from one of the garrison gallants, I should deride + it, Deerslayer, but coming from you, I know it can be depended on,” + returned Judith, deeply gratified by his unmeditated and characteristic + compliments. “It is too soon, however, to ask my answer; the Great Serpent + has not yet spoken.” + </p> + <p> + “The Sarpent! Lord; I could carry back his speech without hearing a word + of it! I didn't think of putting the question to him at all, I will allow; + though 'twould be hardly right either, seeing that truth is truth, and I'm + bound to tell these Mingos the fact and nothing else. So, Chingachgook, + let us hear your mind on this matter—are you inclined to strike + across the hills towards your village, to give up Hist to a Huron, and to + tell the chiefs at home that, if they're actyve and successful, they may + possibly get on the end of the Iroquois trail some two or three days a'ter + the inimy has got off of it?” + </p> + <p> + Like his betrothed, the young chief arose, that his answer might be given + with due distinctness and dignity. Hist had spoken with her hands crossed + upon her bosom, as if to suppress the emotions within, but the warrior + stretched an arm before him with a calm energy that aided in giving + emphasis to his expressions. “Wampum should be sent for wampum,” he said; + “a message must be answered by a message. Hear what the Great Serpent of + the Delawares has to say to the pretended wolves from the great lakes, + that are howling through our woods. They are no wolves; they are dogs that + have come to get their tails and ears cropped by the hands of the + Delawares. They are good at stealing young women; bad at keeping them. + Chingachgook takes his own where he finds it; he asks leave of no cur from + the Canadas. If he has a tender feeling in his heart, it is no business of + the Hurons. He tells it to her who most likes to know it; he will not + bellow it in the forest, for the ears of those that only understand yells + of terror. What passes in his lodge is not for the chiefs of his own + people to know; still less for Mingo rogues—” + </p> + <p> + “Call 'em vagabonds, Sarpent—” interrupted Deerslayer, unable to + restrain his delight—“yes, just call 'em up-and-down vagabonds, + which is a word easily intarpreted, and the most hateful of all to their + ears, it's so true. Never fear me; I'll give em your message, syllable for + syllable, sneer for sneer, idee for idee, scorn for scorn, and they + desarve no better at your hands—only call 'em vagabonds, once or + twice, and that will set the sap mounting in 'em, from their lowest roots + to the uppermost branches!” + </p> + <p> + “Still less for Mingo vagabonds,” resumed Chingachgook, quite willingly + complying with his friend's request. “Tell the Huron dogs to howl louder, + if they wish a Delaware to find them in the woods, where they burrow like + foxes, instead of hunting like warriors. When they had a Delaware maiden + in their camp, there was a reason for hunting them up; now they will be + forgotten unless they make a noise. Chingachgook don't like the trouble of + going to his villages for more warriors; he can strike their run-a-way + trail; unless they hide it under ground, he will follow it to Canada + alone. He will keep Wah-ta-Wah with him to cook his game; they two will be + Delawares enough to scare all the Hurons back to their own country.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a grand despatch, as the officers call them things!” cried + Deerslayer; “'twill set all the Huron blood in motion; most particularily + that part where he tells 'em Hist, too, will keep on their heels 'til + they're fairly driven out of the country. Ahs! me; big words ain't always + big deeds, notwithstanding! The Lord send that we be able to be only one + half as good as we promise to be! And now, Judith, it's your turn to + speak, for them miscreants will expect an answer from each person, poor + Hetty, perhaps, excepted.” + </p> + <p> + “And why not Hetty, Deerslayer? She often speaks to the purpose; the + Indians may respect her words, for they feel for people in her condition.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true, Judith, and quick-thoughted in you. The red-skins do + respect misfortunes of all kinds, and Hetty's in particular. So, Hetty, if + you have any thing to say, I'll carry it to the Hurons as faithfully as if + it was spoken by a schoolmaster, or a missionary.” + </p> + <p> + The girl hesitated a moment, and then she answered in her own gentle, soft + tones, as earnestly as any who had preceded her. + </p> + <p> + “The Hurons can't understand the difference between white people and + themselves,” she said, “or they wouldn't ask Judith and me to go and live + in their villages. God has given one country to the red men and another to + us. He meant us to live apart. Then mother always said that we should + never dwell with any but Christians, if possible, and that is a reason why + we can't go. This lake is ours, and we won't leave it. Father and mother's + graves are in it, and even the worst Indians love to stay near the graves + of their fathers. I will come and see them again, if they wish me to, and + read more out of the Bible to them, but I can't quit father's and mother's + graves.” + </p> + <p> + “That will do—that will do, Hetty, just as well as if you sent them + a message twice as long,” interrupted the hunter. “I'll tell 'em all + you've said, and all you mean, and I'll answer for it that they'll be + easily satisfied. Now, Judith, your turn comes next, and then this part of + my ar'n'd will be tarminated for the night.” + </p> + <p> + Judith manifested a reluctance to give her reply, that had awakened a + little curiosity in the messenger. Judging from her known spirit, he had + never supposed the girl would be less true to her feelings and principles + than Hist, or Hetty, and yet there was a visible wavering of purpose that + rendered him slightly uneasy. Even now when directly required to speak, + she seemed to hesitate, nor did she open her lips until the profound + silence told her how anxiously her words were expected. Then, indeed, she + spoke, but it was doubtingly and with reluctance. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, first—tell us, first, Deerslayer,” she commenced, + repeating the words merely to change the emphasis—“what effect will + our answers have on your fate? If you are to be the sacrifice of our + spirit, it would have been better had we all been more wary as to the + language we use. What, then, are likely to be the consequences to + yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, Judith, you might as well ask me which way the wind will blow next + week, or what will be the age of the next deer that will be shot! I can + only say that their faces look a little dark upon me, but it doesn't + thunder every time a black cloud rises, nor does every puff of wind blow + up rain. That's a question, therefore, much more easily put than + answered.” + </p> + <p> + “So is this message of the Iroquois to me,” answered Judith rising, as if + she had determined on her own course for the present. “My answer shall be + given, Deerslayer, after you and I have talked together alone, when the + others have laid themselves down for the night.” + </p> + <p> + There was a decision in the manner of the girl that disposed Deerslayer to + comply, and this he did the more readily as the delay could produce no + material consequences one way or the other. The meeting now broke up, + Hurry announcing his resolution to leave them speedily. During the hour + that was suffered to intervene, in order that the darkness might deepen + before the frontierman took his departure, the different individuals + occupied themselves in their customary modes, the hunter, in particular, + passing most of the time in making further enquiries into the perfection + of the rifle already mentioned. + </p> + <p> + The hour of nine soon arrived, however, and then it had been determined + that Hurry should commence his journey. Instead of making his adieus + frankly, and in a generous spirit, the little he thought it necessary to + say was uttered sullenly and in coldness. Resentment at what he considered + Judith's obstinacy was blended with mortification at the career he had + since reaching the lake, and, as is usual with the vulgar and + narrow-minded, he was more disposed to reproach others with his failures + than to censure himself. Judith gave him her hand, but it was quite as + much in gladness as with regret, while the two Delawares were not sorry to + find he was leaving them. Of the whole party, Hetty alone betrayed any + real feeling. Bashfulness, and the timidity of her sex and character, kept + even her aloof, so that Hurry entered the canoe, where Deerslayer was + already waiting for him, before she ventured near enough to be observed. + Then, indeed, the girl came into the Ark and approached its end, just as + the little bark was turning from it, with a movement so light and steady + as to be almost imperceptible. An impulse of feeling now overcame her + timidity, and Hetty spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Goodbye Hurry—” she called out, in her sweet voice—“goodbye, + dear Hurry. Take care of yourself in the woods, and don't stop once, 'til + you reach the garrison. The leaves on the trees are scarcely plentier than + the Hurons round the lake, and they'll not treat a strong man like you as + kindly as they treat me.” + </p> + <p> + The ascendency which March had obtained over this feebleminded, but + right-thinking, and right-feeling girl, arose from a law of nature. Her + senses had been captivated by his personal advantages, and her moral + communications with him had never been sufficiently intimate to counteract + an effect that must have been otherwise lessened, even with one whose mind + was as obtuse as her own. Hetty's instinct of right, if such a term can be + applied to one who seemed taught by some kind spirit how to steer her + course with unerring accuracy, between good and evil, would have revolted + at Hurry's character on a thousand points, had there been opportunities to + enlighten her, but while he conversed and trifled with her sister, at a + distance from herself, his perfection of form and feature had been left to + produce their influence on her simple imagination and naturally tender + feelings, without suffering by the alloy of his opinions and coarseness. + It is true she found him rough and rude; but her father was that, and most + of the other men she had seen, and that which she believed to belong to + all of the sex struck her less unfavorably in Hurry's character than it + might otherwise have done. Still, it was not absolutely love that Hetty + felt for Hurry, nor do we wish so to portray it, but merely that awakening + sensibility and admiration, which, under more propitious circumstances, + and always supposing no untoward revelations of character on the part of + the young man had supervened to prevent it, might soon have ripened into + that engrossing feeling. She felt for him an incipient tenderness, but + scarcely any passion. Perhaps the nearest approach to the latter that + Hetty had manifested was to be seen in the sensitiveness which had caused + her to detect March's predilection for her sister, for, among Judith's + many admirers, this was the only instance in which the dull mind of the + girl had been quickened into an observation of the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Hurry received so little sympathy at his departure that the gentle tones + of Hetty, as she thus called after him, sounded soothingly. He checked the + canoe, and with one sweep of his powerful arm brought it back to the side + of the Ark. This was more than Hetty, whose courage had risen with the + departure of her hero, expected, and she now shrunk timidly back at this + unexpected return. + </p> + <p> + “You're a good gal, Hetty, and I can't quit you without shaking hands,” + said March kindly. “Judith, a'ter all, isn't worth as much as you, though + she may be a trifle better looking. As to wits, if honesty and fair + dealing with a young man is a sign of sense in a young woman, you're worth + a dozen Judiths; ay, and for that matter, most young women of my + acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't say any thing against Judith, Harry,” returned Hetty imploringly. + “Father's gone, and mother's gone, and nobody's left but Judith and me, + and it isn't right for sisters to speak evil, or to hear evil of each + other. Father's in the lake, and so is mother, and we should all fear God, + for we don't know when we may be in the lake, too.” + </p> + <p> + “That sounds reasonable, child, as does most you say. Well, if we ever + meet ag'in, Hetty, you'll find a fri'nd in me, let your sister do what she + may. I was no great fri'nd of your mother I'll allow, for we didn't think + alike on most p'ints, but then your father, Old Tom, and I, fitted each + other as remarkably as a buckskin garment will fit any reasonable-built + man. I've always been unanimous of opinion that Old Floating Tom Hutter, + at the bottom, was a good fellow, and will maintain that ag'in all inimies + for his sake, as well as for your'n.” + </p> + <p> + “Goodbye, Hurry,” said Hetty, who now wanted to hasten the young man off, + as ardently as she had wished to keep him only the moment before, though + she could give no clearer account of the latter than of the former + feeling; “goodbye, Hurry; take care of yourself in the woods; don't halt + 'til you reach the garrison. I'll read a chapter in the Bible for you + before I go to bed, and think of you in my prayers.” + </p> + <p> + This was touching a point on which March had no sympathies, and without + more words, he shook the girl cordially by the hand and re-entered the + canoe. In another minute the two adventurers were a hundred feet from the + Ark, and half a dozen had not elapsed before they were completely lost to + view. Hetty sighed deeply, and rejoined her sister and Hist. + </p> + <p> + For some time Deerslayer and his companion paddled ahead in silence. It + had been determined to land Hurry at the precise point where he is + represented, in the commencement of our tale, as having embarked, not only + as a place little likely to be watched by the Hurons, but because he was + sufficiently familiar with the signs of the woods, at that spot, to thread + his way through them in the dark. Thither, then, the light craft + proceeded, being urged as diligently and as swiftly as two vigorous and + skilful canoemen could force their little vessel through, or rather over, + the water. Less than a quarter of an hour sufficed for the object, and, at + the end of that time, being within the shadows of the shore, and quite + near the point they sought, each ceased his efforts in order to make their + parting communications out of earshot of any straggler who might happen to + be in the neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + “You will do well to persuade the officers at the garrison to lead out a + party ag'in these vagabonds as soon as you git in, Hurry,” Deerslayer + commenced; “and you'll do better if you volunteer to guide it up yourself. + You know the paths, and the shape of the lake, and the natur' of the land, + and can do it better than a common, gin'ralizing scout. Strike at the + Huron camp first, and follow the signs that will then show themselves. A + few looks at the hut and the Ark will satisfy you as to the state of the + Delaware and the women, and, at any rate, there'll be a fine opportunity + to fall on the Mingo trail, and to make a mark on the memories of the + blackguards that they'll be apt to carry with 'em a long time. It won't be + likely to make much difference with me, since that matter will be + detarmined afore to-morrow's sun has set, but it may make a great change + in Judith and Hetty's hopes and prospects!” + </p> + <p> + “And as for yourself, Nathaniel,” Hurry enquired with more interest than + he was accustomed to betray in the welfare of others—“And, as for + yourself, what do you think is likely to turn up?” + </p> + <p> + “The Lord, in his wisdom, only can tell, Henry March! The clouds look + black and threatening, and I keep my mind in a state to meet the worst. + Vengeful feelin's are uppermost in the hearts of the Mingos, and any + little disapp'intment about the plunder, or the prisoners, or Hist, may + make the torments sartain. The Lord, in his wisdom, can only detarmine my + fate, or your'n!” + </p> + <p> + “This is a black business, and ought to be put a stop to in some way or + other—” answered Hurry, confounding the distinctions between right + and wrong, as is usual with selfish and vulgar men. “I heartily wish old + Hutter and I had scalped every creatur' in their camp, the night we first + landed with that capital object! Had you not held back, Deerslayer, it + might have been done, and then you wouldn't have found yourself, at the + last moment, in the desperate condition you mention.” + </p> + <p> + “'Twould have been better had you said you wished you had never attempted + to do what it little becomes any white man's gifts to undertake; in which + case, not only might we have kept from coming to blows, but Thomas Hutter + would now have been living, and the hearts of the savages would be less + given to vengeance. The death of that young woman, too, was on-called for, + Henry March, and leaves a heavy load on our names if not on our + consciences!” + </p> + <p> + This was so apparent, and it seemed so obvious to Hurry himself, at the + moment, that he dashed his paddle into the water, and began to urge the + canoe towards the shore, as if bent only on running away from his own + lively remorse. His companion humoured this feverish desire for change, + and, in a minute or two, the bows of the boat grated lightly on the + shingle of the beach. To land, shoulder his pack and rifle, and to get + ready for his march occupied Hurry but an instant, and with a growling + adieu, he had already commenced his march, when a sudden twinge of feeling + brought him to a dead stop, and immediately after to the other's side. + </p> + <p> + “You cannot mean to give yourself up ag'in to them murdering savages, + Deerslayer!” he said, quite as much in angry remonstrance, as with + generous feeling. “'Twould be the act of a madman or a fool!” + </p> + <p> + “There's them that thinks it madness to keep their words, and there's them + that don't, Hurry Harry. You may be one of the first, but I'm one of the + last. No red-skin breathing shall have it in his power to say that a Mingo + minds his word more than a man of white blood and white gifts, in any + thing that consarns me. I'm out on a furlough, and if I've strength and + reason, I'll go in on a furlough afore noon to-morrow!” + </p> + <p> + “What's an Injin, or a word passed, or a furlough taken from creatur's + like them, that have neither souls, nor reason!” + </p> + <p> + “If they've got neither souls nor reason, you and I have both, Henry + March, and one is accountable for the other. This furlough is not, as you + seem to think, a matter altogether atween me and the Mingos, seeing it is + a solemn bargain made atween me and God. He who thinks that he can say + what he pleases, in his distress, and that twill all pass for nothing, + because 'tis uttered in the forest, and into red men's ears, knows little + of his situation, and hopes, and wants. The woods are but the ears of the + Almighty, the air is his breath, and the light of the sun is little more + than a glance of his eye. Farewell, Harry; we may not meet ag'in, but I + would wish you never to treat a furlough, or any other solemn thing that + your Christian God has been called on to witness, as a duty so light that + it may be forgotten according to the wants of the body, or even accordin' + to the cravings of the spirit.” + </p> + <p> + March was now glad again to escape. It was quite impossible that he could + enter into the sentiments that ennobled his companion, and he broke away + from both with an impatience that caused him secretly to curse the folly + that could induce a man to rush, as it were, on his own destruction. + Deerslayer, on the contrary, manifested no such excitement. Sustained by + his principles, inflexible in the purpose of acting up to them, and + superior to any unmanly apprehension, he regarded all before him as a + matter of course, and no more thought of making any unworthy attempt to + avoid it, than a Mussulman thinks of counteracting the decrees of + Providence. He stood calmly on the shore, listening to the reckless tread + with which Hurry betrayed his progress through the bushes, shook his head + in dissatisfaction at the want of caution, and then stepped quietly into + his canoe. Before he dropped the paddle again into the water, the young + man gazed about him at the scene presented by the star-lit night. This was + the spot where he had first laid his eyes on the beautiful sheet of water + on which he floated. If it was then glorious in the bright light of a + summer's noon-tide, it was now sad and melancholy under the shadows of + night. The mountains rose around it like black barriers to exclude the + outer world, and the gleams of pale light that rested on the broader parts + of the basin were no bad symbols of the faintness of the hopes that were + so dimly visible in his own future. Sighing heavily, he pushed the canoe + from the land, and took his way back with steady diligence towards the Ark + and the castle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXIV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Thy secret pleasure turns to open shame; + Thy private feasting to a public fast; + Thy smoothing titles to a ragged name; + Thy sugar'd tongue to bitter worm wood taste: + Thy violent vanities can never last.” + + Shakespeare, Rape of Lucrece, 11. 890-94. +</pre> + <p> + Judith was waiting the return of Deerslayer on the platform, with stifled + impatience, when the latter reached the hut. Hist and Hetty were both in a + deep sleep, on the bed usually occupied by the two daughters of the house, + and the Delaware was stretched on the floor of the adjoining room, his + rifle at his side, and a blanket over him, already dreaming of the events + of the last few days. There was a lamp burning in the Ark, for the family + was accustomed to indulge in this luxury on extraordinary occasions, and + possessed the means, the vessel being of a form and material to render it + probable it had once been an occupant of the chest. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the girl got a glimpse of the canoe, she ceased her hurried + walk up and down the platform and stood ready to receive the young man, + whose return she had now been anxiously expecting for some time. She + helped him to fasten the canoe, and by aiding in the other little similar + employments, manifested her desire to reach a moment of liberty as soon as + possible. When this was done, in answer to an inquiry of his, she informed + him of the manner in which their companions had disposed of themselves. He + listened attentively, for the manner of the girl was so earnest and + impressive as to apprise him that she had something on her mind of more + than common concern. + </p> + <p> + “And now, Deerslayer,” Judith continued, “you see I have lighted the lamp, + and put it in the cabin of the Ark. That is never done with us, unless on + great occasions, and I consider this night as the most important of my + life. Will you follow me and see what I have to show you—hear what I + have to say.” + </p> + <p> + The hunter was a little surprised, but, making no objections, both were + soon in the scow, and in the room that contained the light. Here two + stools were placed at the side of the chest, with the lamp on another, and + a table near by to receive the different articles as they might be brought + to view. This arrangement had its rise in the feverish impatience of the + girl, which could brook no delay that it was in her power to obviate. Even + all the padlocks were removed, and it only remained to raise the heavy + lid, again, to expose all the treasures of this long secreted hoard. + </p> + <p> + “I see, in part, what all this means,” observed Deerslayer—“yes, I + see through it, in part. But why is not Hetty present? Now Thomas Hutter + is gone, she is one of the owners of these cur'osities, and ought to see + them opened and handled.” + </p> + <p> + “Hetty sleeps—” answered Judith, huskily. “Happily for her, fine + clothes and riches have no charms. Besides she has this night given her + share of all that the chest may hold to me, that I may do with it as I + please.” + </p> + <p> + “Is poor Hetty compass enough for that, Judith?” demanded the just-minded + young man. “It's a good rule and a righteous one, never to take when them + that give don't know the valie of their gifts; and such as God has visited + heavily in their wits ought to be dealt with as carefully as children that + haven't yet come to their understandings.” + </p> + <p> + Judith was hurt at this rebuke, coming from the person it did, but she + would have felt it far more keenly had not her conscience fully acquitted + her of any unjust intentions towards her feeble-minded but confiding + sister. It was not a moment, however, to betray any of her usual mountings + of the spirit, and she smothered the passing sensation in the desire to + come to the great object she had in view. + </p> + <p> + “Hetty will not be wronged,” she mildly answered; “she even knows not only + what I am about to do, Deerslayer, but why I do it. So take your seat, + raise the lid of the chest, and this time we will go to the bottom. I + shall be disappointed if something is not found to tell us more of the + history of Thomas Hutter and my mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Why Thomas Hutter, Judith, and not your father? The dead ought to meet + with as much reverence as the living!” + </p> + <p> + “I have long suspected that Thomas Hutter was not my father, though I did + think he might have been Hetty's, but now we know he was the father of + neither. He acknowledged that much in his dying moments. I am old enough + to remember better things than we have seen on this lake, though they are + so faintly impressed on my memory that the earlier part of my life seems + like a dream.” + </p> + <p> + “Dreams are but miserable guides when one has to detarmine about + realities, Judith,” returned the other admonishingly. “Fancy nothing and + hope nothing on their account, though I've known chiefs that thought 'em + useful.” + </p> + <p> + “I expect nothing for the future from them, my good friend, but cannot + help remembering what has been. This is idle, however, when half an hour + of examination may tell us all, or even more than I want to know.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer, who comprehended the girl's impatience, now took his seat and + proceeded once more to bring to light the different articles that the + chest contained. As a matter of course, all that had been previously + examined were found where they had been last deposited, and they excited + much less interest or comment than when formerly exposed to view. Even + Judith laid aside the rich brocade with an air of indifference, for she + had a far higher aim before her than the indulgence of vanity, and was + impatient to come at the still hidden, or rather unknown, treasures. + </p> + <p> + “All these we have seen before,” she said, “and will not stop to open. The + bundle under your hand, Deerslayer, is a fresh one; that we will look + into. God send it may contain something to tell poor Hetty and myself who + we really are!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, if some bundles could speak, they might tell wonderful secrets,” + returned the young man deliberately undoing the folds of another piece of + course canvass, in order to come at the contents of the roll that lay on + his knees: “though this doesn't seem to be one of that family, seeing 'tis + neither more nor less than a sort of flag, though of what nation, it + passes my l'arnin' to say.” + </p> + <p> + “That flag must have some meaning to it—” Judith hurriedly + interposed. “Open it wider, Deerslayer, that we may see the colours.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I pity the ensign that has to shoulder this cloth, and to parade it + about on the field. Why 'tis large enough, Judith, to make a dozen of them + colours the King's officers set so much store by. These can be no ensign's + colours, but a gin'ral's!” + </p> + <p> + “A ship might carry it, Deerslayer, and ships I know do use such things. + Have you never heard any fearful stories about Thomas Hutter's having once + been concerned with the people they call buccaneers?” + </p> + <p> + “Buck-ah-near! Not I—not I—I never heard him mentioned as good + at a buck far off, or near by. Hurry Harry did till me something about its + being supposed that he had formerly, in some way or other, dealings with + sartain sea robbers, but, Lord, Judith, it can't surely give you any + satisfaction to make out that ag'in your mother's own husband, though he + isn't your father.” + </p> + <p> + “Anything will give me satisfaction that tells me who I am, and helps to + explain the dreams of childhood. My mother's husband! Yes, he must have + been that, though why a woman like her, should have chosen a man like him, + is more than mortal reason can explain. You never saw mother, Deerslayer, + and can't feel the vast, vast difference there was between them!” + </p> + <p> + “Such things do happen, howsever;—yes, they do happen; though why + providence lets them come to pass is more than I understand. I've knew the + f'ercest warriors with the gentlest wives of any in the tribe, and awful + scolds fall to the lot of Injins fit to be missionaries.” + </p> + <p> + “That was not it, Deerslayer; that was not it. Oh! if it should prove that—no; + I cannot wish she should not have been his wife at all. That no daughter + can wish for her own mother! Go on, now, and let us see what the square + looking bundle holds.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer complied, and he found that it contained a small trunk of + pretty workmanship, but fastened. The next point was to find a key; but, + search proving ineffectual, it was determined to force the lock. This + Deerslayer soon effected by the aid of an iron instrument, and it was + found that the interior was nearly filled with papers. Many were letters; + some fragments of manuscripts, memorandums, accounts, and other similar + documents. The hawk does not pounce upon the chicken with a more sudden + swoop than Judith sprang forward to seize this mine of hitherto concealed + knowledge. Her education, as the reader will have perceived, was far + superior to her situation in life, and her eye glanced over page after + page of the letters with a readiness that her schooling supplied, and with + an avidity that found its origin in her feelings. At first it was evident + that the girl was gratified; and we may add with reason, for the letters + written by females, in innocence and affection, were of a character to + cause her to feel proud of those with whom she had every reason to think + she was closely connected by the ties of blood. It does not come within + the scope of our plan to give more of these epistles, however, than a + general idea of their contents, and this will best be done by describing + the effect they produced on the manner, appearance, and feeling of her who + was so eagerly perusing them. + </p> + <p> + It has been said, already, that Judith was much gratified with the letters + that first met her eye. They contained the correspondence of an + affectionate and intelligent mother to an absent daughter, with such + allusions to the answers as served in a great measure to fill up the + vacuum left by the replies. They were not without admonitions and + warnings, however, and Judith felt the blood mounting to her temples, and + a cold shudder succeeding, as she read one in which the propriety of the + daughter's indulging in as much intimacy as had evidently been described + in one of the daughter's own letters, with an officer “who came from + Europe, and who could hardly be supposed to wish to form an honorable + connection in America,” was rather coldly commented on by the mother. What + rendered it singular was the fact that the signatures had been carefully + cut from every one of these letters, and wherever a name occurred in the + body of the epistles it had been erased with so much diligence as to + render it impossible to read it. They had all been enclosed in envelopes, + according to the fashion of the age, and not an address either was to be + found. Still the letters themselves had been religiously preserved, and + Judith thought she could discover traces of tears remaining on several. + She now remembered to have seen the little trunk in her mother's keeping, + previously to her death, and she supposed it had first been deposited in + the chest, along with the other forgotten or concealed objects, when the + letters could no longer contribute to that parent's grief or happiness. + </p> + <p> + Next came another bundle, and these were filled with the protestations of + love, written with passion certainly, but also with that deceit which men + so often think it justifiable to use to the other sex. Judith had shed + tears abundantly over the first packet, but now she felt a sentiment of + indignation and pride better sustaining her. Her hand shook, however, and + cold shivers again passed through her frame, as she discovered a few + points of strong resemblance between these letters and some it had been + her own fate to receive. Once, indeed, she laid the packet down, bowed her + head to her knees, and seemed nearly convulsed. All this time Deerslayer + sat a silent but attentive observer of every thing that passed. As Judith + read a letter she put it into his hands to hold until she could peruse the + next; but this served in no degree to enlighten her companion, as he was + totally unable to read. Nevertheless he was not entirely at fault in + discovering the passions that were contending in the bosom of the fair + creature by his side, and, as occasional sentences escaped her in murmurs, + he was nearer the truth, in his divinations, or conjectures, than the girl + would have been pleased at discovering. + </p> + <p> + Judith had commenced with the earliest letters, luckily for a ready + comprehension of the tale they told, for they were carefully arranged in + chronological order, and to any one who would take the trouble to peruse + them, would have revealed a sad history of gratified passion, coldness, + and finally of aversion. As she obtained the clue to their import, her + impatience would not admit of delay, and she soon got to glancing her eyes + over a page by way of coming at the truth in the briefest manner possible. + By adopting this expedient, one to which all who are eager to arrive at + results without encumbering themselves with details are so apt to resort, + Judith made a rapid progress in these melancholy revelations of her + mother's failing and punishment. She saw that the period of her own birth + was distinctly referred to, and even learned that the homely name she bore + was given her by the father, of whose person she retained so faint an + impression as to resemble a dream. This name was not obliterated from the + text of the letters, but stood as if nothing was to be gained by erasing + it. Hetty's birth was mentioned once, and in that instance the name was + the mother's, but ere this period was reached came the signs of coldness, + shadowing forth the desertion that was so soon to follow. It was in this + stage of the correspondence that her mother had recourse to the plan of + copying her own epistles. They were but few, but were eloquent with the + feelings of blighted affection, and contrition. Judith sobbed over them, + until again and again she felt compelled to lay them aside from sheer + physical inability to see; her eyes being literally obscured with tears. + Still she returned to the task, with increasing interest, and finally + succeeded in reaching the end of the latest communication that had + probably ever passed between her parents. + </p> + <p> + All this occupied fully an hour, for near a hundred letters were glanced + at, and some twenty had been closely read. The truth now shone clear upon + the acute mind of Judith, so far as her own birth and that of Hetty were + concerned. She sickened at the conviction, and for the moment the rest of + the world seemed to be cut off from her, and she had now additional + reasons for wishing to pass the remainder of her life on the lake, where + she had already seen so many bright and so many sorrowing days. + </p> + <p> + There yet remained more letters to examine. Judith found these were a + correspondence between her mother and Thomas Hovey. The originals of both + parties were carefully arranged, letter and answer, side by side; and they + told the early history of the connection between the ill-assorted pair far + more plainly than Judith wished to learn it. Her mother made the advances + towards a marriage, to the surprise, not to say horror of her daughter, + and she actually found a relief when she discovered traces of what struck + her as insanity—or a morbid desperation, bordering on that dire + calamity—in the earlier letters of that ill-fated woman. The answers + of Hovey were coarse and illiterate, though they manifested a sufficient + desire to obtain the hand of a woman of singular personal attractions, and + whose great error he was willing to overlook for the advantage of + possessing one every way so much his superior, and who it also appeared + was not altogether destitute of money. The remainder of this part of the + correspondence was brief, and it was soon confined to a few communications + on business, in which the miserable wife hastened the absent husband in + his preparations to abandon a world which there was a sufficient reason to + think was as dangerous to one of the parties as it was disagreeable to the + other. But a sincere expression had escaped her mother, by which Judith + could get a clue to the motives that had induced her to marry Hovey, or + Hutter, and this she found was that feeling of resentment which so often + tempts the injured to inflict wrongs on themselves by way of heaping coals + on the heads of those through whom they have suffered. Judith had enough + of the spirit of that mother to comprehend this sentiment, and for a + moment did she see the exceeding folly which permitted such revengeful + feelings to get the ascendancy. + </p> + <p> + There what may be called the historical part of the papers ceased. Among + the loose fragments, however, was an old newspaper that contained a + proclamation offering a reward for the apprehension of certain + free-booters by name, among which was that of Thomas Hovey. The attention + of the girl was drawn to the proclamation and to this particular name by + the circumstance that black lines had been drawn under both, in ink. + Nothing else was found among the papers that could lead to a discovery of + either the name or the place of residence of the wife of Hutter. All the + dates, signatures, and addresses had been cut from the letters, and + wherever a word occurred in the body of the communications that might + furnish a clue, it was scrupulously erased. Thus Judith found all her + hopes of ascertaining who her parents were defeated, and she was obliged + to fall back on her own resources and habits for everything connected with + the future. Her recollection of her mother's manners, conversation, and + sufferings filled up many a gap in the historical facts she had now + discovered, and the truth, in its outlines, stood sufficiently distinct + before her to take away all desire, indeed, to possess any more details. + Throwing herself back in her seat, she simply desired her companion to + finish the examination of the other articles in the chest, as it might yet + contain something of importance. + </p> + <p> + “I'll do it, Judith; I'll do it,” returned the patient Deerslayer, “but if + there's many more letters to read, we shall see the sun ag'in afore you've + got through with the reading of them! Two good hours have you been looking + at them bits of papers!” + </p> + <p> + “They tell me of my parents, Deerslayer, and have settled my plans for + life. A girl may be excused, who reads about her own father and mother, + and that too for the first time in her life! I am sorry to have kept you + waiting.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind me, gal; never mind me. It matters little whether I sleep or + watch; but though you be pleasant to look at, and are so handsome, Judith, + it is not altogether agreeable to sit so long to behold you shedding + tears. I know that tears don't kill, and that some people are better for + shedding a few now and then, especially young women; but I'd rather see + you smile any time, Judith, than see you weep.” + </p> + <p> + This gallant speech was rewarded with a sweet, though a melancholy smile; + and then the girl again desired her companion to finish the examination of + the chest. The search necessarily continued some time, during which Judith + collected her thoughts and regained her composure. She took no part in the + search, leaving everything to the young man, looking listlessly herself at + the different articles that came uppermost. Nothing further of much + interest or value, however, was found. A sword or two, such as were then + worn by gentlemen, some buckles of silver, or so richly plated as to + appear silver, and a few handsome articles of female dress, composed the + principal discoveries. It struck both Judith and the Deerslayer, + notwithstanding, that some of these things might be made useful in + effecting a negotiation with the Iroquois, though the latter saw a + difficulty in the way that was not so apparent to the former. The + conversation was first renewed in connection with this point. + </p> + <p> + “And now, Deerslayer,” said Judith, “we may talk of yourself, and of the + means of getting you out of the hands of the Hurons. Any part, or all of + what you have seen in the chest, will be cheerfully given by me and Hetty + to set you at liberty.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's gin'rous,—yes, 'tis downright free-hearted, and + free-handed, and gin'rous. This is the way with women; when they take up a + fri'ndship, they do nothing by halves, but are as willing to part with + their property as if it had no value in their eyes. However, while I thank + you both, just as much as if the bargain was made, and Rivenoak, or any of + the other vagabonds, was here to accept and close the treaty, there's two + principal reasons why it can never come to pass, which may be as well told + at once, in order no onlikely expectations may be raised in you, or any + onjustifiable hopes in me.” + </p> + <p> + “What reason can there be, if Hetty and I are willing to part with the + trifles for your sake, and the savages are willing to receive them?” + </p> + <p> + “That's it, Judith; you've got the idees, but they're a little out of + their places, as if a hound should take the back'ard instead of the + leading scent. That the Mingos will be willing to receive them things, or + any more like 'em you may have to offer is probable enough, but whether + they'll pay valie for 'em is quite another matter. Ask yourself, Judith, + if any one should send you a message to say that, for such or such a + price, you and Hetty might have that chist and all it holds, whether you'd + think it worth your while to waste many words on the bargain?” + </p> + <p> + “But this chest and all it holds, are already ours; there is no reason why + we should purchase what is already our own.” + </p> + <p> + “Just so the Mingos caculate! They say the chist is theirn, already; or, + as good as theirn, and they'll not thank anybody for the key.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, Deerslayer; surely we are yet in possession of the + lake, and we can keep possession of it until Hurry sends troops to drive + off the enemy. This we may certainly do provided you will stay with us, + instead of going back and giving yourself up a prisoner, again, as you now + seem determined on.” + </p> + <p> + “That Hurry Harry should talk in this-a-way, is nat'ral, and according to + the gifts of the man. He knows no better, and, therefore, he is little + likely to feel or to act any better; but, Judith, I put it to your heart + and conscience—would you, could you think of me as favorably, as I + hope and believe you now do, was I to forget my furlough and not go back + to the camp?” + </p> + <p> + “To think more favorably of you than I now do, Deerslayer, would not be + easy; but I might continue to think as favorably—at least it seems + so—I hope I could, for a world wouldn't tempt me to let you do + anything that might change my real opinion of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then don't try to entice me to overlook my furlough, gal! A furlough is a + sacred thing among warriors and men that carry their lives in their hands, + as we of the forests do, and what a grievous disapp'intment would it be to + old Tamenund, and to Uncas, the father of the Sarpent, and to my other + fri'nds in the tribe, if I was so to disgrace myself on my very first + war-path. This you will pairceive, moreover, Judith, is without laying any + stress on nat'ral gifts, and a white man's duties, to say nothing of + conscience. The last is king with me, and I try never to dispute his + orders.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you are right, Deerslayer,” returned the girl, after a little + reflection and in a saddened voice: “a man like you ought not to act as + the selfish and dishonest would be apt to act; you must, indeed, go back. + We will talk no more of this, then. Should I persuade you to anything for + which you would be sorry hereafter, my own regret would not be less than + yours. You shall not have it to say, Judith—I scarce know by what + name to call myself, now!” + </p> + <p> + “And why not? Why not, gal? Children take the names of their parents, + nat'rally, and by a sort of gift, like, and why shouldn't you and Hetty do + as others have done afore ye? Hutter was the old man's name, and Hutter + should be the name of his darters;—at least until you are given away + in lawful and holy wedlock.” + </p> + <p> + “I am Judith, and Judith only,” returned the girl positively—“until + the law gives me a right to another name. Never will I use that of Thomas + Hutter again; nor, with my consent, shall Hetty! Hutter was not even his + own name, I find, but had he a thousand rights to it, it would give none + to me. He was not my father, thank heaven; though I may have no reason to + be proud of him that was!” + </p> + <p> + “This is strange!” said Deerslayer, looking steadily at the excited girl, + anxious to know more, but unwilling to inquire into matters that did not + properly concern him; “yes, this is very strange and oncommon! Thomas + Hutter wasn't Thomas Hutter, and his darters weren't his darters! Who, + then, could Thomas Hutter be, and who are his darters?” + </p> + <p> + “Did you never hear anything whispered against the former life of this + person, Deerslayer?” demanded Judith “Passing, as I did, for his child, + such reports reached even me.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll not deny it, Judith; no, I'll not deny it. Sartain things have been + said, as I've told you, but I'm not very credible as to reports. Young as + I am, I've lived long enough to l'arn there's two sorts of characters in + the world—them that is 'arned by deeds, and them that is 'arned by + tongues, and so I prefar to see and judge for myself, instead of letting + every jaw that chooses to wag become my judgment. Hurry Harry spoke pretty + plainly of the whole family, as we journeyed this-a-way, and he did hint + something consarning Thomas Hutter's having been a free-liver on the + water, in his younger days. By free-liver, I mean that he made free to + live on other men's goods.” + </p> + <p> + “He told you he was a pirate—there is no need of mincing matters + between friends. Read that, Deerslayer, and you will see that he told you + no more than the truth. This Thomas Hovey was the Thomas Hutter you knew, + as is seen by these letters.” + </p> + <p> + As Judith spoke, with a flushed cheek and eyes dazzling with the + brilliancy of excitement, she held the newspaper towards her companion, + pointing to the proclamation of a Colonial Governor, already mentioned. + </p> + <p> + “Bless you, Judith!” answered the other laughing, “you might as well ask + me to print that—or, for that matter to write it. My edication has + been altogether in the woods; the only book I read, or care about reading, + is the one which God has opened afore all his creatur's in the noble + forests, broad lakes, rolling rivers, blue skies, and the winds and + tempests, and sunshine, and other glorious marvels of the land! This book + I can read, and I find it full of wisdom and knowledge.” + </p> + <p> + “I crave your pardon, Deerslayer,” said Judith, earnestly, more abashed + than was her wont, in finding that she had in advertently made an appeal + that might wound her companion's pride. “I had forgotten your manner of + life, and least of all did I wish to hurt your feelings.” + </p> + <p> + “Hurt my feelin's? Why should it hurt my feelin's to ask me to read, when + I can't read. I'm a hunter—and I may now begin to say a warrior, and + no missionary, and therefore books and papers are of no account with such + as I—No, no—Judith,” and here the young man laughed cordially, + “not even for wads, seeing that your true deerkiller always uses the hide + of a fa'a'n, if he's got one, or some other bit of leather suitably + prepared. There's some that do say, all that stands in print is true, in + which case I'll own an unl'arned man must be somewhat of a loser; + nevertheless, it can't be truer than that which God has printed with his + own hand in the sky, and the woods, and the rivers, and the springs.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, Hutter, or Hovey, was a pirate, and being no father of mine, + I cannot wish to call him one. His name shall no longer be my name.” + </p> + <p> + “If you dislike the name of that man, there's the name of your mother, + Judith. Her'n may sarve you just as good a turn.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know it. I've look'd through those papers, Deerslayer, in the + hope of finding some hint by which I might discover who my mother was, but + there is no more trace of the past, in that respect, than the bird leaves + in the air.” + </p> + <p> + “That's both oncommon, and onreasonable. Parents are bound to give their + offspring a name, even though they give 'em nothing else. Now I come of a + humble stock, though we have white gifts and a white natur', but we are + not so poorly off as to have no name. Bumppo we are called, and I've heard + it said—” a touch of human vanity glowing on his cheek, “that the + time has been when the Bumppos had more standing and note among mankind + than they have just now.” + </p> + <p> + “They never deserved them more, Deerslayer, and the name is a good one; + either Hetty, or myself, would a thousand times rather be called Hetty + Bumppo, or Judith Bumppo, than to be called Hetty or Judith Hutter.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a moral impossible,” returned the hunter, good humouredly, “onless + one of you should so far demean herself as to marry me.” + </p> + <p> + Judith could not refrain from smiling, when she found how simply and + naturally the conversation had come round to the very point at which she + had aimed to bring it. Although far from unfeminine or forward, either in + her feelings or her habits, the girl was goaded by a sense of wrongs not + altogether merited, incited by the hopelessness of a future that seemed to + contain no resting place, and still more influenced by feelings that were + as novel to her as they proved to be active and engrossing. The opening + was too good, therefore, to be neglected, though she came to the subject + with much of the indirectness and perhaps justifiable address of a woman. + </p> + <p> + “I do not think Hetty will ever marry, Deerslayer,” she said, “and if your + name is to be borne by either of us, it must be borne by me.” + </p> + <p> + “There's been handsome women too, they tell me, among the Bumppos, Judith, + afore now, and should you take up with the name, oncommon as you be in + this particular, them that knows the family won't be altogether + surprised.” + </p> + <p> + “This is not talking as becomes either of us, Deerslayer, for whatever is + said on such a subject, between man and woman, should be said seriously + and in sincerity of heart. Forgetting the shame that ought to keep girls + silent until spoken to, in most cases, I will deal with you as frankly as + I know one of your generous nature will most like to be dealt by. Can you—do + you think, Deerslayer, that you could be happy with such a wife as a woman + like myself would make?” + </p> + <p> + “A woman like you, Judith! But where's the sense in trifling about such a + thing? A woman like you, that is handsome enough to be a captain's lady, + and fine enough, and so far as I know edicated enough, would be little apt + to think of becoming my wife. I suppose young gals that feel themselves to + be smart, and know themselves to be handsome, find a sartain satisfaction + in passing their jokes ag'in them that's neither, like a poor Delaware + hunter.” + </p> + <p> + This was said good naturedly, but not without a betrayal of feeling which + showed that something like mortified sensibility was blended with the + reply. Nothing could have occurred more likely to awaken all Judith's + generous regrets, or to aid her in her purpose, by adding the stimulant of + a disinterested desire to atone to her other impulses, and cloaking all + under a guise so winning and natural, as greatly to lessen the unpleasant + feature of a forwardness unbecoming the sex. + </p> + <p> + “You do me injustice if you suppose I have any such thought, or wish,” she + answered, earnestly. “Never was I more serious in my life, or more willing + to abide by any agreement that we may make to-night. I have had many + suitors, Deerslayer—nay, scarce an unmarried trapper or hunter has + been in at the Lake these four years, who has not offered to take me away + with him, and I fear some that were married, too—” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, I'll warrant that!” interrupted the other—“I'll warrant all + that! Take 'em as a body, Judith, 'arth don't hold a set of men more given + to theirselves, and less given to God and the law.” + </p> + <p> + “Not one of them would I—could I listen to; happily for myself + perhaps, has it been that such was the case. There have been well looking + youths among them too, as you may have seen in your acquaintance, Henry + March.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Harry is sightly to the eye, though, to my idees, less so to the + judgment. I thought, at first, you meant to have him, Judith, I did; but + afore he went, it was easy enough to verify that the same lodge wouldn't + be big enough for you both.” + </p> + <p> + “You have done me justice in that at least, Deerslayer. Hurry is a man I + could never marry, though he were ten times more comely to the eye, and a + hundred times more stout of heart than he really is.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not, Judith, why not? I own I'm cur'ous to know why a youth like + Hurry shouldn't find favor with a maiden like you?” + </p> + <p> + “Then you shall know, Deerslayer,” returned the girl, gladly availing + herself of the opportunity of indirectly extolling the qualities which had + so strongly interested her in her listener; hoping by these means covertly + to approach the subject nearest her heart. “In the first place, looks in a + man are of no importance with a woman, provided he is manly, and not + disfigured, or deformed.” + </p> + <p> + “There I can't altogether agree with you,” returned the other + thoughtfully, for he had a very humble opinion of his own personal + appearance; “I have noticed that the comeliest warriors commonly get the + best-looking maidens of the tribe for wives, and the Sarpent, yonder, who + is sometimes wonderful in his paint, is a gineral favorite with all the + Delaware young women, though he takes to Hist, himself, as if she was the + only beauty on 'arth!” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so with Indians; but it is different with white girls. So long + as a young man has a straight and manly frame, that promises to make him + able to protect a woman, and to keep want from the door, it is all they + ask of the figure. Giants like Hurry may do for grenadiers, but are of + little account as lovers. Then as to the face, an honest look, one that + answers for the heart within, is of more value than any shape or colour, + or eyes, or teeth, or trifles like them. The last may do for girls, but + who thinks of them at all, in a hunter, or a warrior, or a husband? If + there are women so silly, Judith is not among them.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, this is wonderful! I always thought that handsome liked handsome, + as riches love riches!” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so with you men, Deerslayer, but it is not always so with us + women. We like stout-hearted men, but we wish to see them modest; sure on + a hunt, or the war-path, ready to die for the right, and unwilling to + yield to the wrong. Above all we wish for honesty—tongues that are + not used to say what the mind does not mean, and hearts that feel a little + for others, as well as for themselves. A true-hearted girl could die for + such a husband! while the boaster, and the double-tongued suitor gets to + be as hateful to the sight, as he is to the mind.” + </p> + <p> + Judith spoke bitterly, and with her usual force, but her listener was too + much struck with the novelty of the sensations he experienced to advert to + her manner. There was something so soothing to the humility of a man of + his temperament, to hear qualities that he could not but know he possessed + himself, thus highly extolled by the loveliest female he had ever beheld, + that, for the moment, his faculties seemed suspended in a natural and + excusable pride. Then it was that the idea of the possibility of such a + creature as Judith becoming his companion for life first crossed his mind. + The image was so pleasant, and so novel, that he continued completely + absorbed by it for more than a minute, totally regardless of the beautiful + reality that was seated before him, watching the expression of his upright + and truth-telling countenance with a keenness that gave her a very fair, + if not an absolutely accurate clue to his thoughts. Never before had so + pleasing a vision floated before the mind's eye of the young hunter, but, + accustomed most to practical things, and little addicted to submitting to + the power of his imagination, even while possessed of so much true + poetical feeling in connection with natural objects in particular, he soon + recovered his reason, and smiled at his own weakness, as the fancied + picture faded from his mental sight, and left him the simple, untaught, + but highly moral being he was, seated in the Ark of Thomas Hutter, at + midnight, with the lovely countenance of its late owner's reputed + daughter, beaming on him with anxious scrutiny, by the light of the + solitary lamp. + </p> + <p> + “You're wonderful handsome, and enticing, and pleasing to look on, + Judith!” he exclaimed, in his simplicity, as fact resumed its ascendency + over fancy. “Wonderful! I don't remember ever to have seen so beautiful a + gal, even among the Delawares; and I'm not astonished that Hurry Harry + went away soured as well as disapp'inted!” + </p> + <p> + “Would you have had me, Deerslayer, become the wife of such a man as Henry + March?” + </p> + <p> + “There's that which is in his favor, and there's that which is ag'in him. + To my taste, Hurry wouldn't make the best of husbands, but I fear that the + tastes of most young women, hereaway, wouldn't be so hard upon him.” + </p> + <p> + “No—no—Judith without a name would never consent to be called + Judith March! Anything would be better than that.” + </p> + <p> + “Judith Bumppo wouldn't sound as well, gal; and there's many names that + would fall short of March, in pleasing the ear.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Deerslayer, the pleasantness of the sound, in such cases, doesn't + come through the ear, but through the heart. Everything is agreeable, when + the heart is satisfied. Were Natty Bumppo, Henry March, and Henry March, + Natty Bumppo, I might think the name of March better than it is; or were + he, you, I should fancy the name of Bumppo horrible!” + </p> + <p> + “That's just it—yes, that's the reason of the matter. Now, I'm + nat'rally avarse to sarpents, and I hate even the word, which, the + missionaries tell me, comes from human natur', on account of a sartain + sarpent at the creation of the 'arth, that outwitted the first woman; yet, + ever since Chingachgook has 'arned the title he bears, why the sound is as + pleasant to my ears as the whistle of the whippoorwill of a calm evening—it + is. The feelin's make all the difference in the world, Judith, in the + natur' of sounds; ay, even in that of looks, too.” + </p> + <p> + “This is so true, Deerslayer, that I am surprised you should think it + remarkable a girl, who may have some comeliness herself, should not think + it necessary that her husband should have the same advantage, or what you + fancy an advantage. To me, looks in a man is nothing provided his + countenance be as honest as his heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, honesty is a great advantage, in the long run; and they that are the + most apt to forget it in the beginning, are the most apt to l'arn it in + the ind. Nevertheless, there's more, Judith, that look to present profit + than to the benefit that is to come after a time. One they think a + sartainty, and the other an onsartainty. I'm glad, howsever, that you look + at the thing in its true light, and not in the way in which so many is apt + to deceive themselves.” + </p> + <p> + “I do thus look at it, Deerslayer,” returned the girl with emphasis, still + shrinking with a woman's sensitiveness from a direct offer of her hand, + “and can say, from the bottom of my heart, that I would rather trust my + happiness to a man whose truth and feelings may be depended on, than to a + false-tongued and false-hearted wretch that had chests of gold, and houses + and lands—yes, though he were even seated on a throne!” + </p> + <p> + “These are brave words, Judith; they're downright brave words; but do you + think that the feelin's would keep 'em company, did the ch'ice actually + lie afore you? If a gay gallant in a scarlet coat stood on one side, with + his head smelling like a deer's foot, his face smooth and blooming as your + own, his hands as white and soft as if God hadn't bestowed 'em that man + might live by the sweat of his brow, and his step as lofty as + dancing-teachers and a light heart could make it; and the other side stood + one that has passed his days in the open air till his forehead is as red + as his cheek; had cut his way through swamps and bushes till his hand was + as rugged as the oaks he slept under; had trodden on the scent of game + till his step was as stealthy as the catamount's, and had no other + pleasant odor about him than such as natur' gives in the free air and the + forest—now, if both these men stood here, as suitors for your + feelin's, which do you think would win your favor?” + </p> + <p> + Judith's fine face flushed, for the picture that her companion had so + simply drawn of a gay officer of the garrisons had once been particularly + grateful to her imagination, though experience and disappointment had not + only chilled all her affections, but given them a backward current, and + the passing image had a momentary influence on her feelings; but the + mounting colour was succeeded by a paleness so deadly, as to make her + appear ghastly. + </p> + <p> + “As God is my judge,” the girl solemnly answered, “did both these men + stand before me, as I may say one of them does, my choice, if I know my + own heart, would be the latter. I have no wish for a husband who is any + way better than myself.” + </p> + <p> + “This is pleasant to listen to, and might lead a young man in time to + forget his own onworthiness, Judith! Howsever, you hardly think all that + you say. A man like me is too rude and ignorant for one that has had such + a mother to teach her. Vanity is nat'ral, I do believe, but vanity like + that, would surpass reason.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you do not know of what a woman's heart is capable! Rude you are + not, Deerslayer, nor can one be called ignorant that has studied what is + before his eyes as closely as you have done. When the affections are + concerned, all things appear in their pleasantest colors, and trifles are + overlooked, or are forgotten. When the heart feels sunshine, nothing is + gloomy, even dull looking objects, seeming gay and bright, and so it would + be between you and the woman who should love you, even though your wife + might happen, in some matters, to possess what the world calls the + advantage over you.” + </p> + <p> + “Judith, you come of people altogether above mine, in the world, and + onequal matches, like onequal fri'ndships can't often tarminate kindly. I + speak of this matter altogether as a fanciful thing, since it's not very + likely that you, at least, would be apt to treat it as a matter that can + ever come to pass.” + </p> + <p> + Judith fastened her deep blue eyes on the open, frank countenance of her + companion, as if she would read his soul. Nothing there betrayed any + covert meaning, and she was obliged to admit to herself, that he regarded + the conversation as argumentative, rather than positive, and that he was + still without any active suspicion that her feelings were seriously + involved in the issue. At first, she felt offended; then she saw the + injustice of making the self-abasement and modesty of the hunter a charge + against him, and this novel difficulty gave a piquancy to the state of + affairs that rather increased her interest in the young man. At that + critical instant, a change of plan flashed on her mind, and with a + readiness of invention that is peculiar to the quick-witted and ingenious, + she adopted a scheme by which she hoped effectually to bind him to her + person. This scheme partook equally of her fertility of invention, and of + the decision and boldness of her character. That the conversation might + not terminate too abruptly, however, or any suspicion of her design exist, + she answered the last remark of Deerslayer, as earnestly and as truly as + if her original intention remained unaltered. + </p> + <p> + “I, certainly, have no reason to boast of parentage, after what I have + seen this night,” said the girl, in a saddened voice. “I had a mother, it + is true; but of her name even, I am ignorant—and, as for my father, + it is better, perhaps, that I should never know who he was, lest I speak + too bitterly of him!” + </p> + <p> + “Judith,” said Deerslayer, taking her hand kindly, and with a manly + sincerity that went directly to the girl's heart, “tis better to say no + more to-night. Sleep on what you've seen and felt; in the morning things + that now look gloomy, may look more che'rful. Above all, never do anything + in bitterness, or because you feel as if you'd like to take revenge on + yourself for other people's backslidings. All that has been said or done + atween us, this night, is your secret, and shall never be talked of by me, + even with the Sarpent, and you may be sartain if he can't get it out of me + no man can. If your parents have been faulty, let the darter be less so; + remember that you're young, and the youthful may always hope for better + times; that you're more quick-witted than usual, and such gin'rally get + the better of difficulties, and that, as for beauty, you're oncommon, + which is an advantage with all. It is time to get a little rest, for + to-morrow is like to prove a trying day to some of us.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer arose as he spoke, and Judith had no choice but to comply. The + chest was closed and secured, and they parted in silence, she to take her + place by the side of Hist and Hetty, and he to seek a blanket on the floor + of the cabin he was in. It was not five minutes ere the young man was in a + deep sleep, but the girl continued awake for a long time. She scarce knew + whether to lament, or to rejoice, at having failed in making herself + understood. On the one hand were her womanly sensibilities spared; on the + other was the disappointment of defeated, or at least of delayed + expectations, and the uncertainty of a future that looked so dark. Then + came the new resolution, and the bold project for the morrow, and when + drowsiness finally shut her eyes, they closed on a scene of success and + happiness, that was pictured by the fancy, under the influence of a + sanguine temperament, and a happy invention. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXV + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “But, mother, now a shade has past, + Athwart my brightest visions here, + A cloud of darkest gloom has wrapt, + The remnant of my brief career! + No song, no echo can I win, + The sparkling fount has died within.” + + Margaret Davidson, “To my Mother,” 11. 7-12. +</pre> + <p> + Hist and Hetty arose with the return of light, leaving Judith still buried + in sleep. It took but a minute for the first to complete her toilet. Her + long coal-black hair was soon adjusted in a simple knot, the calico dress + belted tight to her slender waist, and her little feet concealed in their + gaudily ornamented moccasins. When attired, she left her companion + employed in household affairs, and went herself on the platform to breathe + the pure air of the morning. Here she found Chingachgook studying the + shores of the lake, the mountains and the heavens, with the sagacity of a + man of the woods, and the gravity of an Indian. + </p> + <p> + The meeting between the two lovers was simple, but affectionate. The chief + showed a manly kindness, equally removed from boyish weakness and haste, + while the girl betrayed, in her smile and half averted looks, the bashful + tenderness of her sex. Neither spoke, unless it were with the eyes, though + each understood the other as fully as if a vocabulary of words and + protestations had been poured out. Hist seldom appeared to more advantage + than at that moment, for just from her rest and ablutions, there was a + freshness about her youthful form and face that the toils of the wood do + not always permit to be exhibited, by even the juvenile and pretty. Then + Judith had not only imparted some of her own skill in the toilet, during + their short intercourse, but she had actually bestowed a few well selected + ornaments from her own stores, that contributed not a little to set off + the natural graces of the Indian maid. All this the lover saw and felt, + and for a moment his countenance was illuminated with a look of pleasure, + but it soon grew grave again, and became saddened and anxious. The stools + used the previous night were still standing on the platform; placing two + against the walls of the hut, he seated himself on one, making a gesture + to his companion to take the other. This done, he continued thoughtful and + silent for quite a minute, maintaining the reflecting dignity of one born + to take his seat at the council-fire, while Hist was furtively watching + the expression of his face, patient and submissive, as became a woman of + her people. Then the young warrior stretched his arm before him, as if to + point out the glories of the scene at that witching hour, when the whole + panorama, as usual, was adorned by the mellow distinctness of early + morning, sweeping with his hand slowly over lake, hills and heavens. The + girl followed the movement with pleased wonder, smiling as each new beauty + met her gaze. + </p> + <p> + “Hugh!” exclaimed the chief, in admiration of a scene so unusual even to + him, for this was the first lake he had ever beheld. “This is the country + of the Manitou! It is too good for Mingos, Hist; but the curs of that + tribe are howling in packs through the woods. They think that the + Delawares are asleep, over the mountains.” + </p> + <p> + “All but one of them is, Chingachgook. There is one here; and he is of the + blood of Uncas!” + </p> + <p> + “What is one warrior against a tribe? The path to our villages is very + long and crooked, and we shall travel it under a cloudy sky. I am afraid, + too, Honeysuckle of the Hills, that we shall travel it alone!” + </p> + <p> + Hist understood the allusion, and it made her sad; though it sounded sweet + to her ears to be compared, by the warrior she so loved, to the most + fragrant and the pleasantest of all the wild flowers of her native woods. + Still she continued silent, as became her when the allusion was to a grave + interest that men could best control, though it exceeded the power of + education to conceal the smile that gratified feeling brought to her + pretty mouth. + </p> + <p> + “When the sun is thus,” continued the Delaware, pointing to the zenith, by + simply casting upward a hand and finger, by a play of the wrist, “the + great hunter of our tribe will go back to the Hurons to be treated like a + bear, that they roast and skin even on full stomachs.” + </p> + <p> + “The Great Spirit may soften their hearts, and not suffer them to be so + bloody minded. I have lived among the Hurons, and know them. They have + hearts, and will not forget their own children, should they fall into the + hands of the Delawares.” + </p> + <p> + “A wolf is forever howling; a hog will always eat. They have lost + warriors; even their women will call out for vengeance. The pale-face has + the eyes of an eagle, and can see into a Mingo's heart; he looks for no + mercy. There is a cloud over his spirit, though it is not before his + face.” + </p> + <p> + A long, thoughtful pause succeeded, during which Hist stealthily took the + hand of the chief, as if seeking his support, though she scarce ventured + to raise her eyes to a countenance that was now literally becoming + terrible, under the conflicting passions and stern resolution that were + struggling in the breast of its owner. + </p> + <p> + “What will the Son of Uncas do?” the girl at length timidly asked. “He is + a chief, and is already celebrated in council, though so young; what does + his heart tell him is wisest; does the head, too, speak the same words as + the heart?” + </p> + <p> + “What does Wah-ta-Wah say, at a moment when my dearest friend is in such + danger. The smallest birds sing the sweetest; it is always pleasant to + hearken to their songs. I wish I could hear the Wren of the Woods in my + difficulty; its note would reach deeper than the ear.” + </p> + <p> + Again Hist experienced the profound gratification that the language of + praise can always awaken when uttered by those we love. The 'Honeysuckle + of the Hills' was a term often applied to the girl by the young men of the + Delawares, though it never sounded so sweet in her ears as from the lips + of Chingachgook; but the latter alone had ever styled her the Wren of the + Woods. With him, however, it had got to be a familiar phrase, and it was + past expression pleasant to the listener, since it conveyed to her mind + the idea that her advice and sentiments were as acceptable to her future + husband, as the tones of her voice and modes of conveying them were + agreeable; uniting the two things most prized by an Indian girl, as coming + from her betrothed, admiration for a valued physical advantage, with + respect for her opinion. She pressed the hand she held between both her + own, and answered— + </p> + <p> + “Wah-ta-Wah says that neither she nor the Great Serpent could ever laugh + again, or ever sleep without dreaming of the Hurons, should the Deerslayer + die under a Mingo tomahawk, and they do nothing to save him. She would + rather go back, and start on her long path alone, than let such a dark + cloud pass before her happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! The husband and the wife will have but one heart; they will see + with the same eyes, and feel with the same feelings.” + </p> + <p> + What further was said need not be related here. That the conversation was + of Deerslayer, and his hopes, has been seen already, but the decision that + was come to will better appear in the course of the narrative. The + youthful pair were yet conversing when the sun appeared above the tops of + the pines, and the light of a brilliant American day streamed down into + the valley, bathing “in deep joy” the lake, the forests and the mountain + sides. Just at this instant Deerslayer came out of the cabin of the Ark + and stepped upon the platform. His first look was at the cloudless + heavens, then his rapid glance took in the entire panorama of land and + water, when he had leisure for a friendly nod at his friends, and a + cheerful smile for Hist. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he said, in his usual, composed manner, and pleasant voice, “he + that sees the sun set in the west, and wakes 'arly enough in the morning + will be sartain to find him coming back ag'in in the east, like a buck + that is hunted round his ha'nt. I dare say, now, Hist, you've beheld this, + time and ag'in, and yet it never entered into your galish mind to ask the + reason?” + </p> + <p> + Both Chingachgook and his betrothed looked up at the luminary, with an air + that betokened sudden wonder, and then they gazed at each other, as if to + seek the solution of the difficulty. Familiarity deadens the sensibilities + even as connected with the gravest natural phenomena, and never before had + these simple beings thought of enquiring into a movement that was of daily + occurrence, however puzzling it might appear on investigation. When the + subject was thus suddenly started, it struck both alike, and at the same + instant, with some such force, as any new and brilliant proposition in the + natural sciences would strike the scholar. Chingachgook alone saw fit to + answer. + </p> + <p> + “The pale-faces know everything,” he said; “can they tell us why the sun + hides his face, when he goes back, at night.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that is downright red-skin l'arnin'” returned the other, laughing, + though he was not altogether insensible to the pleasure of proving the + superiority of his race by solving the difficulty, which he set about + doing in his own peculiar manner. “Harkee, Sarpent,” he continued more + gravely, though too simply for affectation; “this is easierly explained + than an Indian brain may fancy. The sun, while he seems to keep traveling + in the heavens, never budges, but it is the 'arth that turns round, and + any one can understand, if he is placed on the side of a mill-wheel, for + instance, when it's in motion, that he must some times see the heavens, + while he is at other times under water. There's no great secret in that; + but plain natur'; the difficulty being in setting the 'arth in motion.” + </p> + <p> + “How does my brother know that the earth turns round?” demanded the + Indian. “Can he see it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's been a puzzler, I will own, Delaware, for I've often tried, + but never could fairly make it out. Sometimes I've consaited that I could; + and then ag'in, I've been obliged to own it an onpossibility. Howsever, + turn it does, as all my people say, and you ought to believe 'em, since + they can foretell eclipses, and other prodigies, that used to fill the + tribes with terror, according to your own traditions of such things.” + </p> + <p> + “Good. This is true; no red man will deny it. When a wheel turns, my eyes + can see it—they do not see the earth turn.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that's what I call sense obstinacy! Seeing is believing, they say, + and what they can't see, some men won't in the least give credit to. + Neverthless, chief, that isn't quite as good reason as it mayat first + seem. You believe in the Great Spirit, I know, and yet, I conclude, it + would puzzle you to show where you see him!” + </p> + <p> + “Chingachgook can see Him everywhere—everywhere in good things—the + Evil Spirit in bad. Here, in the lake; there, in the forest; yonder, in + the clouds; in Hist, in the Son of Uncas, in Tannemund, in Deerslayer. The + Evil Spirit is in the Mingos. That I see; I do not see the earth turn + round.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't wonder they call you the Sarpent, Delaware; no, I don't! There's + always a meaning in your words, and there's often a meaning in your + countenance, too! Notwithstanding, your answers doesn't quite meet my + idee. That God is observable in all nat'ral objects is allowable, but then + he is not perceptible in the way I mean. You know there is a Great Spirit + by his works, and the pale-faces know that the 'arth turns round by its + works. This is the reason of the matter, though how it is to be explained + is more than I can exactly tell you. This I know; all my people consait + that fact, and what all the pale-faces consait, is very likely to be + true.” + </p> + <p> + “When the sun is in the top of that pine to-morrow, where will my brother + Deerslayer be?” + </p> + <p> + The hunter started, and he looked intently, though totally without alarm, + at his friend. Then he signed for him to follow, and led the way into the + Ark, where he might pursue the subject unheard by those whose feelings he + feared might get the mastery over their reason. Here he stopped, and + pursued the conversation in a more confidential tone. + </p> + <p> + “'Twas a little onreasonable in you Sarpent,” he said, “to bring up such a + subject afore Hist, and when the young women of my own colour might + overhear what was said. Yes, 'twas a little more onreasonable than most + things that you do. No matter; Hist didn't comprehend, and the other + didn't hear. Howsever, the question is easier put than answered. No mortal + can say where he will be when the sun rises to-morrow. I will ask you the + same question, Sarpent, and should like to hear what answer you can give.” + </p> + <p> + “Chingachgook will be with his friend Deerslayer—if he be in the + land of spirits, the Great Serpent will crawl at his side; if beneath + yonder sun, its warmth and light shall fall on both.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, Delaware,” returned the other, touched with the simple + self-devotion of his friend, “Such language is as plain in one tongue as + in another. It comes from the heart, and goes to the heart, too. 'Tis well + to think so, and it may be well to say so, for that matter, but it would + not be well to do so, Sarpent. You are no longer alone in life, for though + you have the lodges to change, and other ceremonies to go through, afore + Hist becomes your lawful wife, yet are you as good as married in all that + bears on the feelin's, and joy, and misery. No—no—Hist must + not be desarted, because a cloud is passing atween you and me, a little + onexpectedly and a little darker than we may have looked for.” + </p> + <p> + “Hist is a daughter of the Mohicans. She knows how to obey her husband. + Where he goes, she will follow. Both will be with the Great Hunter of the + Delawares, when the sun shall be in the pine to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “The Lord bless and protect you! Chief, this is downright madness. Can + either, or both of you, alter a Mingo natur'? Will your grand looks, or + Hist's tears and beauty, change a wolf into a squirrel, or make a + catamount as innocent as a fa'an? No—Sarpent, you will think better + of this matter, and leave me in the hands of God. A'ter all, it's by no + means sartain that the scamps design the torments, for they may yet be + pitiful, and bethink them of the wickedness of such a course—though + it is but a hopeless expectation to look forward to a Mingo's turning + aside from evil, and letting marcy get uppermost in his heart. + Nevertheless, no one knows to a sartainty what will happen, and young + creatur's, like Hist, a'n't to be risked on onsartainties. This marrying + is altogether a different undertaking from what some young men fancy. Now, + if you was single, or as good as single, Delaware, I should expect you to + be actyve and stirring about the camp of the vagabonds, from sunrise to + sunset, sarcumventing and contriving, as restless as a hound off the + scent, and doing all manner of things to help me, and to distract the + inimy, but two are oftener feebler than one, and we must take things as + they are, and not as we want 'em to be.” + </p> + <p> + “Listen, Deerslayer,” returned the Indian with an emphasis so decided as + to show how much he was in earnest. “If Chingachgook was in the hands of + the Hurons, what would my pale-face brother do? Sneak off to the Delaware + villages, and say to the chiefs, and old men, and young warriors—'see, + here is Wah-ta-Wah; she is safe, but a little tired; and here is the Son + of Uncas, not as tired as the Honeysuckle, being stronger, but just as + safe.' Would he do this?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's oncommon ingen'ous; it's cunning enough for a Mingo, + himself! The Lord only knows what put it into your head to ask such a + question. What would I do? Why, in the first place, Hist wouldn't be + likely to be in my company at all, for she would stay as near you as + possible, and therefore all that part about her couldn't be said without + talking nonsense. As for her being tired, that would fall through too, if + she didn't go, and no part of your speech would be likely to come from me; + so, you see, Sarpent, reason is ag'in you, and you may as well give it up, + since to hold out ag'in reason, is no way becoming a chief of your + character and repitation.” + </p> + <p> + “My brother is not himself; he forgets that he is talking to one who has + sat at the Council Fire of his nation,” returned the other kindly. “When + men speak, they should say that which does not go in at one side of the + head and out at the other. Their words shouldn't be feathers, so light + that a wind which does not ruffle the water can blow them away. He has not + answered my question; when a chief puts a question, his friend should not + talk of other things.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, Delaware; I understand well enough what you mean, and + truth won't allow me to say otherwise. Still it's not as easy to answer as + you seem to think, for this plain reason. You wish me to say what I would + do if I had a betrothed as you have, here, on the lake, and a fri'nd + yonder in the Huron camp, in danger of the torments. That's it, isn't it?” + </p> + <p> + The Indian bowed his head silently, and always with unmoved gravity, + though his eye twinkled at the sight of the other's embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I never had a betrothed—never had the kind of feelin's toward + any young woman that you have towards Hist, though the Lord knows my + feelin's are kind enough towards 'em all! Still my heart, as they call it + in such matters, isn't touched, and therefore I can't say what I would do. + A fri'nd pulls strong, that I know by exper'ence, Sarpent, but, by all + that I've seen and heard consarning love, I'm led to think that a + betrothed pulls stronger.” + </p> + <p> + “True; but the betrothed of Chingachgook does not pull towards the lodges + of the Delawares; she pulls towards the camp of the Hurons.” + </p> + <p> + “She's a noble gal, for all her little feet, and hands that an't bigger + than a child's, and a voice that is as pleasant as a mocker's; she's a + noble gal, and like the stock of her sires! Well, what is it, Sarpent; for + I conclude she hasn't changed her mind, and means to give herself up, and + turn Huron wife. What is it you want?” + </p> + <p> + “Wah-ta-Wah will never live in the wigwam of an Iroquois,” answered the + Delaware drily. “She has little feet, but they can carry her to the + villages of her people; she has small hands, too, but her mind is large. + My brother will see what we can do, when the time shall come, rather than + let him die under Mingo torments.” + </p> + <p> + “Attempt nothing heedlessly, Delaware,” said the other earnestly; “I + suppose you must and will have your way; and, on the whole it's right you + should, for you'd neither be happy, unless something was undertaken. But + attempt nothing heedlessly—I didn't expect you'd quit the lake, + while my matter remained in unsartainty, but remember, Sarpent, that no + torments that Mingo ingenuity can invent, no ta'ntings and revilings; no + burnings and roastings and nail-tearings, nor any other onhuman + contrivances can so soon break down my spirit, as to find that you and + Hist have fallen into the power of the inimy in striving to do something + for my good.” + </p> + <p> + “The Delawares are prudent. The Deerslayer will not find them running into + a strange camp with their eyes shut.” + </p> + <p> + Here the dialogue terminated. Hetty announced that the breakfast was + ready, and the whole party was soon seated around the simple board, in the + usual primitive manner of borderers. Judith was the last to take her seat, + pale, silent, and betraying in her countenance that she had passed a + painful, if not a sleepless, night. At this meal scarce a syllable was + exchanged, all the females manifesting want of appetites, though the two + men were unchanged in this particular. It was early when the party arose, + and there still remained several hours before it would be necessary for + the prisoner to leave his friends. The knowledge of this circumstance, and + the interest all felt in his welfare, induced the whole to assemble on the + platform again, in the desire to be near the expected victim, to listen to + his discourse, and if possible to show their interest in him by + anticipating his wishes. Deerslayer, himself, so far as human eyes could + penetrate, was wholly unmoved, conversing cheerfully and naturally, though + he avoided any direct allusions to the expected and great event of the + day. If any evidence could be discovered of his thought's reverting to + that painful subject at all, it was in the manner in which he spoke of + death and the last great change. + </p> + <p> + “Grieve not, Hetty,” he said, for it was while consoling this + simple-minded girl for the loss of her parents that he thus betrayed his + feelings, “since God has app'inted that all must die. Your parents, or + them you fancied your parents, which is the same thing, have gone afore + you; this is only in the order of natur', my good gal, for the aged go + first, and the young follow. But one that had a mother like your'n, Hetty, + can be at no loss to hope the best, as to how matters will turn out in + another world. The Delaware, here, and Hist, believe in happy hunting + grounds, and have idees befitting their notions and gifts as red-skins, + but we who are of white blood hold altogether to a different doctrine. + Still, I rather conclude our heaven is their land of spirits, and that the + path which leads to it will be travelled by all colours alike. 'Tis + onpossible for the wicked to enter on it, I will allow, but fri'nds can + scarce be separated, though they are not of the same race on 'arth. Keep + up your spirits, poor Hetty, and look forward to the day when you will + meet your mother ag'in, and that without pain, or sorrowing.” + </p> + <p> + “I do expect to see mother,” returned the truth-telling and simple girl, + “but what will become of father?” + </p> + <p> + “That's a non-plusser, Delaware,” said the hunter, in the Indian dialect—“yes, + that is a downright non-plusser! The Muskrat was not a saint on 'arth, and + it's fair to guess he'll not be much of one, hereafter! Howsever, Hetty,” + dropping into the English by an easy transition, “howsever, Hetty, we must + all hope for the best. That is wisest, and it is much the easiest to the + mind, if one can only do it. I ricommend to you, trusting to God, and + putting down all misgivings and fainthearted feelin's. It's wonderful, + Judith, how different people have different notions about the futur', some + fancying one change, and some fancying another. I've known white teachers + that have thought all was spirit, hereafter, and them, ag'in, that + believed the body will be transported to another world, much as the + red-skins themselves imagine, and that we shall walk about in the flesh, + and know each other, and talk together, and be fri'nds there as we've been + fri'nds here.” + </p> + <p> + “Which of these opinions is most pleasing to you, Deerslayer?” asked the + girl, willing to indulge his melancholy mood, and far from being free from + its influence herself. “Would it be disagreeable to think that you should + meet all who are now on this platform in another world? Or have you known + enough of us here, to be glad to see us no more. + </p> + <p> + “The last would make death a bitter portion; yes it would. It's eight good + years since the Sarpent and I began to hunt together, and the thought that + we were never to meet ag'in would be a hard thought to me. He looks + forward to the time when he shall chase a sort of spirit-deer, in company, + on plains where there's no thorns, or brambles, or marshes, or other + hardships to overcome, whereas I can't fall into all these notions, seeing + that they appear to be ag'in reason. Spirits can't eat, nor have they any + use for clothes, and deer can only rightfully be chased to be slain, or + slain, unless it be for the venison or the hides. Now, I find it hard to + suppose that blessed spirits can be put to chasing game without an object, + tormenting the dumb animals just for the pleasure and agreeableness of + their own amusements. I never yet pulled a trigger on buck or doe, Judith, + unless when food or clothes was wanting.” + </p> + <p> + “The recollection of which, Deerslayer, must now be a great consolation to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the thought of such things, my fri'nds, that enables a man to keep + his furlough. It might be done without it, I own; for the worst red-skins + sometimes do their duty in this matter; but it makes that which might + otherwise be hard, easy, if not altogether to our liking. Nothing truly + makes a bolder heart than a light conscience.” + </p> + <p> + Judith turned paler than ever, but she struggled for self-command, and + succeeded in obtaining it. The conflict had been severe, however, and it + left her so little disposed to speak that Hetty pursued the subject. This + was done in the simple manner natural to the girl. + </p> + <p> + “It would be cruel to kill the poor deer,” she said, “in this world, or + any other, when you don't want their venison, or their skins. No good + white man, and no good red man would do it. But it's wicked for a + Christian to talk about chasing anything in heaven. Such things are not + done before the face of God, and the missionary that teaches these + doctrines can't be a true missionary. He must be a wolf in sheep's + clothing. I suppose you know what a sheep is, Deerslayer.” + </p> + <p> + “That I do, gal, and a useful creatur' it is, to such as like cloths + better than skins for winter garments. I understand the natur' of sheep, + though I've had but little to do with 'em, and the natur' of wolves too, + and can take the idee of a wolf in the fleece of a sheep, though I think + it would be like to prove a hot jacket for such a beast, in the warm + months!” + </p> + <p> + “And sin and hypocrisy are hot jackets, as they will find who put them + on,” returned Hetty, positively, “so the wolf would be no worse off than + the sinner. Spirits don't hunt, nor trap, nor fish, nor do anything that + vain men undertake, since they've none of the longings of this world to + feed. Oh! Mother told me all that, years ago, and I don't wish to hear it + denied.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, my good Hetty, in that case you'd better not broach your doctrine + to Hist, when she and you are alone, and the young Delaware maiden is + inclined to talk religion. It's her fixed idee, I know, that the good + warriors do nothing but hunt and fish in the other world, though I don't + believe that she fancies any of them are brought down to trapping, which + is no empl'yment for a brave. But of hunting and fishing, accordin' to her + notion, they've their fill, and that, too, over the most agreeablest + hunting grounds, and among game that is never out of season, and which is + just actyve and instinctyve enough to give a pleasure to death. So I + wouldn't ricommend it to you to start Hist on that idee.” + </p> + <p> + “Hist can't be so wicked as to believe any such thing,” returned the + other, earnestly. “No Indian hunts after he is dead.” + </p> + <p> + “No wicked Indian, I grant you; no wicked Indian, sartainly. He is obliged + to carry the ammunition, and to look on without sharing in the sport, and + to cook, and to light the fires, and to do every thing that isn't manful. + Now, mind; I don't tell you these are my idees, but they are Hist's idees, + and, therefore, for the sake of peace the less you say to her ag'in 'em, + the better.” + </p> + <p> + “And what are your ideas of the fate of an Indian, in the other world?” + demanded Judith, who had just found her voice. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! gal, any thing but that! I am too Christianized to expect any thing + so fanciful as hunting and fishing after death, nor do I believe there is + one Manitou for the red-skin and another for a pale-face. You find + different colours on 'arth, as any one may see, but you don't find + different natur's. Different gifts, but only one natur'.” + </p> + <p> + “In what is a gift different from a nature? Is not nature itself a gift + from God?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain; that's quick-thoughted, and creditable, Judith, though the main + idee is wrong. A natur' is the creatur' itself; its wishes, wants, idees + and feelin's, as all are born in him. This natur' never can be changed, in + the main, though it may undergo some increase, or lessening. Now, gifts + come of sarcumstances. Thus, if you put a man in a town, he gets town + gifts; in a settlement, settlement gifts; in a forest, gifts of the woods. + A soldier has soldierly gifts, and a missionary preaching gifts. All these + increase and strengthen, until they get to fortify natur', as it might be, + and excuse a thousand acts and idees. Still the creatur' is the same at + the bottom; just as a man who is clad in regimentals is the same as the + man that is clad in skins. The garments make a change to the eye, and some + change in the conduct, perhaps; but none in the man. Herein lies the + apology for gifts; seein' that you expect different conduct from one in + silks and satins, from one in homespun; though the Lord, who didn't make + the dresses, but who made the creatur's themselves, looks only at his own + work. This isn't ra'al missionary doctrine, but it's as near it as a man + of white colour need be. Ah's! me; little did I think to be talking of + such matters, to-day, but it's one of our weaknesses never to know what + will come to pass. Step into the Ark with me, Judith, for a minute; I wish + to convarse with you.” + </p> + <p> + Judith complied with a willingness she could scarce conceal. Following the + hunter into the cabin, she took a seat on a stool, while the young man + brought Killdeer, the rifle she had given him, out of a corner, and placed + himself on another, with the weapon laid upon his knees. After turning the + piece round and round, and examining its lock and its breech with a sort + of affectionate assiduity, he laid it down and proceeded to the subject + which had induced him to desire the interview. + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, Judith, to say that you gave me this rifle,” he said. + “I agreed to take it, because a young woman can have no particular use for + firearms. The we'pon has a great name, and it desarves it, and ought of + right to be carried by some known and sure hand, for the best repitation + may be lost by careless and thoughtless handling.” + </p> + <p> + “Can it be in better hands than those in which it is now, Deerslayer? + Thomas Hutter seldom missed with it; with you it must turn out to be—” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain death!” interrupted the hunter, laughing. “I once know'd a + beaver-man that had a piece he called by that very name, but 'twas all + boastfulness, for I've seen Delawares that were as true with arrows, at a + short range. Howsever, I'll not deny my gifts—for this is a gift, + Judith, and not natur'—but, I'll not deny my gifts, and therefore + allow that the rifle couldn't well be in better hands than it is at + present. But, how long will it be likely to remain there? Atween us, the + truth may be said, though I shouldn't like to have it known to the Sarpent + and Hist; but, to you the truth may be spoken, since your feelin's will + not be as likely to be tormented by it, as those of them that have known + me longer and better. How long am I like to own this rifle or any other? + That is a serious question for our thoughts to rest on, and should that + happen which is so likely to happen, Killdeer would be without an owner.” + </p> + <p> + Judith listened with apparent composure, though the conflict within came + near overpowering her. Appreciating the singular character of her + companion, however, she succeeded in appearing calm, though, had not his + attention been drawn exclusively to the rifle, a man of his keenness of + observation could scarce have failed to detect the agony of mind with + which the girl had hearkened to his words. Her great self-command, + notwithstanding, enabled her to pursue the subject in a way still to + deceive him. + </p> + <p> + “What would you have me do with the weapon,” she asked, “should that which + you seem to expect take place?” + </p> + <p> + “That's just what I wanted to speak to you about, Judith; that's just it. + There's Chingachgook, now, though far from being parfect sartainty, with a + rifle—for few red-skins ever get to be that—though far from + being parfect sartainty, he is respectable, and is coming on. + Nevertheless, he is my fri'nd, and all the better fri'nd, perhaps, because + there never can be any hard feelin's atween us, touchin' our gifts, his'n + bein' red, and mine bein' altogether white. Now, I should like to leave + Killdeer to the Sarpent, should any thing happen to keep me from doing + credit and honor to your precious gift, Judith.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave it to whom you please, Deerslayer. The rifle is your own, to do + with as you please. Chingachgook shall have it, should you never return to + claim it, if that be your wish.” + </p> + <p> + “Has Hetty been consulted in this matter? Property goes from the parent to + the children, and not to one child, in partic'lar!” + </p> + <p> + “If you place your right on that of the law, Deerslayer, I fear none of us + can claim to be the owner. Thomas Hutter was no more the father of Esther, + than he was the father of Judith. Judith and Esther we are truly, having + no other name!” + </p> + <p> + “There may be law in that, but there's no great reason, gal. Accordin' to + the custom of families, the goods are your'n, and there's no one here to + gainsay it. If Hetty would only say that she is willing, my mind would be + quite at ease in the matter. It's true, Judith, that your sister has + neither your beauty, nor your wit; but we should be the tenderest of the + rights and welfare of the most weak-minded.” + </p> + <p> + The girl made no answer but placing herself at a window, she summoned her + sister to her side. When the question was put to Hetty, that simple-minded + and affectionate creature cheerfully assented to the proposal to confer on + Deerslayer a full right of ownership to the much-coveted rifle. The latter + now seemed perfectly happy, for the time being at least, and after again + examining and re-examining his prize, he expressed a determination to put + its merits to a practical test, before he left the spot. No boy could have + been more eager to exhibit the qualities of his trumpet, or his crossbow, + than this simple forester was to prove those of his rifle. Returning to + the platform, he first took the Delaware aside, and informed him that this + celebrated piece was to become his property, in the event of any thing + serious befalling himself. + </p> + <p> + “This is a new reason why you should be wary, Sarpent, and not run into + any oncalculated danger,” the hunter added, “for, it will be a victory of + itself to a tribe to own such a piece as this! The Mingos will turn green + with envy, and, what is more, they will not ventur' heedlessly near a + village where it is known to be kept. So, look well to it, Delaware, and + remember that you've now to watch over a thing that has all the valie of a + creatur', without its failin's. Hist may be, and should be precious to + you, but Killdeer will have the love and veneration of your whole people.” + </p> + <p> + “One rifle like another, Deerslayer,” returned the Indian, in English, the + language used by the other, a little hurt at his friend's lowering his + betrothed to the level of a gun. “All kill; all wood and iron. Wife dear + to heart; rifle good to shoot.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is a man in the woods without something to shoot with?—a + miserable trapper, or a forlorn broom and basket maker, at the best. Such + a man may hoe corn, and keep soul and body together, but he can never know + the savory morsels of venison, or tell a bear's ham from a hog's. Come, my + fri'nd, such another occasion may never offer ag'in, and I feel a strong + craving for a trial with this celebrated piece. You shall bring out your + own rifle, and I will just sight Killdeer in a careless way, in order that + we may know a few of its secret vartues.” + </p> + <p> + As this proposition served to relieve the thoughts of the whole party, by + giving them a new direction, while it was likely to produce no unpleasant + results, every one was willing to enter into it; the girls bringing forth + the firearms with an alacrity bordering on cheerfulness. Hutter's armory + was well supplied, possessing several rifles, all of which were habitually + kept loaded in readiness to meet any sudden demand for their use. On the + present occasion it only remained to freshen the primings, and each piece + was in a state for service. This was soon done, as all assisted in it, the + females being as expert in this part of the system of defence as their + male companions. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Sarpent, we'll begin in a humble way, using Old Tom's commoners + first, and coming to your we'pon and Killdeer as the winding up + observations,” said Deerslayer, delighted to be again, weapon in hand, + ready to display his skill. “Here's birds in abundance, some in, and some + over the lake, and they keep at just a good range, hovering round the hut. + Speak your mind, Delaware, and p'int out the creatur' you wish to alarm. + Here's a diver nearest in, off to the eastward, and that's a creatur' that + buries itself at the flash, and will be like enough to try both piece and + powder.” + </p> + <p> + Chingachgook was a man of few words. No sooner was the bird pointed out to + him than he took his aim and fired. The duck dove at the flash, as had + been expected, and the bullet skipped harmlessly along the surface of the + lake, first striking the water within a few inches of the spot where the + bird had so lately swam. Deerslayer laughed, cordially and naturally, but + at the same time he threw himself into an attitude of preparation and + stood keenly watching the sheet of placid water. Presently a dark spot + appeared, and then the duck arose to breathe, and shook its wings. While + in this act, a bullet passed directly through its breast, actually turning + it over lifeless on its back. At the next moment, Deerslayer stood with + the breech of his rifle on the platform, as tranquil as if nothing had + happened, though laughing in his own peculiar manner. + </p> + <p> + “There's no great trial of the pieces in that!” he said, as if anxious to + prevent a false impression of his own merit. “No, that proof's neither for + nor ag'in the rifles, seeing it was all quickness of hand and eye. I took + the bird at a disadvantage, or he might have got under, again, afore the + bullet reached him. But the Sarpent is too wise to mind such tricks, + having long been used to them. Do you remember the time, chief, when you + thought yourself sartain of the wild-goose, and I took him out of your + very eyes, as it might be with a little smoke! Howsever, such things pass + for nothing atween fri'nds, and young folk will have their fun, Judith. + Ay; here's just the bird we want, for it's as good for the fire, as it is + for the aim, and nothing should be lost that can be turned to just + account. There, further north, Delaware.” + </p> + <p> + The latter looked in the required direction, and he soon saw a large black + duck floating in stately repose on the water. At that distant day, when so + few men were present to derange the harmony of the wilderness, all the + smaller lakes with which the interior of New York so abounds were places + of resort for the migratory aquatic birds, and this sheet like the others + had once been much frequented by all the varieties of the duck, by the + goose, the gull, and the loon. On the appearance of Hutter, the spot was + comparatively deserted for other sheets, more retired and remote, though + some of each species continued to resort thither, as indeed they do to the + present hour. At that instant, a hundred birds were visible from the + castle, sleeping on the water or laying their feathers in the limpid + element, though no other offered so favorable a mark as that Deerslayer + had just pointed out to his friend. Chingachgook, as usual, spared his + words, and proceeded to execution. This time his aim was more careful than + before, and his success in proportion. The bird had a wing crippled, and + fluttered along the water screaming, materially increasing its distance + from its enemies. + </p> + <p> + “That bird must be put out of pain,” exclaimed Deerslayer, the moment the + animal endeavored to rise on the wing, “and this is the rifle and the eye + to do it.” + </p> + <p> + The duck was still floundering along, when the fatal bullet overtook it, + severing the head from the neck as neatly as if it had been done with an + axe. Hist had indulged in a low cry of delight at the success of the young + Indian, but now she affected to frown and resent the greater skill of his + friend. The chief, on the contrary, uttered the usual exclamation of + pleasure, and his smile proved how much he admired, and how little he + envied. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind the gal, Sarpent, never mind Hist's feelin's, which will + neither choke, nor drown, slay nor beautify,” said Deerslayer, laughing. + “'Tis nat'ral for women to enter into their husband's victories and + defeats, and you are as good as man and wife, so far as prejudyce and + fri'ndship go. Here is a bird over head that will put the pieces to the + proof. I challenge you to an upward aim, with a flying target. That's a + ra'al proof, and one that needs sartain rifles, as well as sartain eyes.” + </p> + <p> + The species of eagle that frequents the water, and lives on fish, was also + present, and one was hovering at a considerable height above the hut, + greedily watching for an opportunity to make a swoop; its hungry young + elevating their heads from a nest that was in sight, in the naked summit + of a dead pine. Chingachgook silently turned a new piece against this + bird, and after carefully watching his time, fired. A wider circuit than + common denoted that the messenger had passed through the air at no great + distance from the bird, though it missed its object. Deerslayer, whose aim + was not more true than it was quick, fired as soon as it was certain his + friend had missed, and the deep swoop that followed left it momentarily + doubtful whether the eagle was hit or not. The marksman himself, however, + proclaimed his own want of success, calling on his friend to seize another + rifle, for he saw signs on the part of the bird of an intention to quit + the spot. + </p> + <p> + “I made him wink, Sarpent, I do think his feathers were ruffled, but no + blood has yet been drawn, nor is that old piece fit for so nice and quick + a sight. Quick, Delaware, you've now a better rifle, and, Judith, bring + out Killdeer, for this is the occasion to try his merits, if he has 'em.” + </p> + <p> + A general movement followed, each of the competitors got ready, and the + girls stood in eager expectation of the result. The eagle had made a wide + circuit after his low swoop, and fanning his way upward, once more hovered + nearly over the hut, at a distance even greater than before. Chingachgook + gazed at him, and then expressed his opinion of the impossibility of + striking a bird at that great height, and while he was so nearly + perpendicular, as to the range. But a low murmur from Hist produced a + sudden impulse and he fired. The result showed how well he had calculated, + the eagle not even varying his flight, sailing round and round in his airy + circle, and looking down, as if in contempt, at his foes. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Judith,” cried Deerslayer, laughing, with glistening and delighted + eyes, “we'll see if Killdeer isn't Killeagle, too! Give me room Sarpent, + and watch the reason of the aim, for by reason any thing may be l'arned.” + </p> + <p> + A careful sight followed, and was repeated again and again, the bird + continuing to rise higher and higher. Then followed the flash and the + report. The swift messenger sped upward, and, at the next instant, the + bird turned on its side, and came swooping down, now struggling with one + wing and then with the other, sometimes whirling in a circuit, next + fanning desperately as if conscious of its injury, until, having described + several complete circles around the spot, it fell heavily into the end of + the Ark. On examining the body, it was found that the bullet had pierced + it about half way between one of its wings and the breast-bone. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Upon two stony tables, spread before her, + She lean'd her bosom, more than stony hard, + There slept th' impartial judge, and strict restorer + Of wrong, or right, with pain or with reward; + There hung the score of all our debts, the card + Where good, and bad, and life, and death, were painted; + Was never heart of mortal so untainted, + But when the roll was read, with thousand terrors fainted.” + + Giles Fletcher, Christ's Victory in Heaven, lxv. +</pre> + <p> + “We've done an unthoughtful thing, Sarpent—yes, Judith, we've done + an unthoughtful thing in taking life with an object no better than + vanity!” exclaimed Deerslayer, when the Delaware held up the enormous + bird, by its wings, and exhibited the dying eyes riveted on its enemies + with the gaze that the helpless ever fasten on their destroyers. “'Twas + more becomin' two boys to gratify their feelin's in this onthoughtful + manner, than two warriors on a warpath, even though it be their first. + Ah's! me; well, as a punishment I'll quit you at once, and when I find + myself alone with them bloody-minded Mingos, it's more than like I'll have + occasion to remember that life is sweet, even to the beasts of the woods + and the fowls of the air. There, Judith; there's Kildeer; take him back, + ag'in, and keep him for some hand that's more desarving to own such a + piece.” + </p> + <p> + “I know of none as deserving as your own, Deerslayer,” answered the girl + in haste; “none but yours shall keep the rifle.” + </p> + <p> + “If it depended on skill, you might be right enough, gal, but we should + know when to use firearms, as well as how to use 'em. I haven't l'arnt the + first duty yet, it seems; so keep the piece till I have. The sight of a + dyin' and distressed creatur', even though it be only a bird, brings + wholesome thoughts to a man who don't know how soon his own time may come, + and who is pretty sartain that it will come afore the sun sets; I'd give + back all my vain feelin's, and rej'icin's in hand and eye, if that poor + eagle was only on its nest ag'in, with its young, praisin' the Lord for + anything that we can know about the matter, for health and strength!” + </p> + <p> + The listeners were confounded with this proof of sudden repentance in the + hunter, and that too for an indulgence so very common, that men seldom + stop to weigh its consequences, or the physical suffering it may bring on + the unoffending and helpless. The Delaware understood what was said, + though he scarce understood the feelings which had prompted the words, and + by way of disposing of the difficulty, he drew his keen knife, and severed + the head of the sufferer from its body. + </p> + <p> + “What a thing is power!” continued the hunter, “and what a thing it is to + have it, and not to know how to use it. It's no wonder, Judith, that the + great so often fail of their duties, when even the little and the humble + find it so hard to do what's right, and not to do what's wrong. Then, how + one evil act brings others a'ter it! Now, wasn't it for this furlough of + mine, which must soon take me back to the Mingos, I'd find this creatur's + nest, if I travelled the woods a fortnight—though an eagle's nest is + soon found by them that understands the bird's natur',—but I'd + travel a fortnight rather than not find it, just to put the young, too, + out of their pain.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad to hear you say this, Deerslayer,” observed Hetty, “and God will + be more apt to remember your sorrow for what you've done, than the + wickedness itself. I thought how wicked it was to kill harmless birds, + while you were shooting, and meant to tell you so; but, I don't know how + it happened,—I was so curious to see if you could hit an eagle at so + great a height, that I forgot altogether to speak, 'till the mischief was + done.” + </p> + <p> + “That's it; that's just it, my good Hetty. We can all see our faults and + mistakes when it's too late to help them! Howsever I'm glad you didn't + speak, for I don't think a word or two would have stopped me, just at that + moment, and so the sin stands in its nakedness, and not aggravated by any + unheeded calls to forbear. Well, well, bitter thoughts are hard to be + borne at all times, but there's times when they're harder than at others.” + </p> + <p> + Little did Deerslayer know, while thus indulging in feelings that were + natural to the man, and so strictly in accordance with his own + unsophisticated and just principles, that, in the course of the + inscrutable providence, which so uniformly and yet so mysteriously covers + all events with its mantle, the very fault he was disposed so severely to + censure was to be made the means of determining his own earthly fate. The + mode and the moment in which he was to feel the influence of this + interference, it would be premature to relate, but both will appear in the + course of the succeeding chapters. As for the young man, he now slowly + left the Ark, like one sorrowing for his misdeeds, and seated himself in + silence on the platform. By this time the sun had ascended to some height, + and its appearance, taken in connection with his present feelings, induced + him to prepare to depart. The Delaware got the canoe ready for his friend, + as soon as apprised of his intention, while Hist busied herself in making + the few arrangements that were thought necessary to his comfort. All this + was done without ostentation, but in a way that left Deerslayer fully + acquainted with, and equally disposed to appreciate, the motive. When all + was ready, both returned to the side of Judith and Hetty, neither of whom + had moved from the spot where the young hunter sat. + </p> + <p> + “The best fri'nds must often part,” the last began, when he saw the whole + party grouped around him—“yes, fri'ndship can't alter the ways of + Providence, and let our feelin's be as they may, we must part. I've often + thought there's moments when our words dwell longer on the mind than + common, and when advice is remembered, just because the mouth that gives + it isn't likely to give it ag'in. No one knows what will happen in this + world, and therefore it may be well, when fri'nds separate under a + likelihood that the parting may be long, to say a few words in kindness, + as a sort of keepsakes. If all but one will go into the Ark, I'll talk to + each in turn, and what is more, I'll listen to what you may have to say + back ag'in, for it's a poor counsellor that won't take as well as give.” + </p> + <p> + As the meaning of the speaker was understood, the two Indians immediately + withdrew as desired, leaving the sisters, however, still standing at the + young man's side. A look of Deerslayer's induced Judith to explain. + </p> + <p> + “You can advise Hetty as you land,” she said hastily, “for I intend that + she shall accompany you to the shore.” + </p> + <p> + “Is this wise, Judith? It's true, that under common sarcumstances a feeble + mind is a great protection among red-skins, but when their feelin's are + up, and they're bent on revenge, it's hard to say what may come to pass. + Besides—” + </p> + <p> + “What were you about to say, Deerslayer?” asked Judith, whose gentleness + of voice and manner amounted nearly to tenderness, though she struggled + hard to keep her emotions and apprehensions in subjection. + </p> + <p> + “Why, simply that there are sights and doin's that one even as little + gifted with reason and memory as Hetty here, might better not witness. So, + Judith, you would do well to let me land alone, and to keep your sister + back.” + </p> + <p> + “Never fear for me, Deerslayer,” put in Hetty, who comprehended enough of + the discourse to know its general drift, “I'm feeble minded, and that they + say is an excuse for going anywhere; and what that won't excuse, will be + overlooked on account of the Bible I always carry. It is wonderful, + Judith, how all sorts of men; the trappers as well as the hunters; red-men + as well as white; Mingos as well as Delawares do reverence and fear the + Bible!” + </p> + <p> + “I think you have not the least ground to fear any injury, Hetty,” + answered the sister, “and therefore I shall insist on your going to the + Huron camp with our friend. Your being there can do no harm, not even to + yourself, and may do great good to Deerslayer.” + </p> + <p> + “This is not a moment, Judith, to dispute, and so have the matter your own + way,” returned the young man. “Get yourself ready, Hetty, and go into the + canoe, for I've a few parting words to say to your sister, which can do + you no good.” + </p> + <p> + Judith and her companion continued silent, until Hetty had so far complied + as to leave them alone, when Deerslayer took up the subject, as if it had + been interrupted by some ordinary occurrence, and in a very matter of fact + way. + </p> + <p> + “Words spoken at parting, and which may be the last we ever hear from a + fri'nd are not soon forgotten,” he repeated, “and so Judith, I intend to + speak to you like a brother, seein' I'm not old enough to be your father. + In the first place, I wish to caution you ag'in your inimies, of which two + may be said to ha'nt your very footsteps, and to beset your ways. The + first is oncommon good looks, which is as dangerous a foe to some young + women, as a whole tribe of Mingos could prove, and which calls for great + watchfulness—not to admire and praise—but to distrust and + sarcumvent. Yes, good looks may be sarcumvented, and fairly outwitted, + too. In order to do this you've only to remember that they melt like the + snows, and, when once gone, they never come back ag'in. The seasons come + and go, Judith, and if we have winter, with storms and frosts, and spring + with chills and leafless trees, we have summer with its sun and glorious + skies, and fall with its fruits, and a garment thrown over the forest, + that no beauty of the town could rummage out of all the shops in America. + 'Arth is in an etarnal round, the goodness of God bringing back the + pleasant when we've had enough of the onpleasant. But it's not so with + good looks. They are lent for a short time in youth, to be used and not + abused, and, as I never met with a young woman to whom providence has been + as bountiful as it has to you, Judith, in this partic'lar, I warn you, as + it might be with my dyin' breath, to beware of the inimy—fri'nd, or + inimy, as we deal with the gift.” + </p> + <p> + It was so grateful to Judith to hear these unequivocal admissions of her + personal charms, that much would have been forgiven to the man who made + them, let him be who he might. But, at that moment, and from a far better + feeling, it would not have been easy for Deerslayer seriously to offend + her, and she listened with a patience, which, had it been foretold only a + week earlier, it would have excited her indignation to hear. + </p> + <p> + “I understand your meaning, Deerslayer,” returned the girl, with a + meekness and humility that a little surprised her listener, “and hope to + be able to profit by it. But, you have mentioned only one of the enemies I + have to fear; who, or what is the other.” + </p> + <p> + “The other is givin' way afore your own good sense and judgment, I find, + Judith; yes, he's not as dangerous as I supposed. Howsever, havin' opened + the subject, it will be as well to end it honestly. The first inimy you + have to be watchful of, as I've already told you, Judith, is oncommon good + looks, and the next is an oncommon knowledge of the sarcumstance. If the + first is bad, the last doesn't, in any way, mend the matter, so far as + safety and peace of mind are consarned.” + </p> + <p> + How much longer the young man would have gone on in his simple and + unsuspecting, but well intentioned manner, it might not be easy to say, + had he not been interrupted by his listener's bursting into tears, and + giving way to an outbreak of feeling, which was so much the more violent + from the fact that it had been with so much difficulty suppressed. At + first her sobs were so violent and uncontrollable that Deerslayer was a + little appalled, and he was abundantly repentant from the instant that he + discovered how much greater was the effect produced by his words than he + had anticipated. Even the austere and exacting are usually appeased by the + signs of contrition, but the nature of Deerslayer did not require proofs + of intense feelings so strong in order to bring him down to a level with + the regrets felt by the girl herself. He arose, as if an adder had stung + him, and the accents of the mother that soothes her child were scarcely + more gentle and winning than the tones of his voice, as he now expressed + his contrition at having gone so far. + </p> + <p> + “It was well meant, Judith,” he said, “but it was not intended to hurt + your feelin's so much. I have overdone the advice, I see; yes, I've + overdone it, and I crave your pardon for the same. Fri'ndship's an awful + thing! Sometimes it chides us for not having done enough; and then, ag'in + it speaks in strong words for havin' done too much. Howsever, I + acknowledge I've overdone the matter, and as I've a ra'al and strong + regard for you, I rej'ice to say it, inasmuch as it proves how much better + you are, than my own vanity and consaits had made you out to be.” + </p> + <p> + Judith now removed her hands from her face, her tears had ceased, and she + unveiled a countenance so winning with the smile which rendered it even + radiant, that the young man gazed at her, for a moment, with speechless + delight. + </p> + <p> + “Say no more, Deerslayer,” she hastily interposed; “it pains me to hear + you find fault with yourself. I know my own weakness, all the better, now + I see that you have discovered it; the lesson, bitter as I have found it + for a moment, shall not be forgotten. We will not talk any longer of these + things, for I do not feel myself brave enough for the undertaking, and I + should not like the Delaware, or Hist, or even Hetty, to notice my + weakness. Farewell, Deerslayer; may God bless and protect you as your + honest heart deserves blessings and protection, and as I must think he + will.” + </p> + <p> + Judith had so far regained the superiority that properly belonged to her + better education, high spirit, and surpassing personal advantages, as to + preserve the ascendancy she had thus accidentally obtained, and + effectually prevented any return to the subject that was as singularly + interrupted, as it had been singularly introduced. The young man permitted + her to have every thing her own way, and when she pressed his hard hand in + both her own, he made no resistance, but submitted to the homage as + quietly, and with quite as matter of course a manner, as a sovereign would + have received a similar tribute from a subject, or the mistress from her + suitor. Feeling had flushed the face and illuminated the whole countenance + of the girl, and her beauty was never more resplendant than when she cast + a parting glance at the youth. That glance was filled with anxiety, + interest and gentle pity. At the next instant, she darted into the hut and + was seen no more, though she spoke to Hist from a window, to inform her + that their friend expected her appearance. + </p> + <p> + “You know enough of red-skin natur', and red-skin usages, Wah-ta-Wah, to + see the condition I am in on account of this furlough,” commenced the + hunter in Delaware, as soon as the patient and submissive girl of that + people had moved quietly to his side; “you will therefore best onderstand + how onlikely I am ever to talk with you ag'in. I've but little to say; but + that little comes from long livin' among your people, and from havin' + obsarved and noted their usages. The life of a woman is hard at the best, + but I must own, though I'm not opinionated in favor of my own colour, that + it is harder among the red men than it is among the pale-faces. This is a + p'int on which Christians may well boast, if boasting can be set down for + Christianity in any manner or form, which I rather think it cannot. + Howsever, all women have their trials. Red women have their'n in what I + should call the nat'ral way, while white women take 'em innoculated like. + Bear your burthen, Hist, becomingly, and remember if it be a little + toilsome, how much lighter it is than that of most Indian women. I know + the Sarpent well—what I call cordially—and he will never be a + tyrant to any thing he loves, though he will expect to be treated himself + like a Mohican Chief. There will be cloudy days in your lodge I suppose, + for they happen under all usages, and among all people, but, by keepin' + the windows of the heart open there will always be room for the sunshine + to enter. You come of a great stock yourself, and so does Chingachgook. + It's not very likely that either will ever forget the sarcumstance and do + any thing to disgrace your forefathers. Nevertheless, likin' is a tender + plant, and never thrives long when watered with tears. Let the 'arth + around your married happiness be moistened by the dews of kindness.” + </p> + <p> + “My pale brother is very wise; Wah will keep in her mind all that his + wisdom tells her.” + </p> + <p> + “That's judicious and womanly, Hist. Care in listening, and + stout-heartedness in holding to good counsel, is a wife's great + protection. And, now, ask the Sarpent to come and speak with me, for a + moment, and carry away with you all my best wishes and prayers. I shall + think of you, Hist, and of your intended husband, let what may come to + pass, and always wish you well, here and hereafter, whether the last is to + be according to Indian idees, or Christian doctrines.” + </p> + <p> + Hist shed no tear at parting. She was sustained by the high resolution of + one who had decided on her course, but her dark eyes were luminous with + the feelings that glowed within, and her pretty countenance beamed with an + expression of determination that was in marked and singular contrast to + its ordinary gentleness. It was but a minute ere the Delaware advanced to + the side of his friend with the light, noiseless tread of an Indian. + </p> + <p> + “Come this-a-way, Sarpent, here more out of sight of the women,” commenced + the Deerslayer, “for I've several things to say that mustn't so much as be + suspected, much less overheard. You know too well the natur' of furloughs + and Mingos to have any doubts or misgivin's consarnin' what is like to + happen, when I get back to the camp. On them two p'ints therefore, a few + words will go a great way. In the first place, chief, I wish to say a + little about Hist, and the manner in which you red men treat your wives. I + suppose it's accordin' to the gifts of your people that the women should + work, and the men hunt; but there's such a thing as moderation in all + matters. As for huntin', I see no good reason why any limits need be set + to that, but Hist comes of too good a stock to toil like a common drudge. + One of your means and standin' need never want for corn, or potatoes, or + anything that the fields yield; therefore, I hope the hoe will never be + put into the hands of any wife of yourn. You know I am not quite a beggar, + and all I own, whether in ammunition, skins, arms, or calicoes, I give to + Hist, should I not come back to claim them by the end of the season. This + will set the maiden up, and will buy labor for her, for a long time to + come. I suppose I needn't tell you to love the young woman, for that you + do already, and whomsoever the man ra'ally loves, he'll be likely enough + to cherish. Nevertheless, it can do no harm to say that kind words never + rankle, while bitter words do. I know you're a man, Sarpent, that is less + apt to talk in his own lodge, than to speak at the Council Fire; but + forgetful moments may overtake us all, and the practyse of kind doin', and + kind talkin', is a wonderful advantage in keepin' peace in a cabin, as + well as on a hunt.” + </p> + <p> + “My ears are open,” returned the Delaware gravely; “the words of my + brother have entered so far that they never can fall out again. They are + like rings, that have no end, and cannot drop. Let him speak on; the song + of the wren and the voice of a friend never tire.” + </p> + <p> + “I will speak a little longer, chief, but you will excuse it for the sake + of old companionship, should I now talk about myself. If the worst comes + to the worst, it's not likely there'll be much left of me but ashes, so a + grave would be useless, and a sort of vanity. On that score I'm no way + partic'lar, though it might be well enough to take a look at the remains + of the pile, and should any bones, or pieces be found, 'twould be more + decent to gather them together, and bury them, than to let them lie for + the wolves to gnaw at, and howl over. These matters can make no great + difference in the mind, but men of white blood and Christian feelin's have + rather a gift for graves.” + </p> + <p> + “It shall be done as my brother says,” returned the Indian, gravely. “If + his mind is full, let him empty it in the bosom of a friend.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, Sarpent; my mind's easy enough; yes, it's tolerable easy. + Idees will come uppermost that I'm not apt to think about in common, it's + true, but by striving ag'in some, and lettin' other some out, all will + come right in the long run. There's one thing, howsever, chief, that does + seem to me to be onreasonable, and ag'in natur', though the missionaries + say it's true, and bein' of my religion and colour I feel bound to believe + them. They say an Injin may torment and tortur' the body to his heart's + content, and scalp, and cut, and tear, and burn, and consume all his + inventions and deviltries, until nothin' is left but ashes, and they shall + be scattered to the four winds of heaven, yet when the trumpet of God + shall sound, all will come together ag'in, and the man will stand forth in + his flesh, the same creatur' as to looks, if not as to feelin's, that he + was afore he was harmed!” + </p> + <p> + “The missionaries are good men—mean well,” returned the Delaware + courteously; “they are not great medicines. They think all they say, + Deerslayer; that is no reason why warriors and orators should be all ears. + When Chingachgook shall see the father of Tamenund standing in his scalp, + and paint, and war lock, then will he believe the missionaries.” + </p> + <p> + “Seein' is believin', of a sartainty; ahs! me—and some of us may see + these things sooner than we thought. I comprehind your meanin' about + Tamenund's father, Sarpent, and the idee's a close idee. Tamenund is now + an elderly man, say eighty every day of it, and his father was scalped, + and tormented, and burnt, when the present prophet was a youngster. Yes, + if one could see that come to pass, there wouldn't be much difficulty in + yieldin' faith to all that the missionaries say. Howsever, I am not ag'in + the opinion now, for you must know, Sarpent, that the great principle of + Christianity is to believe without seeing, and a man should always act up + to his religion and principles, let them be what they may.” + </p> + <p> + “That is strange for a wise nation!” said the Delaware with emphasis. “The + red man looks hard, that he may see and understand.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's plauserble, and is agreeable to mortal pride, but it's not as + deep as it seems. If we could understand all we see, Sarpent, there might + be not only sense, but safety, in refusin' to give faith to any one thing + that we might find oncomperhensible; but when there's so many things about + which it may be said we know nothin' at all, why, there's little use, and + no reason, in bein' difficult touchin' any one in partic'lar. For my part, + Delaware, all my thoughts haven't been on the game, when outlyin' in the + hunts and scoutin's of our youth. Many's the hour I've passed, pleasantly + enough too, in what is tarmed conterplation by my people. On such + occasions the mind is actyve, though the body seems lazy and listless. An + open spot on a mountain side, where a wide look can be had at the heavens + and the 'arth, is a most judicious place for a man to get a just idee of + the power of the Manitou, and of his own littleness. At such times, there + isn't any great disposition to find fault with little difficulties, in the + way of comperhension, as there are so many big ones to hide them. + Believin' comes easy enough to me at such times, and if the Lord made man + first out of 'arth, as they tell me it is written in the Bible; then turns + him into dust at death; I see no great difficulty in the way to bringin' + him back in the body, though ashes be the only substance left. These + things lie beyond our understandin', though they may and do lie so close + to our feelin's. But, of all the doctrines, Sarpent, that which disturbs + me, and disconsarts my mind the most, is the one which teaches us to think + that a pale-face goes to one heaven, and a red-skin to another; it may + separate in death them which lived much together, and loved each other + well, in life!” + </p> + <p> + “Do the missionaries teach their white brethren to think it is so?” + demanded the Indian, with serious earnestness. “The Delawares believe that + good men and brave warriors will hunt together in the same pleasant woods, + let them belong to whatever tribe they may; that all the unjust Indians + and cowards will have to sneak in with the dogs and the wolves to get + venison for their lodges.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis wonderful how many consaits mankind have consarnin' happiness and + misery, here after!” exclaimed the hunter, borne away by the power of his + own thoughts. “Some believe in burnin's and flames, and some think + punishment is to eat with the wolves and dogs. Then, ag'in, some fancy + heaven to be only the carryin' out of their own 'arthly longin's, while + others fancy it all gold and shinin' lights! Well, I've an idee of my own, + in that matter, which is just this, Sarpent. Whenever I've done wrong, + I've ginirally found 'twas owin' to some blindness of the mind, which hid + the right from view, and when sight has returned, then has come sorrow and + repentance. Now, I consait that, after death, when the body is laid aside + or, if used at all, is purified and without its longin's, the spirit sees + all things in their ra'al lights and never becomes blind to truth and + justice. Such bein' the case, all that has been done in life, is beheld as + plainly as the sun is seen at noon; the good brings joy, while the evil + brings sorrow. There's nothin' onreasonable in that, but it's agreeable to + every man's exper'ence.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought the pale-faces believed all men were wicked; who then could + ever find the white man's heaven?” + </p> + <p> + “That's ingen'ous, but it falls short of the missionary teachin's. You'll + be Christianized one day, I make no doubt, and then 'twill all come plain + enough. You must know, Sarpent, that there's been a great deed of + salvation done, that, by God's help, enables all men to find a pardon for + their wickednesses, and that is the essence of the white man's religion. I + can't stop to talk this matter over with you any longer, for Hetty's in + the canoe, and the furlough takes me away, but the time will come I hope + when you'll feel these things; for, after all, they must be felt rather + than reasoned about. Ah's! me; well, Delaware, there's my hand; you know + it's that of a fri'nd, and will shake it as such, though it never has done + you one half the good its owner wishes it had.” + </p> + <p> + The Indian took the offered hand, and returned its pressure warmly. Then + falling back on his acquired stoicism of manner, which so many mistake for + constitutional indifference, he drew up in reserve, and prepared to part + from his friend with dignity. Deerslayer, however, was more natural, nor + would he have at all cared about giving way to his feelings, had not the + recent conduct and language of Judith given him some secret, though ill + defined apprehensions of a scene. He was too humble to imagine the truth + concerning the actual feelings of that beautiful girl, while he was too + observant not to have noted the struggle she had maintained with herself, + and which had so often led her to the very verge of discovery. That + something extraordinary was concealed in her breast he thought obvious + enough, and, through a sentiment of manly delicacy that would have done + credit to the highest human refinement, he shrunk from any exposure of her + secret that might subsequently cause regret to the girl, herself. He + therefore determined to depart, now, and that without any further + manifestations of feeling either from him, or from others. + </p> + <p> + “God bless you! Sarpent—God bless you!” cried the hunter, as the + canoe left the side of the platform. “Your Manitou and my God only know + when and where we shall meet ag'in; I shall count it a great blessing, and + a full reward for any little good I may have done on 'arth, if we shall be + permitted to know each other, and to consort together, hereafter, as we + have so long done in these pleasant woods afore us!” + </p> + <p> + Chingachgook waved his hand. Drawing the light blanket he wore over his + head, as a Roman would conceal his grief in his robes, he slowly withdrew + into the Ark, in order to indulge his sorrow and his musings, alone. + Deerslayer did not speak again until the canoe was half-way to the shore. + Then he suddenly ceased paddling, at an interruption that came from the + mild, musical voice of Hetty. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you go back to the Hurons, Deerslayer?” demanded the girl. “They + say I am feeble-minded, and such they never harm, but you have as much + sense as Hurry Harry; and more too, Judith thinks, though I don't see how + that can well be.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Hetty, afore we land I must convarse a little with you child, and + that too on matters touching your own welfare, principally. Stop paddling—or, + rather, that the Mingos needn't think we are plotting and contriving, and + so treat us accordingly, just dip your paddle lightly, and give the canoe + a little motion and no more. That's just the idee and the movement; I see + you're ready enough at an appearance, and might be made useful at a + sarcumvention if it was lawful now to use one—that's just the idee + and the movement! Ah's! me. Desait and a false tongue are evil things, and + altogether onbecoming our colour, Hetty, but it is a pleasure and a + satisfaction to outdo the contrivances of a red-skin in the strife of + lawful warfare. My path has been short, and is like soon to have an end, + but I can see that the wanderings of a warrior aren't altogether among + brambles and difficulties. There's a bright side to a warpath, as well as + to most other things, if we'll only have the wisdom to see it, and the + ginerosity to own it.” + </p> + <p> + “And why should your warpath, as you call it, come so near to an end, + Deerslayer?” + </p> + <p> + “Because, my good girl, my furlough comes so near to an end. They're + likely to have pretty much the same tarmination, as regards time, one + following on the heels of the other, as a matter of course.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't understand your meaning, Deerslayer—” returned the girl, + looking a little bewildered. “Mother always said people ought to speak + more plainly to me than to most other persons, because I'm feeble minded. + Those that are feeble minded, don't understand as easily as those that + have sense.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then, Hetty, the simple truth is this. You know that I'm now a + captyve to the Hurons, and captyves can't do, in all things, as they + please—” + </p> + <p> + “But how can you be a captive,” eagerly interrupted the girl—“when + you are out here on the lake, in father's best canoe, and the Indians are + in the woods with no canoe at all? That can't be true, Deerslayer!” + </p> + <p> + “I wish with all my heart and soul, Hetty, that you was right, and that I + was wrong, instead of your bein' all wrong, and I bein' only too near the + truth. Free as I seem to your eyes, gal, I'm bound hand and foot in + ra'ality.” + </p> + <p> + “Well it is a great misfortune not to have sense! Now I can't see or + understand that you are a captive, or bound in any manner. If you are + bound, with what are your hands and feet fastened?” + </p> + <p> + “With a furlough, gal; that's a thong that binds tighter than any chain. + One may be broken, but the other can't. Ropes and chains allow of knives, + and desait, and contrivances; but a furlough can be neither cut, slipped + nor sarcumvented.” + </p> + <p> + “What sort of a thing is a furlough, then, if it be stronger than hemp or + iron? I never saw a furlough.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you may never feel one, gal; the tie is altogether in the + feelin's, in these matters, and therefore is to be felt and not seen. You + can understand what it is to give a promise, I dare to say, good little + Hetty?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. A promise is to say you will do a thing, and that binds you to + be as good as your word. Mother always kept her promises to me, and then + she said it would be wicked if I didn't keep my promises to her, and to + every body else.” + </p> + <p> + “You have had a good mother, in some matters, child, whatever she may have + been in other some. That is a promise, and as you say it must be kept. + Now, I fell into the hands of the Mingos last night, and they let me come + off to see my fri'nds and send messages in to my own colour, if any such + feel consarn on my account, on condition that I shall be back when the sun + is up today, and take whatever their revenge and hatred can contrive, in + the way of torments, in satisfaction for the life of a warrior that fell + by my rifle, as well as for that of the young woman shot by Hurry, and + other disapp'intments met with on and about this lake. What is called a + promise atween mother and darter, or even atween strangers in the + settlements is called a furlough when given by one soldier to another, on + a warpath. And now I suppose you understand my situation, Hetty.” + </p> + <p> + The girl made no answer for some time, but she ceased paddling altogether, + as if the novel idea distracted her mind too much to admit of other + employment. Then she resumed the dialogue earnestly and with solicitude. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think the Hurons will have the heart to do what you say, + Deerslayer?” she asked. “I have found them kind and harmless.” + </p> + <p> + “That's true enough as consarns one like you, Hetty, but it's a very + different affair when it comes to an open inimy, and he too the owner of a + pretty sartain rifle. I don't say that they bear me special malice on + account of any expl'ites already performed, for that would be bragging, as + it might be, on the varge of the grave, but it's no vanity to believe that + they know one of their bravest and cunnin'est chiefs fell by my hands. + Such bein' the case, the tribe would reproach them if they failed to send + the spirit of a pale-face to keep the company of the spirit of their red + brother; always supposin' that he can catch it. I look for no marcy, + Hetty, at their hands; and my principal sorrow is that such a calamity + should befall me on my first warpath: that it would come sooner or later, + every soldier counts on and expects.” + </p> + <p> + “The Hurons shall not harm you, Deerslayer,” cried the girl, much excited—“'Tis + wicked as well as cruel; I have the Bible, here, to tell them so. Do you + think I would stand by and see you tormented?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not, my good Hetty, I hope not; and, therefore, when the moment + comes, I expect you will move off, and not be a witness of what you can't + help, while it would grieve you. But, I haven't stopped the paddles to + talk of my own afflictions and difficulties, but to speak a little plainly + to you, gal, consarnin' your own matters.” + </p> + <p> + “What can you have to say to me, Deerslayer! Since mother died, few talk + to me of such things.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the worse, poor gal; yes, 'tis so much the worse, for one of your + state of mind needs frequent talking to, in order to escape the snares and + desaits of this wicked world. You haven't forgotten Hurry Harry, gal, so + soon, I calculate?” + </p> + <p> + “I!—I forget Henry March!” exclaimed Hetty, starting. “Why should I + forget him, Deerslayer, when he is our friend, and only left us last + night. Then the large bright star that mother loved so much to gaze at was + just over the top of yonder tall pine on the mountain, as Hurry got into + the canoe; and when you landed him on the point, near the east bay, it + wasn't more than the length of Judith's handsomest ribbon above it.” + </p> + <p> + “And how can you know how long I was gone, or how far I went to land + Hurry, seein' you were not with us, and the distance was so great, to say + nothing of the night?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I know when it was, well enough,” returned Hetty positively—“There's + more ways than one for counting time and distance. When the mind is + engaged, it is better than any clock. Mine is feeble, I know, but it goes + true enough in all that touches poor Hurry Harry. Judith will never marry + March, Deerslayer.” + </p> + <p> + “That's the p'int, Hetty; that's the very p'int I want to come to. I + suppose you know that it's nat'ral for young people to have kind feelin's + for one another, more especially when one happens to be a youth and + t'other a maiden. Now, one of your years and mind, gal, that has neither + father nor mother, and who lives in a wilderness frequented by hunters and + trappers, needs be on her guard against evils she little dreams of.” + </p> + <p> + “What harm can it be to think well of a fellow creature,” returned Hetty + simply, though the conscious blood was stealing to her cheeks in spite of + a spirit so pure that it scarce knew why it prompted the blush, “the Bible + tells us to 'love them who despitefully use' us, and why shouldn't we like + them that do not.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Hetty, the love of the missionaries isn't the sort of likin' I mean. + Answer me one thing, child; do you believe yourself to have mind enough to + become a wife, and a mother?” + </p> + <p> + “That's not a proper question to ask a young woman, Deerslayer, and I'll + not answer it,” returned the girl, in a reproving manner—much as a + parent rebukes a child for an act of indiscretion. “If you have any thing + to say about Hurry, I'll hear that—but you must not speak evil of + him; he is absent, and 'tis unkind to talk evil of the absent.” + </p> + <p> + “Your mother has given you so many good lessons, Hetty, that my fears for + you are not as great as they were. Nevertheless, a young woman without + parents, in your state of mind, and who is not without beauty, must always + be in danger in such a lawless region as this. I would say nothin' amiss + of Hurry, who, in the main, is not a bad man for one of his callin', but + you ought to know one thing, which it may not be altogether pleasant to + tell you, but which must be said. March has a desperate likin' for your + sister Judith.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what of that? Everybody admires Judith, she's so handsome, and + Hurry has told me, again and again, how much he wishes to marry her. But + that will never come to pass, for Judith don't like Hurry. She likes + another, and talks about him in her sleep; though you need not ask me who + he is, for all the gold in King George's crown, and all the jewels too, + wouldn't tempt me to tell you his name. If sisters can't keep each other's + secrets, who can?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartainly, I do not wish you to tell me, Hetty, nor would it be any + advantage to a dyin' man to know. What the tongue says when the mind's + asleep, neither head nor heart is answerable for.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I knew why Judith talks so much in her sleep, about officers, and + honest hearts, and false tongues, but I suppose she don't like to tell me, + as I'm feeble minded. Isn't it odd, Deerslayer, that Judith don't like + Hurry—he who is the bravest looking youth that ever comes upon the + lake, and is as handsome as she is herself. Father always said they would + be the comeliest couple in the country, though mother didn't fancy March + any more than Judith. There's no telling what will happen, they say, until + things actually come to pass.” + </p> + <p> + “Ahs! me—well, poor Hetty, 'tis of no great use to talk to them that + can't understand you, and so I'll say no more about what I did wish to + speak of, though it lay heavy on my mind. Put the paddle in motion ag'in, + gal, and we'll push for the shore, for the sun is nearly up, and my + furlough is almost out.” + </p> + <p> + The canoe now glided ahead, holding its way towards the point where + Deerslayer well knew that his enemies expected him, and where he now began + to be afraid he might not arrive in season to redeem his plighted faith. + Hetty, perceiving his impatience without very clearly comprehending its + cause, however, seconded his efforts in a way that soon rendered their + timely return no longer a matter of doubt. Then, and then only, did the + young man suffer his exertions to flag, and Hetty began, again, to prattle + in her simple confiding manner, though nothing farther was uttered that it + may be thought necessary to relate. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Thou hast been busy, Death, this day, and yet + But half thy work is done! The gates of hell + Are thronged, yet twice ten thousand spirits more + Who from their warm and healthful tenements + Fear no divorce; must, ere the sun go down, + Enter the world of woe!”— + + Southey, Roderick, the Last of the Goths, XXIV, i-6. +</pre> + <p> + One experienced in the signs of the heavens, would have seen that the sun + wanted but two or three minutes of the zenith, when Deerslayer landed on + the point, where the Hurons were now encamped, nearly abreast of the + castle. This spot was similar to the one already described, with the + exception that the surface of the land was less broken, and less crowded + with trees. Owing to these two circumstances, it was all the better suited + to the purpose for which it had been selected, the space beneath the + branches bearing some resemblance to a densely wooded lawn. Favoured by + its position and its spring, it had been much resorted to by savages and + hunters, and the natural grasses had succeeded their fires, leaving an + appearance of sward in places, a very unusual accompaniment of the virgin + forest. Nor was the margin of water fringed with bushes, as on so much of + its shore, but the eye penetrated the woods immediately on reaching the + strand, commanding nearly the whole area of the projection. + </p> + <p> + If it was a point of honor with the Indian warrior to redeem his word, + when pledged to return and meet his death at a given hour, so was it a + point of characteristic pride to show no womanish impatience, but to + reappear as nearly as possible at the appointed moment. It was well not to + exceed the grace accorded by the generosity of the enemy, but it was + better to meet it to a minute. Something of this dramatic effect mingles + with most of the graver usages of the American aborigines, and no doubt, + like the prevalence of a similar feeling among people more sophisticated + and refined, may be referred to a principle of nature. We all love the + wonderful, and when it comes attended by chivalrous self-devotion and a + rigid regard to honor, it presents itself to our admiration in a shape + doubly attractive. As respects Deerslayer, though he took a pride in + showing his white blood, by often deviating from the usages of the + red-men, he frequently dropped into their customs, and oftener into their + feelings, unconsciously to himself, in consequence of having no other + arbiters to appeal to, than their judgments and tastes. On the present + occasion, he would have abstained from betraying a feverish haste by a too + speedy return, since it would have contained a tacit admission that the + time asked for was more than had been wanted; but, on the other hand, had + the idea occurred to him, he would have quickened his movements a little, + in order to avoid the dramatic appearance of returning at the precise + instant set as the utmost limit of his absence. Still, accident had + interfered to defeat the last intention, for when the young man put his + foot on the point, and advanced with a steady tread towards the group of + chiefs that was seated in grave array on a fallen tree, the oldest of + their number cast his eye upward, at an opening in the trees, and pointed + out to his companions the startling fact that the sun was just entering a + space that was known to mark the zenith. A common, but low exclamation of + surprise and admiration escaped every mouth, and the grim warriors looked + at each other, some with envy and disappointment, some with astonishment + at the precise accuracy of their victim, and others with a more generous + and liberal feeling. The American Indian always deemed his moral victories + the noblest, prizing the groans and yielding of his victim under torture, + more than the trophy of his scalp; and the trophy itself more than his + life. To slay, and not to bring off the proof of victory, indeed, was + scarcely deemed honorable, even these rude and fierce tenants of the + forest, like their more nurtured brethren of the court and the camp, + having set up for themselves imaginary and arbitrary points of honor, to + supplant the conclusions of the right and the decisions of reason. + </p> + <p> + The Hurons had been divided in their opinions concerning the probability + of their captive's return. Most among them, indeed, had not expected it + possible for a pale-face to come back voluntarily, and meet the known + penalties of an Indian torture; but a few of the seniors expected better + things from one who had already shown himself so singularly cool, brave + and upright. The party had come to its decision, however, less in the + expectation of finding the pledge redeemed, than in the hope of disgracing + the Delawares by casting into their teeth the delinquency of one bred in + their villages. They would have greatly preferred that Chingachgook should + be their prisoner, and prove the traitor, but the pale-face scion of the + hated stock was no bad substitute for their purposes, failing in their + designs against the ancient stem. With a view to render their triumph as + signal as possible, in the event of the hour's passing without the + reappearance of the hunter, all the warriors and scouts of the party had + been called in, and the whole band, men, women and children, was now + assembled at this single point, to be a witness of the expected scene. As + the castle was in plain view, and by no means distant, it was easily + watched by daylight, and, it being thought that its inmates were now + limited to Hurry, the Delaware and the two girls, no apprehensions were + felt of their being able to escape unseen. A large raft having a + breast-work of logs had been prepared, and was in actual readiness to be + used against either Ark or castle as occasion might require, so soon as + the fate of Deerslayer was determined, the seniors of the party having + come to the opinion that it was getting to be hazardous to delay their + departure for Canada beyond the coming night. In short the band waited + merely to dispose of this single affair, ere it brought matters with those + in the Castle to a crisis, and prepared to commence its retreat towards + the distant waters of Ontario. + </p> + <p> + It was an imposing scene into which Deerslayer now found himself + advancing. All the older warriors were seated on the trunk of the fallen + tree, waiting his approach with grave decorum. On the right stood the + young men, armed, while left was occupied by the women and children. In + the centre was an open space of considerable extent, always canopied by + trees, but from which the underbrush, dead wood, and other obstacles had + been carefully removed. The more open area had probably been much used by + former parties, for this was the place where the appearance of a sward was + the most decided. The arches of the woods, even at high noon, cast their + sombre shadows on the spot, which the brilliant rays of the sun that + struggled through the leaves contributed to mellow, and, if such an + expression can be used, to illuminate. It was probably from a similar + scene that the mind of man first got its idea of the effects of gothic + tracery and churchly hues, this temple of nature producing some such + effect, so far as light and shadow were concerned, as the well-known + offspring of human invention. + </p> + <p> + As was not unusual among the tribes and wandering bands of the Aborigines, + two chiefs shared, in nearly equal degrees, the principal and primitive + authority that was wielded over these children of the forest. There were + several who might claim the distinction of being chief men, but the two in + question were so much superior to all the rest in influence, that, when + they agreed, no one disputed their mandates, and when they were divided + the band hesitated, like men who had lost their governing principle of + action. It was also in conformity with practice, perhaps we might add in + conformity with nature, that one of the chiefs was indebted to his mind + for his influence, whereas the other owed his distinction altogether to + qualities that were physical. One was a senior, well known for eloquence + in debate, wisdom in council, and prudence in measures; while his great + competitor, if not his rival, was a brave distinguished in war, notorious + for ferocity, and remarkable, in the way of intellect, for nothing but the + cunning and expedients of the war path. The first was Rivenoak, who has + already been introduced to the reader, while the last was called le + Panth'ere, in the language of the Canadas, or the Panther, to resort to + the vernacular of the English colonies. The appellation of the fighting + chief was supposed to indicate the qualities of the warrior, agreeably to + a practice of the red man's nomenclature, ferocity, cunning and treachery + being, perhaps, the distinctive features of his character. The title had + been received from the French, and was prized so much the more from that + circumstance, the Indian submitting profoundly to the greater intelligence + of his pale-face allies, in most things of this nature. How well the + sobriquet was merited will be seen in the sequel. + </p> + <p> + Rivenoak and the Panther sat side by side awaiting the approach of their + prisoner, as Deerslayer put his moccasined foot on the strand, nor did + either move, or utter a syllable, until the young man had advanced into + the centre of the area, and proclaimed his presence with his voice. This + was done firmly, though in the simple manner that marked the character of + the individual. + </p> + <p> + “Here I am, Mingos,” he said, in the dialect of the Delawares, a language + that most present understood; “here I am, and there is the sun. One is not + more true to the laws of natur', than the other has proved true to his + word. I am your prisoner; do with me what you please. My business with man + and 'arth is settled; nothing remains now but to meet the white man's God, + accordin' to a white man's duties and gifts.” + </p> + <p> + A murmur of approbation escaped even the women at this address, and, for + an instant there was a strong and pretty general desire to adopt into the + tribe one who owned so brave a spirit. Still there were dissenters from + this wish, among the principal of whom might be classed the Panther, and + his sister, le Sumach, so called from the number of her children, who was + the widow of le Loup Cervier, now known to have fallen by the hand of the + captive. Native ferocity held one in subjection, while the corroding + passion of revenge prevented the other from admitting any gentler feeling + at the moment. Not so with Rivenoak. This chief arose, stretched his arm + before him in a gesture of courtesy, and paid his compliments with an ease + and dignity that a prince might have envied. As, in that band, his wisdom + and eloquence were confessedly without rivals, he knew that on himself + would properly fall the duty of first replying to the speech of the + pale-face. + </p> + <p> + “Pale-face, you are honest,” said the Huron orator. “My people are happy + in having captured a man, and not a skulking fox. We now know you; we + shall treat you like a brave. If you have slain one of our warriors, and + helped to kill others, you have a life of your own ready to give away in + return. Some of my young men thought that the blood of a pale-face was too + thin; that it would refuse to run under the Huron knife. You will show + them it is not so; your heart is stout, as well as your body. It is a + pleasure to make such a prisoner; should my warriors say that the death of + le Loup Cervier ought not to be forgotten, and that he cannot travel + towards the land of spirits alone, that his enemy must be sent to overtake + him, they will remember that he fell by the hand of a brave, and send you + after him with such signs of our friendship as shall not make him ashamed + to keep your company. I have spoken; you know what I have said.” + </p> + <p> + “True enough, Mingo, all true as the gospel,” returned the simple minded + hunter, “you have spoken, and I do know not only what you have said, but, + what is still more important, what you mean. I dare to say your warrior + the Lynx was a stout-hearted brave, and worthy of your fri'ndship and + respect, but I do not feel unworthy to keep his company, without any + passport from your hands. Nevertheless, here I am, ready to receive + judgment from your council, if, indeed, the matter was not detarmined + among you afore I got back.” + </p> + <p> + “My old men would not sit in council over a pale-face until they saw him + among them,” answered Rivenoak, looking around him a little ironically; + “they said it would be like sitting in council over the winds; they go + where they will, and come back as they see fit, and not otherwise. There + was one voice that spoke in your favor, Deerslayer, but it was alone, like + the song of the wren whose mate has been struck by the hawk.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank that voice whosever it may have been, Mingo, and will say it was + as true a voice as the rest were lying voices. A furlough is as binding on + a pale-face, if he be honest, as it is on a red-skin, and was it not so, I + would never bring disgrace on the Delawares, among whom I may be said to + have received my edication. But words are useless, and lead to braggin' + feelin's; here I am; act your will on me.” + </p> + <p> + Rivenoak made a sign of acquiescence, and then a short conference was + privately held among the chiefs. As soon as the latter ended, three or + four young men fell back from among the armed group, and disappeared. Then + it was signified to the prisoner that he was at liberty to go at large on + the point, until a council was held concerning his fate. There was more of + seeming, than of real confidence, however, in this apparent liberality, + inasmuch as the young men mentioned already formed a line of sentinels + across the breadth of the point, inland, and escape from any other part + was out of the question. Even the canoe was removed beyond this line of + sentinels, to a spot where it was considered safe from any sudden attempt. + These precautions did not proceed from a failure of confidence, but from + the circumstance that the prisoner had now complied with all the required + conditions of his parole, and it would have been considered a commendable + and honorable exploit to escape from his foes. So nice, indeed, were the + distinctions drawn by the savages in cases of this nature, that they often + gave their victims a chance to evade the torture, deeming it as creditable + to the captors to overtake, or to outwit a fugitive, when his exertions + were supposed to be quickened by the extreme jeopardy of his situation, as + it was for him to get clear from so much extraordinary vigilance. + </p> + <p> + Nor was Deerslayer unconscious of, or forgetful, of his rights and of his + opportunities. Could he now have seen any probable opening for an escape, + the attempt would not have been delayed a minute. But the case seem'd + desperate. He was aware of the line of sentinels, and felt the difficulty + of breaking through it, unharmed. The lake offered no advantages, as the + canoe would have given his foes the greatest facilities for overtaking + him; else would he have found it no difficult task to swim as far as the + castle. As he walked about the point, he even examined the spot to + ascertain if it offered no place of concealment, but its openness, its + size, and the hundred watchful glances that were turned towards him, even + while those who made them affected not to see him, prevented any such + expedient from succeeding. The dread and disgrace of failure had no + influence on Deerslayer, who deemed it even a point of honor to reason and + feel like a white man, rather than as an Indian, and who felt it a sort of + duty to do all he could that did not involve a dereliction from principle, + in order to save his life. Still he hesitated about making the effort, for + he also felt that he ought to see the chance of success before he + committed himself. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time the business of the camp appeared to proceed in its + regular train. The chiefs consulted apart, admitting no one but the Sumach + to their councils, for she, the widow of the fallen warrior, had an + exclusive right to be heard on such an occasion. The young men strolled + about in indolent listlessness, awaiting the result with Indian patience, + while the females prepared the feast that was to celebrate the termination + of the affair, whether it proved fortunate or otherwise for our hero. No + one betrayed feeling, and an indifferent observer, beyond the extreme + watchfulness of the sentinels, would have detected no extraordinary + movement or sensation to denote the real state of things. Two or three old + women put their heads together, and it appeared unfavorably to the + prospects of Deerslayer, by their scowling looks, and angry gestures; but + a group of Indian girls were evidently animated by a different impulse, as + was apparent by stolen glances that expressed pity and regret. In this + condition of the camp, an hour soon glided away. + </p> + <p> + Suspense is perhaps the feeling of all others that is most difficult to be + supported. When Deerslayer landed, he fully expected in the course of a + few minutes to undergo the tortures of an Indian revenge, and he was + prepared to meet his fate manfully; but, the delay proved far more trying + than the nearer approach of suffering, and the intended victim began + seriously to meditate some desperate effort at escape, as it might be from + sheer anxiety to terminate the scene, when he was suddenly summoned, to + appear once more in front of his judges, who had already arranged the band + in its former order, in readiness to receive him. + </p> + <p> + “Killer of the Deer,” commenced Rivenoak, as soon as his captive stood + before him, “my aged men have listened to wise words; they are ready to + speak. You are a man whose fathers came from beyond the rising sun; we are + children of the setting sun; we turn our faces towards the Great Sweet + Lakes, when we look towards our villages. It may be a wide country and + full of riches towards the morning, but it is very pleasant towards the + evening. We love most to look in that direction. When we gaze at the east, + we feel afraid, canoe after canoe bringing more and more of your people in + the track of the sun, as if their land was so full as to run over. The red + men are few already; they have need of help. One of our best lodges has + lately been emptied by the death of its master; it will be a long time + before his son can grow big enough to sit in his place. There is his + widow; she will want venison to feed her and her children, for her sons + are yet like the young of the robin, before they quit the nest. By your + hand has this great calamity befallen her. She has two duties; one to le + Loup Cervier, and one to his children. Scalp for scalp, life for life, + blood for blood, is one law; to feed her young, another. We know you, + Killer of the Deer. You are honest; when you say a thing, it is so. You + have but one tongue, and that is not forked, like a snake's. Your head is + never hid in the grass; all can see it. What you say, that will you do. + You are just. When you have done wrong, it is your wish to do right, + again, as soon as you can. Here, is the Sumach; she is alone in her + wigwam, with children crying around her for food—yonder is a rifle; + it is loaded and ready to be fired. Take the gun, go forth and shoot a + deer; bring the venison and lay it before the widow of Le Loup Cervier, + feed her children; call yourself her husband. After which, your heart will + no longer be Delaware, but Huron; le Sumach's ears will not hear the cries + of her children; my people will count the proper number of warriors.” + </p> + <p> + “I fear'd this, Rivenoak,” answered Deerslayer, when the other had ceased + speaking—“yes, I did dread that it would come to this. Howsever, the + truth is soon told, and that will put an end to all expectations on this + head. Mingo, I'm white and Christian born; 't would ill become me to take + a wife, under red-skin forms, from among heathen. That which I wouldn't + do, in peaceable times, and under a bright sun, still less would I do + behind clouds, in order to save my life. I may never marry; most likely + Providence in putting me up here in the woods, has intended I should live + single, and without a lodge of my own; but should such a thing come to + pass, none but a woman of my own colour and gifts shall darken the door of + my wigwam. As for feeding the young of your dead warrior, I would do that + cheerfully, could it be done without discredit; but it cannot, seeing that + I can never live in a Huron village. Your own young men must find the + Sumach in venison, and the next time she marries, let her take a husband + whose legs are not long enough to overrun territory that don't belong to + him. We fou't a fair battle, and he fell; in this there is nothin' but + what a brave expects, and should be ready to meet. As for getting a Mingo + heart, as well might you expect to see gray hairs on a boy, or the + blackberry growing on the pine. No—no Huron; my gifts are white so + far as wives are consarned; it is Delaware, in all things touchin' + Injins.” + </p> + <p> + These words were scarcely out of the mouth of Deerslayer, before a common + murmur betrayed the dissatisfaction with which they had been heard. The + aged women, in particular, were loud in their expressions of disgust, and + the gentle Sumach, herself, a woman quite old enough to be our hero's + mother, was not the least pacific in her denunciations. But all the other + manifestations of disappointment and discontent were thrown into the + background, by the fierce resentment of the Panther. This grim chief had + thought it a degradation to permit his sister to become the wife of a + pale-face of the Yengeese at all, and had only given a reluctant consent + to the arrangement—one by no means unusual among the Indians, + however—at the earnest solicitations of the bereaved widow; and it + goaded him to the quick to find his condescension slighted, the honor he + had with so much regret been persuaded to accord, condemned. The animal + from which he got his name does not glare on his intended prey with more + frightful ferocity than his eyes gleamed on the captive, nor was his arm + backward in seconding the fierce resentment that almost consumed his + breast. + </p> + <p> + “Dog of the pale-faces!” he exclaimed in Iroquois, “go yell among the curs + of your own evil hunting grounds!” + </p> + <p> + The denunciation was accompanied by an appropriate action. Even while + speaking his arm was lifted, and the tomahawk hurled. Luckily the loud + tones of the speaker had drawn the eye of Deerslayer towards him, else + would that moment have probably closed his career. So great was the + dexterity with which this dangerous weapon was thrown, and so deadly the + intent, that it would have riven the scull of the prisoner, had he not + stretched forth an arm, and caught the handle in one of its turns, with a + readiness quite as remarkable as the skill with which the missile had been + hurled. The projectile force was so great, notwithstanding, that when + Deerslayer's arm was arrested, his hand was raised above and behind his + own head, and in the very attitude necessary to return the attack. It is + not certain whether the circumstance of finding himself unexpectedly in + this menacing posture and armed tempted the young man to retaliate, or + whether sudden resentment overcame his forbearance and prudence. His eye + kindled, however, and a small red spot appeared on each cheek, while he + cast all his energy into the effort of his arm, and threw back the weapon + at his assailant. The unexpectedness of this blow contributed to its + success, the Panther neither raising an arm, nor bending his head to avoid + it. The keen little axe struck the victim in a perpendicular line with the + nose, directly between the eyes, literally braining him on the spot. + Sallying forward, as the serpent darts at its enemy even while receiving + its own death wound, this man of powerful frame fell his length into the + open area formed by the circle, quivering in death. A common rush to his + relief left the captive, in a single instant, quite without the crowd, + and, willing to make one desperate effort for life, he bounded off with + the activity of a deer. There was but a breathless instant, when the whole + band, old and young, women and children, abandoning the lifeless body of + the Panther where it lay, raised the yell of alarm and followed in + pursuit. + </p> + <p> + Sudden as had been the event which induced Deerslayer to make this + desperate trial of speed, his mind was not wholly unprepared for the + fearful emergency. In the course of the past hour, he had pondered well on + the chances of such an experiment, and had shrewdly calculated all the + details of success and failure. At the first leap, therefore, his body was + completely under the direction of an intelligence that turned all its + efforts to the best account, and prevented everything like hesitation or + indecision at the important instant of the start. To this alone was he + indebted for the first great advantage, that of getting through the line + of sentinels unharmed. The manner in which this was done, though + sufficiently simple, merits a description. + </p> + <p> + Although the shores of the point were not fringed with bushes, as was the + case with most of the others on the lake, it was owing altogether to the + circumstance that the spot had been so much used by hunters and fishermen. + This fringe commenced on what might be termed the main land, and was as + dense as usual, extending in long lines both north and south. In the + latter direction, then, Deerslayer held his way, and, as the sentinels + were a little without the commencement of this thicket, before the alarm + was clearly communicated to them the fugitive had gained its cover. To run + among the bushes, however, was out of the question, and Deerslayer held + his way, for some forty or fifty yards, in the water, which was barely + knee deep, offering as great an obstacle to the speed of his pursuers as + it did to his own. As soon as a favorable spot presented, he darted + through the line of bushes and issued into the open woods. Several rifles + were discharged at Deerslayer while in the water, and more followed as he + came out into the comparative exposure of the clear forest. But the + direction of his line of flight, which partially crossed that of the fire, + the haste with which the weapons had been aimed, and the general confusion + that prevailed in the camp prevented any harm from being done. Bullets + whistled past him, and many cut twigs from the branches at his side, but + not one touched even his dress. The delay caused by these fruitless + attempts was of great service to the fugitive, who had gained more than a + hundred yards on even the leading men of the Hurons, ere something like + concert and order had entered into the chase. To think of following with + rifles in hand was out of the question, and after emptying their pieces in + vague hopes of wounding their captive, the best runners of the Indians + threw them aside, calling out to the women and boys to recover and load + them, again, as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer knew too well the desperate nature of the struggle in which he + was engaged to lose one of the precious moments. He also knew that his + only hope was to run in a straight line, for as soon as he began to turn, + or double, the greater number of his pursuers would put escape out of the + question. He held his way therefore, in a diagonal direction up the + acclivity, which was neither very high nor very steep in this part of the + mountain, but which was sufficiently toilsome for one contending for life, + to render it painfully oppressive. There, however, he slackened his speed + to recover breath, proceeding even at a quick walk, or a slow trot, along + the more difficult parts of the way. The Hurons were whooping and leaping + behind him, but this he disregarded, well knowing they must overcome the + difficulties he had surmounted ere they could reach the elevation to which + he had attained. The summit of the first hill was now quite near him, and + he saw, by the formation of the land, that a deep glen intervened before + the base of a second hill could be reached. Walking deliberately to the + summit, he glanced eagerly about him in every direction in quest of a + cover. None offered in the ground, but a fallen tree lay near him, and + desperate circumstances required desperate remedies. This tree lay in a + line parallel to the glen, at the brow of the hill. To leap on it, and + then to force his person as close as possible under its lower side, took + but a moment. Previously to disappearing from his pursuers, however, + Deerslayer stood on the height and gave a cry of triumph, as if exulting + at the sight of the descent that lay before him. In the next instant he + was stretched beneath the tree. + </p> + <p> + No sooner was this expedient adopted, than the young man ascertained how + desperate had been his own efforts, by the violence of the pulsations in + his frame. He could hear his heart beat, and his breathing was like the + action of a bellows, in quick motion. Breath was gained, however, and the + heart soon ceased to throb as if about to break through its confinement. + The footsteps of those who toiled up the opposite side of the acclivity + were now audible, and presently voices and treads announced the arrival of + the pursuers. The foremost shouted as they reached the height; then, + fearful that their enemy would escape under favor of the descent, each + leaped upon the fallen tree and plunged into the ravine, trusting to get a + sight of the pursued ere he reached the bottom. In this manner, Huron + followed Huron until Natty began to hope the whole had passed. Others + succeeded, however, until quite forty had leaped over the tree, and then + he counted them, as the surest mode of ascertaining how many could be + behind. Presently all were in the bottom of the glen, quite a hundred feet + below him, and some had even ascended part of the opposite hill, when it + became evident an inquiry was making as to the direction he had taken. + This was the critical moment, and one of nerves less steady, or of a + training that had been neglected, would have seized it to rise and fly. + Not so with Deerslayer. He still lay quiet, watching with jealous + vigilance every movement below, and fast regaining his breath. + </p> + <p> + The Hurons now resembled a pack of hounds at fault. Little was said, but + each man ran about, examining the dead leaves as the hound hunts for the + lost scent. The great number of moccasins that had passed made the + examination difficult, though the in-toe of an Indian was easily to be + distinguished from the freer and wider step of a white man. Believing that + no more pursuers remained behind, and hoping to steal away unseen, + Deerslayer suddenly threw himself over the tree, and fell on the upper + side. This achievement appeared to be effected successfully, and hope beat + high in the bosom of the fugitive. + </p> + <p> + Rising to his hands and feet, after a moment lost in listening to the + sounds in the glen, in order to ascertain if he had been seen, the young + man next scrambled to the top of the hill, a distance of only ten yards, + in the expectation of getting its brow between him and his pursuers, and + himself so far under cover. Even this was effected, and he rose to his + feet, walking swiftly but steadily along the summit, in a direction + opposite to that in which he had first fled. The nature of the calls in + the glen, however, soon made him uneasy, and he sprang upon the summit + again, in order to reconnoitre. No sooner did he reach the height than he + was seen, and the chase renewed. As it was better footing on the level + ground, Deerslayer now avoided the side hill, holding his flight along the + ridge; while the Hurons, judging from the general formation of the land, + saw that the ridge would soon melt into the hollow, and kept to the + latter, as the easiest mode of heading the fugitive. A few, at the same + time, turned south, with a view to prevent his escaping in that direction, + while some crossed his trail towards the water, in order to prevent his + retreat by the lake, running southerly. + </p> + <p> + The situation of Deerslayer was now more critical than it ever had been. + He was virtually surrounded on three sides, having the lake on the fourth. + But he had pondered well on all the chances, and took his measures with + coolness, even while at the top of his speed. As is generally the case + with the vigorous border men, he could outrun any single Indian among his + pursuers, who were principally formidable to him on account of their + numbers, and the advantages they possessed in position, and he would not + have hesitated to break off in a straight line at any spot, could he have + got the whole band again fairly behind him. But no such chance did, or + indeed could now offer, and when he found that he was descending towards + the glen, by the melting away of the ridge, he turned short, at right + angles to his previous course, and went down the declivity with tremendous + velocity, holding his way towards the shore. Some of his pursuers came + panting up the hill in direct chase, while most still kept on in the + ravine, intending to head him at its termination. + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer had now a different, though a desperate project in view. + Abandoning all thoughts of escape by the woods, he made the best of his + way towards the canoe. He knew where it lay; could it be reached, he had + only to run the gauntlet of a few rifles, and success would be certain. + None of the warriors had kept their weapons, which would have retarded + their speed, and the risk would come either from the uncertain hands of + the women, or from those of some well grown boy; though most of the latter + were already out in hot pursuit. Everything seemed propitious to the + execution of this plan, and the course being a continued descent, the + young man went over the ground at a rate that promised a speedy + termination to his toil. + </p> + <p> + As Deerslayer approached the point, several women and children were + passed, but, though the former endeavoured to cast dried branches between + his legs, the terror inspired by his bold retaliation on the redoubted + Panther was so great, that none dared come near enough seriously to molest + him. He went by all triumphantly and reached the fringe of bushes. + Plunging through these, our hero found himself once more in the lake, and + within fifty feet of the canoe. Here he ceased to run, for he well + understood that his breath was now all important to him. He even stooped, + as he advanced, and cooled his parched mouth by scooping water up in his + hand to drink. Still the moments pressed, and he soon stood at the side of + the canoe. The first glance told him that the paddles had been removed! + This was a sore disappointment, after all his efforts, and, for a single + moment, he thought of turning, and of facing his foes by walking with + dignity into the centre of the camp again. But an infernal yell, such as + the American savage alone can raise, proclaimed the quick approach of the + nearest of his pursuers, and the instinct of life triumphed. Preparing + himself duly, and giving a right direction to its bows, he ran off into + the water bearing the canoe before him, threw all his strength and skill + into a last effort, and cast himself forward so as to fall into the bottom + of the light craft without materially impeding its way. Here he remained + on his back, both to regain his breath and to cover his person from the + deadly rifle. The lightness, which was such an advantage in paddling the + canoe, now operated unfavorably. The material was so like a feather, that + the boat had no momentum, else would the impulse in that smooth and placid + sheet have impelled it to a distance from the shore that would have + rendered paddling with the hands safe. Could such a point once be reached, + Deerslayer thought he might get far enough out to attract the attention of + Chingachgook and Judith, who would not fail to come to his relief with + other canoes, a circumstance that promised everything. As the young man + lay in the bottom of the canoe, he watched its movements by studying the + tops of the trees on the mountainside, and judged of his distance by the + time and the motions. Voices on the shore were now numerous, and he heard + something said about manning the raft, which, fortunately for the + fugitive, lay at a considerable distance on the other side of the point. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the situation of Deerslayer had not been more critical that day + than it was at this moment. It certainly had not been one half as + tantalizing. He lay perfectly quiet for two or three minutes, trusting to + the single sense of hearing, confident that the noise in the lake would + reach his ears, did any one venture to approach by swimming. Once or twice + he fancied that the element was stirred by the cautious movement of an + arm, and then he perceived it was the wash of the water on the pebbles of + the strand; for, in mimicry of the ocean, it is seldom that those little + lakes are so totally tranquil as not to possess a slight heaving and + setting on their shores. Suddenly all the voices ceased, and a death like + stillness pervaded the spot: A quietness as profound as if all lay in the + repose of inanimate life. By this time, the canoe had drifted so far as to + render nothing visible to Deerslayer, as he lay on his back, except the + blue void of space, and a few of those brighter rays that proceed from the + effulgence of the sun, marking his proximity. It was not possible to + endure this uncertainty long. The young man well knew that the profound + stillness foreboded evil, the savages never being so silent as when about + to strike a blow; resembling the stealthy foot of the panther ere he takes + his leap. He took out a knife and was about to cut a hole through the + bark, in order to get a view of the shore, when he paused from a dread of + being seen in the operation, which would direct the enemy where to aim + their bullets. At this instant a rifle was fired, and the ball pierced + both sides of the canoe, within eighteen inches of the spot where his head + lay. This was close work, but our hero had too lately gone through that + which was closer to be appalled. He lay still half a minute longer, and + then he saw the summit of an oak coming slowly within his narrow horizon. + </p> + <p> + Unable to account for this change, Deerslayer could restrain his + impatience no longer. Hitching his body along, with the utmost caution, he + got his eye at the bullet hole, and fortunately commanded a very tolerable + view of the point. The canoe, by one of those imperceptible impulses that + so often decide the fate of men as well as the course of things, had + inclined southerly, and was slowly drifting down the lake. It was lucky + that Deerslayer had given it a shove sufficiently vigorous to send it past + the end of the point, ere it took this inclination, or it must have gone + ashore again. As it was, it drifted so near it as to bring the tops of two + or three trees within the range of the young man's view, as has been + mentioned, and, indeed, to come in quite as close proximity with the + extremity of the point as was at all safe. The distance could not much + have exceeded a hundred feet, though fortunately a light current of air + from the southwest began to set it slowly off shore. + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer now felt the urgent necessity of resorting to some expedient to + get farther from his foes, and if possible to apprise his friends of his + situation. The distance rendered the last difficult, while the proximity + to the point rendered the first indispensable. As was usual in such craft, + a large, round, smooth stone was in each end of the canoe, for the double + purpose of seats and ballast; one of these was within reach of his feet. + This stone he contrived to get so far between his legs as to reach it with + his hands, and then he managed to roll it to the side of its fellow in the + bows, where the two served to keep the trim of the light boat, while he + worked his own body as far aft as possible. Before quitting the shore, and + as soon as he perceived that the paddles were gone, Deerslayer had thrown + a bit of dead branch into the canoe, and this was within reach of his arm. + Removing the cap he wore, he put it on the end of this stick, and just let + it appear over the edge of the canoe, as far as possible from his own + person. This ruse was scarcely adopted before the young man had a proof + how much he had underrated the intelligence of his enemies. In contempt of + an artifice so shallow and common place, a bullet was fired directly + through another part of the canoe, which actually raised his skin. He + dropped the cap, and instantly raised it immediately over his head, as a + safeguard. It would seem that this second artifice was unseen, or what was + more probable, the Hurons feeling certain of recovering their captive, + wished to take him alive. + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer lay passive a few minutes longer, his eye at the bullet hole, + however, and much did he rejoice at seeing that he was drifting, + gradually, farther and farther from the shore. When he looked upward, the + treetops had disappeared, but he soon found that the canoe was slowly + turning, so as to prevent his getting a view of anything at his peephole, + but of the two extremities of the lake. He now bethought him of the stick, + which was crooked and offered some facilities for rowing without the + necessity of rising. The experiment succeeded on trial, better even than + he had hoped, though his great embarrassment was to keep the canoe + straight. That his present manoeuvre was seen soon became apparent by the + clamor on the shore, and a bullet entering the stern of the canoe + traversed its length, whistling between the arms of our hero, and passed + out at the head. This satisfied the fugitive that he was getting away with + tolerable speed, and induced him to increase his efforts. He was making a + stronger push than common, when another messenger from the point broke the + stick out-board, and at once deprived him of his oar. As the sound of + voices seemed to grow more and more distant, however, Deerslayer + determined to leave all to the drift, until he believed himself beyond the + reach of bullets. This was nervous work, but it was the wisest of all the + expedients that offered, and the young man was encouraged to persevere in + it by the circumstance that he felt his face fanned by the air, a proof + that there was a little more wind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Nor widows' tears, nor tender orphans' cries + Can stop th' invader's force; + Nor swelling seas, nor threatening skies, + Prevent the pirate's course: + Their lives to selfish ends decreed + Through blood and rapine they proceed; + No anxious thoughts of ill repute, + Suspend the impetuous and unjust pursuit; + But power and wealth obtain'd, guilty and great, + Their fellow creatures' fears they raise, or urge their hate.” + + Congreve, “Pindaric Ode,” ii. +</pre> + <p> + By this time Deerslayer had been twenty minutes in the canoe, and he began + to grow a little impatient for some signs of relief from his friends. The + position of the boat still prevented his seeing in any direction, unless + it were up or down the lake, and, though he knew that his line of sight + must pass within a hundred yards of the castle, it, in fact, passed that + distance to the westward of the buildings. The profound stillness troubled + him also, for he knew not whether to ascribe it to the increasing space + between him and the Indians, or to some new artifice. At length, wearied + with fruitless watchfulness, the young man turned himself on his back, + closed his eyes, and awaited the result in determined acquiescence. If the + savages could so completely control their thirst for revenge, he was + resolved to be as calm as themselves, and to trust his fate to the + interposition of the currents and air. + </p> + <p> + Some additional ten minutes may have passed in this quiescent manner, on + both sides, when Deerslayer thought he heard a slight noise, like a low + rubbing against the bottom of his canoe. He opened his eyes of course, in + expectation of seeing the face or arm of an Indian rising from the water, + and found that a canopy of leaves was impending directly over his head. + Starting to his feet, the first object that met his eye was Rivenoak, who + had so far aided the slow progress of the boat, as to draw it on the + point, the grating on the strand being the sound that had first given our + hero the alarm. The change in the drift of the canoe had been altogether + owing to the baffling nature of the light currents of the air, aided by + some eddies in the water. + </p> + <p> + “Come,” said the Huron with a quiet gesture of authority, to order his + prisoner to land, “my young friend has sailed about till he is tired; he + will forget how to run again, unless he uses his legs.” + </p> + <p> + “You've the best of it, Huron,” returned Deerslayer, stepping steadily + from the canoe, and passively following his leader to the open area of the + point; “Providence has helped you in an onexpected manner. I'm your + prisoner ag'in, and I hope you'll allow that I'm as good at breaking gaol, + as I am at keeping furloughs.” + </p> + <p> + “My young friend is a Moose!” exclaimed the Huron. “His legs are very + long; they have given my young men trouble. But he is not a fish; he + cannot find his way in the lake. We did not shoot him; fish are taken in + nets, and not killed by bullets. When he turns Moose again he will be + treated like a Moose.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, have your talk, Rivenoak; make the most of your advantage. 'Tis your + right, I suppose, and I know it is your gift. On that p'int there'll be no + words atween us, for all men must and ought to follow their gifts. + Howsever, when your women begin to ta'nt and abuse me, as I suppose will + soon happen, let 'em remember that if a pale-face struggles for life so + long as it's lawful and manful, he knows how to loosen his hold on it, + decently, when he feels that the time has come. I'm your captyve; work + your will on me.” + </p> + <p> + “My brother has had a long run on the hills, and a pleasant sail on the + water,” returned Rivenoak more mildly, smiling, at the same time, in a way + that his listener knew denoted pacific intentions. “He has seen the woods; + he has seen the water. Which does he like best? Perhaps he has seen enough + to change his mind, and make him hear reason.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak out, Huron. Something is in your thoughts, and the sooner it is + said, the sooner you'll get my answer.” + </p> + <p> + “That is straight! There is no turning in the talk of my pale-face friend, + though he is a fox in running. I will speak to him; his ears are now open + wider than before, and his eyes are not shut. The Sumach is poorer than + ever. Once she had a brother and a husband. She had children, too. The + time came and the husband started for the Happy Hunting Grounds, without + saying farewell; he left her alone with his children. This he could not + help, or he would not have done it; le Loup Cervier was a good husband. It + was pleasant to see the venison, and wild ducks, and geese, and bear's + meat, that hung in his lodge in winter. It is now gone; it will not keep + in warm weather. Who shall bring it back again? Some thought the brother + would not forget his sister, and that, next winter, he would see that the + lodge should not be empty. We thought this; but the Panther yelled, and + followed the husband on the path of death. They are now trying which shall + first reach the Happy Hunting Grounds. Some think the Lynx can run + fastest, and some think the Panther can jump the farthest. The Sumach + thinks both will travel so fast and so far that neither will ever come + back. Who shall feed her and her young? The man who told her husband and + her brother to quit her lodge, that there might be room for him to come + into it. He is a great hunter, and we know that the woman will never + want.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Huron this is soon settled, accordin' to your notions, but it goes + sorely ag'in the grain of a white man's feelin's. I've heard of men's + saving their lives this-a-way, and I've know'd them that would prefar + death to such a sort of captivity. For my part, I do not seek my end, nor + do I seek matrimony.” + </p> + <p> + “The pale-face will think of this, while my people get ready for the + council. He will be told what will happen. Let him remember how hard it is + to lose a husband and a brother. Go; when we want him, the name of + Deerslayer will be called.” + </p> + <p> + This conversation had been held with no one near but the speakers. Of all + the band that had so lately thronged the place, Rivenoak alone was + visible. The rest seemed to have totally abandoned the spot. Even the + furniture, clothes, arms, and other property of the camp had entirely + disappeared, and the place bore no other proofs of the crowd that had so + lately occupied it, than the traces of their fires and resting places, and + the trodden earth that still showed the marks of their feet. So sudden and + unexpected a change caused Deerslayer a good deal of surprise and some + uneasiness, for he had never known it to occur, in the course of his + experience among the Delawares. He suspected, however, and rightly, that a + change of encampment was intended, and that the mystery of the movement + was resorted to in order to work on his apprehensions. + </p> + <p> + Rivenoak walked up the vista of trees as soon as he ceased speaking, + leaving Deerslayer by himself. The chief disappeared behind the covers of + the forest, and one unpractised in such scenes might have believed the + prisoner left to the dictates of his own judgment. But the young man, + while he felt a little amazement at the dramatic aspect of things, knew + his enemies too well to fancy himself at liberty, or a free agent. Still, + he was ignorant how far the Hurons meant to carry their artifices, and he + determined to bring the question, as soon as practicable, to the proof. + Affecting an indifference he was far from feeling, he strolled about the + area, gradually getting nearer and nearer to the spot where he had landed, + when he suddenly quickened his pace, though carefully avoiding all + appearance of flight, and pushing aside the bushes, he stepped upon the + beach. The canoe was gone, nor could he see any traces of it, after + walking to the northern and southern verges of the point, and examining + the shores in both directions. It was evidently removed beyond his reach + and knowledge, and under circumstances to show that such had been the + intention of the savages. + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer now better understood his actual situation. He was a prisoner + on the narrow tongue of land, vigilantly watched beyond a question, and + with no other means of escape than that of swimming. He, again, thought of + this last expedient, but the certainty that the canoe would be sent in + chase, and the desperate nature of the chances of success deterred him + from the undertaking. While on the strand, he came to a spot where the + bushes had been cut, and thrust into a small pile. Removing a few of the + upper branches, he found beneath them the dead body of the Panther. He + knew that it was kept until the savages might find a place to inter it, + where it would be beyond the reach of the scalping knife. He gazed + wistfully towards the castle, but there all seemed to be silent and + desolate, and a feeling of loneliness and desertion came over him to + increase the gloom of the moment. + </p> + <p> + “God's will be done!” murmured the young man, as he walked sorrowfully + away from the beach, entering again beneath the arches of the wood. “God's + will be done, on 'arth as it is in heaven! I did hope that my days would + not be numbered so soon, but it matters little a'ter all. A few more + winters, and a few more summers, and 'twould have been over, accordin' to + natur'. Ah's! me, the young and actyve seldom think death possible, till + he grins in their faces, and tells 'em the hour is come!” + </p> + <p> + While this soliloquy was being pronounced, the hunter advanced into the + area, where to his surprise he saw Hetty alone, evidently awaiting his + return. The girl carried the Bible under her arm, and her face, over which + a shadow of gentle melancholy was usually thrown, now seemed sad and + downcast. Moving nearer, Deerslayer spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Poor Hetty,” he said, “times have been so troublesome, of late, that I'd + altogether forgotten you; we meet, as it might be to mourn over what is to + happen. I wonder what has become of Chingachgook and Wah!” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you kill the Huron, Deerslayer?—” returned the girl + reproachfully. “Don't you know your commandments, which say 'Thou shalt + not kill!' They tell me you have now slain the woman's husband and + brother!” + </p> + <p> + “It's true, my good Hetty—'tis gospel truth, and I'll not deny what + has come to pass. But, you must remember, gal, that many things are lawful + in war, which would be onlawful in peace. The husband was shot in open + fight—or, open so far as I was consarned, while he had a better + cover than common—and the brother brought his end on himself, by + casting his tomahawk at an unarmed prisoner. Did you witness that deed, + gal?” + </p> + <p> + “I saw it, and was sorry it happened, Deerslayer, for I hoped you wouldn't + have returned blow for blow, but good for evil.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Hetty, that may do among the Missionaries, but 'twould make an + onsartain life in the woods! The Panther craved my blood, and he was + foolish enough to throw arms into my hands, at the very moment he was + striving a'ter it. 'Twould have been ag'in natur' not to raise a hand in + such a trial, and 'twould have done discredit to my training and gifts. No—no—I'm + as willing to give every man his own as another, and so I hope you'll + testify to them that will be likely to question you as to what you've seen + this day.” + </p> + <p> + “Deerslayer, do you mean to marry Sumach, now she has neither husband nor + brother to feed her?” + </p> + <p> + “Are such your idees of matrimony, Hetty! Ought the young to wive with the + old—the pale-face with the red-skin—the Christian with the + heathen? It's ag'in reason and natur', and so you'll see, if you think of + it a moment.” + </p> + <p> + “I've always heard mother say,” returned Hetty, averting her face more + from a feminine instinct than from any consciousness of wrong, “that + people should never marry until they loved each other better than brothers + and sisters, and I suppose that is what you mean. Sumach is old, and you + are young!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay and she's red, and I'm white. Beside, Hetty, suppose you was a wife, + now, having married some young man of your own years, and state, and + colour—Hurry Harry, for instance—” Deerslayer selected this + example simply from the circumstance that he was the only young man known + to both—“and that he had fallen on a war path, would you wish to + take to your bosom, for a husband, the man that slew him?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! no, no, no—” returned the girl shuddering—“That would be + wicked as well as heartless! No Christian girl could, or would do that! I + never shall be the wife of Hurry, I know, but were he my husband no man + should ever be it, again, after his death!” + </p> + <p> + “I thought it would get to this, Hetty, when you come to understand + sarcumstances. 'Tis a moral impossibility that I should ever marry Sumach, + and, though Injin weddin's have no priests and not much religion, a white + man who knows his gifts and duties can't profit by that, and so make his + escape at the fitting time. I do think death would be more nat'ral like, + and welcome, than wedlock with this woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't say it too loud,” interrupted Hetty impatiently; “I suppose she + will not like to hear it. I'm sure Hurry would rather marry even me than + suffer torments, though I am feeble minded; and I am sure it would kill me + to think he'd prefer death to being my husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, gal, you ain't Sumach, but a comely young Christian, with a good + heart, pleasant smile, and kind eye. Hurry might be proud to get you, and + that, too, not in misery and sorrow, but in his best and happiest days. + Howsever, take my advice, and never talk to Hurry about these things; he's + only a borderer, at the best.” + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't tell him, for the world!” exclaimed the girl, looking about + her like one affrighted, and blushing, she knew not why. “Mother always + said young women shouldn't be forward, and speak their minds before + they're asked; Oh! I never forget what mother told me. 'Tis a pity Hurry + is so handsome, Deerslayer; I do think fewer girls would like him then, + and he would sooner know his own mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor gal, poor gal, it's plain enough how it is, but the Lord will bear + in mind one of your simple heart and kind feelin's! We'll talk no more of + these things; if you had reason, you'd be sorrowful at having let others + so much into your secret. Tell me, Hetty, what has become of all the + Hurons, and why they let you roam about the p'int as if you, too, was a + prisoner?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm no prisoner, Deerslayer, but a free girl, and go when and where I + please. Nobody dare hurt me! If they did, God would be angry, as I can + show them in the Bible. No—no—Hetty Hutter is not afraid; + she's in good hands. The Hurons are up yonder in the woods, and keep a + good watch on us both, I'll answer for it, since all the women and + children are on the look-out. Some are burying the body of the poor girl + who was shot, so that the enemy and the wild beasts can't find it. I told + 'em that father and mother lay in the lake, but I wouldn't let them know + in what part of it, for Judith and I don't want any of their heathenish + company in our burying ground.” + </p> + <p> + “Ahs! me; Well, it is an awful despatch to be standing here, alive and + angry, and with the feelin's up and ferocious, one hour, and then to be + carried away at the next, and put out of sight of mankind in a hole in the + 'arth! No one knows what will happen to him on a warpath, that's sartain.” + </p> + <p> + Here the stirring of leaves and the cracking of dried twigs interrupted + the discourse, and apprised Deerslayer of the approach of his enemies. The + Hurons closed around the spot that had been prepared for the coming scene, + and in the centre of which the intended victim now stood, in a circle, the + armed men being so distributed among the feebler members of the band, that + there was no safe opening through which the prisoner could break. But the + latter no longer contemplated flight, the recent trial having satisfied + him of his inability to escape when pursued so closely by numbers. On the + contrary, all his energies were aroused in order to meet his expected + fate, with a calmness that should do credit to his colour and his manhood; + one equally removed from recreant alarm, and savage boasting. + </p> + <p> + When Rivenoak re-appeared in the circle, he occupied his old place at the + head of the area. Several of the elder warriors stood near him, but, now + that the brother of Sumach had fallen, there was no longer any recognised + chief present whose influence and authority offered a dangerous rivalry to + his own. Nevertheless, it is well known that little which could be called + monarchical or despotic entered into the politics of the North American + tribes, although the first colonists, bringing with them to this + hemisphere the notions and opinions of their own countries, often + dignified the chief men of those primitive nations with the titles of + kings and princes. Hereditary influence did certainly exist, but there is + much reason to believe it existed rather as a consequence of hereditary + merit and acquired qualifications, than as a birthright. Rivenoak, + however, had not even this claim, having risen to consideration purely by + the force of talents, sagacity, and, as Bacon expresses it in relation to + all distinguished statesmen, “by a union of great and mean qualities;” a + truth of which the career of the profound Englishman himself furnishes so + apt an illustration. Next to arms, eloquence offers the great avenue to + popular favor, whether it be in civilized or savage life, and Rivenoak had + succeeded, as so many have succeeded before him, quite as much by + rendering fallacies acceptable to his listeners, as by any profound or + learned expositions of truth, or the accuracy of his logic. Nevertheless, + he had influence; and was far from being altogether without just claims to + its possession. Like most men who reason more than they feel, the Huron + was not addicted to the indulgence of the more ferocious passions of his + people: he had been commonly found on the side of mercy, in all the scenes + of vindictive torture and revenge that had occurred in his tribe since his + own attainment to power. On the present occasion, he was reluctant to + proceed to extremities, although the provocation was so great. Still it + exceeded his ingenuity to see how that alternative could well be avoided. + Sumach resented her rejection more than she did the deaths of her husband + and brother, and there was little probability that the woman would pardon + a man who had so unequivocally preferred death to her embraces. Without + her forgiveness, there was scarce a hope that the tribe could be induced + to overlook its loss, and even to Rivenoak, himself, much as he was + disposed to pardon, the fate of our hero now appeared to be almost + hopelessly sealed. + </p> + <p> + When the whole band was arrayed around the captive, a grave silence, so + much the more threatening from its profound quiet, pervaded the place. + Deerslayer perceived that the women and boys had been preparing splinters + of the fat pine roots, which he well knew were to be stuck into his flesh, + and set in flames, while two or three of the young men held the thongs of + bark with which he was to be bound. The smoke of a distant fire announced + that the burning brands were in preparation, and several of the elder + warriors passed their fingers over the edges of their tomahawks, as if to + prove their keenness and temper. Even the knives seemed loosened in their + sheathes, impatient for the bloody and merciless work to begin. + </p> + <p> + “Killer of the Deer,” recommenced Rivenoak, certainly without any signs of + sympathy or pity in his manner, though with calmness and dignity, “Killer + of the Deer, it is time that my people knew their minds. The sun is no + longer over our heads; tired of waiting on the Hurons, he has begun to + fall near the pines on this side of the valley. He is travelling fast + towards the country of our French fathers; it is to warn his children that + their lodges are empty, and that they ought to be at home. The roaming + wolf has his den, and he goes to it when he wishes to see his young. The + Iroquois are not poorer than the wolves. They have villages, and wigwams, + and fields of corn; the Good Spirits will be tired of watching them alone. + My people must go back and see to their own business. There will be joy in + the lodges when they hear our whoop from the forest! It will be a + sorrowful whoop; when it is understood, grief will come after it. There + will be one scalp-whoop, but there will be only one. We have the fur of + the Muskrat; his body is among the fishes. Deerslayer must say whether + another scalp shall be on our pole. Two lodges are empty; a scalp, living + or dead, is wanted at each door.” + </p> + <p> + “Then take 'em dead, Huron,” firmly, but altogether without dramatic + boasting, returned the captive. “My hour is come, I do suppose, and what + must be, must. If you are bent on the tortur', I'll do my indivours to + bear up ag'in it, though no man can say how far his natur' will stand + pain, until he's been tried.” + </p> + <p> + “The pale-face cur begins to put his tail between his legs!” cried a young + and garrulous savage, who bore the appropriate title of the Corbeau Rouge; + a sobriquet he had gained from the French by his facility in making + unseasonable noises, and an undue tendency to hear his own voice; “he is + no warrior; he has killed the Loup Cervier when looking behind him not to + see the flash of his own rifle. He grunts like a hog, already; when the + Huron women begin to torment him, he will cry like the young of the + catamount. He is a Delaware woman, dressed in the skin of a Yengeese!” + </p> + <p> + “Have your say, young man; have your say,” returned Deerslayer, unmoved; + “you know no better, and I can overlook it. Talking may aggravate women, + but can hardly make knives sharper, fire hotter, or rifles more sartain.” + </p> + <p> + Rivenoak now interposed, reproving the Red Crow for his premature + interference, and then directing the proper persons to bind the captive. + This expedient was adopted, not from any apprehensions that he would + escape, or from any necessity that was yet apparent of his being unable to + endure the torture with his limbs free, but from an ingenious design of + making him feel his helplessness, and of gradually sapping his resolution + by undermining it, as it might be, little by little. Deerslayer offered no + resistance. He submitted his arms and legs, freely if not cheerfully, to + the ligaments of bark, which were bound around them by order of the chief, + in a way to produce as little pain as possible. These directions were + secret, and given in the hope that the captive would finally save himself + from any serious bodily suffering by consenting to take the Sumach for a + wife. As soon as the body of Deerslayer was withed in bark sufficiently to + create a lively sense of helplessness, he was literally carried to a young + tree, and bound against it in a way that effectually prevented him from + moving, as well as from falling. The hands were laid flat against the + legs, and thongs were passed over all, in a way nearly to incorporate the + prisoner with the tree. His cap was then removed, and he was left + half-standing, half-sustained by his bonds, to face the coming scene in + the best manner he could. + </p> + <p> + Previously to proceeding to any thing like extremities, it was the wish of + Rivenoak to put his captive's resolution to the proof by renewing the + attempt at a compromise. This could be effected only in one manner, the + acquiescence of the Sumach being indispensably necessary to a compromise + of her right to be revenged. With this view, then, the woman was next + desired to advance, and to look to her own interests; no agent being + considered as efficient as the principal, herself, in this negotiation. + The Indian females, when girls, are usually mild and submissive, with + musical tones, pleasant voices and merry laughs, but toil and suffering + generally deprive them of most of these advantages by the time they have + reached an age which the Sumach had long before passed. To render their + voices harsh, it would seem to require active, malignant, passions, + though, when excited, their screams can rise to a sufficiently conspicuous + degree of discordancy to assert their claim to possess this distinctive + peculiarity of the sex. The Sumach was not altogether without feminine + attraction, however, and had so recently been deemed handsome in her + tribe, as not to have yet learned the full influence that time and + exposure produce on man, as well as on woman. By an arrangement of + Rivenoak's, some of the women around her had been employing the time in + endeavoring to persuade the bereaved widow that there was still a hope + Deerslayer might be prevailed on to enter her wigwam, in preference to + entering the world of spirits, and this, too, with a success that previous + symptoms scarcely justified. All this was the result of a resolution on + the part of the chief to leave no proper means unemployed, in order to get + transferred to his own nation the greatest hunter that was then thought to + exist in all that region, as well as a husband for a woman who he felt + would be likely to be troublesome, were any of her claims to the attention + and care of the tribe overlooked. + </p> + <p> + In conformity with this scheme, the Sumach had been secretly advised to + advance into the circle, and to make her appeal to the prisoner's sense of + justice, before the band had recourse to the last experiment. The woman, + nothing loth, consented, for there was some such attraction in becoming + the wife of a noted hunter, among the females of the tribes, as is + experienced by the sex, in more refined life, when they bestow their hands + on the affluent. As the duties of a mother were thought to be paramount to + all other considerations, the widow felt none of that embarrassment, in + preferring her claims, to which even a female fortune hunter among + ourselves might be liable. When she stood forth before the whole party, + therefore, the children that she led by the hands fully justified all she + did. + </p> + <p> + “You see me before you, cruel pale-face,” the woman commenced; “your + spirit must tell you my errand. I have found you; I cannot find le Loup + Cervier, nor the Panther; I have looked for them in the lake, in the + woods, in the clouds. I cannot say where they have gone.” + </p> + <p> + “No man knows, good Sumach, no man knows,” interposed the captive. “When + the spirit leaves the body, it passes into a world beyond our knowledge, + and the wisest way, for them that are left behind, is to hope for the + best. No doubt both your warriors have gone to the Happy Hunting Grounds, + and at the proper time you will see 'em ag'in, in their improved state. + The wife and sister of braves must have looked forward to some such + tarmination of their 'arthly careers.” + </p> + <p> + “Cruel pale-face, what had my warriors done that you should slay them! + They were the best hunters, and the boldest young men of their tribe; the + Great Spirit intended that they should live until they withered like the + branches of the hemlock, and fell of their own weight—” + </p> + <p> + “Nay—nay—good Sumach,” interrupted Deerslayer, whose love of + truth was too indomitable to listen to such hyperbole with patience, even + though it came from the torn breast of a widow—“Nay—nay, good + Sumach, this is a little outdoing red-skin privileges. Young man was + neither, any more than you can be called a young woman, and as to the + Great Spirit's intending that they should fall otherwise than they did, + that's a grievous mistake, inasmuch as what the Great Spirit intends is + sartain to come to pass. Then, agin, it's plain enough neither of your + fri'nds did me any harm; I raised my hand ag'in 'em on account of what + they were striving to do, rather than what they did. This is nat'ral law, + 'to do lest you should be done by.'” + </p> + <p> + “It is so. Sumach has but one tongue; she can tell but one story. The pale + face struck the Hurons lest the Hurons should strike him. The Hurons are a + just nation; they will forget it. The chiefs will shut their eyes and + pretend not to have seen it; the young men will believe the Panther and + the Lynx have gone to far off hunts, and the Sumach will take her children + by the hand, and go into the lodge of the pale-face and say—'See; + these are your children; they are also mine—feed us, and we will + live with you.'” + </p> + <p> + “The tarms are onadmissable, woman, and though I feel for your losses, + which must be hard to bear, the tarms cannot be accepted. As to givin' you + ven'son, in case we lived near enough together, that would be no great + expl'ite; but as for becomin' your husband, and the father of your + children, to be honest with you, I feel no callin' that-a-way.” + </p> + <p> + “Look at this boy, cruel pale-face; he has no father to teach him to kill + the deer, or to take scalps. See this girl; what young man will come to + look for a wife in a lodge that has no head? There are more among my + people in the Canadas, and the Killer of Deer will find as many mouths to + feed as his heart can wish for.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, woman,” exclaimed Deerslayer, whose imagination was far from + seconding the appeal of the widow, and who began to grow restive under the + vivid pictures she was drawing, “all this is nothing to me. People and + kindred must take care of their own fatherless, leaving them that have no + children to their own loneliness. As for me, I have no offspring, and I + want no wife. Now, go away Sumach; leave me in the hands of your chiefs, + for my colour, and gifts, and natur' itself cry out ag'in the idee of + taking you for a wife.” + </p> + <p> + It is unnecessary to expatiate on the effect of this downright refusal of + the woman's proposals. If there was anything like tenderness in her bosom—and + no woman was probably ever entirely without that feminine quality—it + all disappeared at this plain announcement. Fury, rage, mortified pride, + and a volcano of wrath burst out, at one explosion, converting her into a + sort of maniac, as it might beat the touch of a magician's wand. Without + deigning a reply in words, she made the arches of the forest ring with + screams, and then flew forward at her victim, seizing him by the hair, + which she appeared resolute to draw out by the roots. It was some time + before her grasp could be loosened. Fortunately for the prisoner her rage + was blind; since his total helplessness left him entirely at her mercy. + Had it been better directed it might have proved fatal before any relief + could have been offered. As it was, she did succeed in wrenching out two + or three handsful of hair, before the young men could tear her away from + her victim. + </p> + <p> + The insult that had been offered to the Sumach was deemed an insult to the + whole tribe; not so much, however, on account of any respect that was felt + for the woman, as on account of the honor of the Huron nation. Sumach, + herself, was generally considered to be as acid as the berry from which + she derived her name, and now that her great supporters, her husband and + brother, were both gone, few cared about concealing their aversion. + Nevertheless, it had become a point of honor to punish the pale-face who + disdained a Huron woman, and more particularly one who coolly preferred + death to relieving the tribe from the support of a widow and her children. + The young men showed an impatience to begin to torture that Rivenoak + understood, and, as his older associates manifested no disposition to + permit any longer delay, he was compelled to give the signal for the + infernal work to proceed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXIX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The ugly bear now minded not the stake, + Nor how the cruel mastiffs do him tear, + The stag lay still unroused from the brake, + The foamy boar feared not the hunter's spear: + All thing was still in desert, bush, and briar:” + + Thomas Sackville; “The Complaint of Henry Duke of Buckingham,” + lxxxi. +</pre> + <p> + 'Twas one of the common expedients of the savages, on such occasions, to + put the nerves of their victims to the severest proofs. On the other hand, + it was a matter of Indian pride to betray no yielding to terror, or pain, + but for the prisoner to provoke his enemies to such acts of violence as + would soonest produce death. Many a warrior had been known to bring his + own sufferings to a more speedy termination, by taunting reproaches and + reviling language, when he found that his physical system was giving way + under the agony of sufferings produced by a hellish ingenuity that might + well eclipse all that has been said of the infernal devices of religious + persecution. This happy expedient of taking refuge from the ferocity of + his foes, in their passions, was denied Deerslayer however, by his + peculiar notions of the duty of a white man, and he had stoutly made up + his mind to endure everything, in preference to disgracing his colour. + </p> + <p> + No sooner did the young men understand that they were at liberty to + commence, than some of the boldest and most forward among them sprang into + the arena, tomahawk in hand. Here they prepared to throw that dangerous + weapon, the object being to strike the tree as near as possible to the + victim's head, without absolutely hitting him. This was so hazardous an + experiment that none but those who were known to be exceedingly expert + with the weapon were allowed to enter the lists at all, lest an early + death might interfere with the expected entertainment. In the truest hands + it was seldom that the captive escaped injury in these trials, and it + often happened that death followed, even when the blow was not + premeditated. In the particular case of our hero, Rivenoak and the older + warriors were apprehensive that the example of the Panther's fate might + prove a motive with some fiery spirit suddenly to sacrifice his conqueror, + when the temptation of effecting it in precisely the same manner, and + possibly with the identical weapon with which the warrior had fallen, + offered. This circumstance of itself rendered the ordeal of the tomahawk + doubly critical for the Deerslayer. It would seem, however, that all who + now entered what we shall call the lists, were more disposed to exhibit + their own dexterity, than to resent the deaths of their comrades. Each + prepared himself for the trial with the feelings of rivalry, rather than + with the desire for vengeance, and, for the first few minutes, the + prisoner had little more connection with the result, than grew out of the + interest that necessarily attached itself to a living target. The young + men were eager, instead of being fierce, and Rivenoak thought he still saw + signs of being able to save the life of the captive when the vanity of the + young men had been gratified; always admitting that it was not sacrificed + to the delicate experiments that were about to be made. The first youth + who presented himself for the trial was called The Raven, having as yet + had no opportunity of obtaining a more warlike sobriquet. He was + remarkable for high pretension, rather than for skill or exploits, and + those who knew his character thought the captive in imminent danger when + he took his stand, and poised the tomahawk. Nevertheless, the young man + was good natured, and no thought was uppermost in his mind other than the + desire to make a better cast than any of his fellows. Deerslayer got an + inkling of this warrior's want of reputation by the injunctions that he + had received from the seniors, who, indeed, would have objected to his + appearing in the arena, at all, but for an influence derived from his + father; an aged warrior of great merit, who was then in the lodges of the + tribe. Still, our hero maintained an appearance of self-possession. He had + made up his mind that his hour was come, and it would have been a mercy, + instead of a calamity, to fall by the unsteadiness of the first hand that + was raised against him. After a suitable number of flourishes and + gesticulations that promised much more than he could perform, the Raven + let the tomahawk quit his hand. The weapon whirled through the air with + the usual evolutions, cut a chip from the sapling to which the prisoner + was bound within a few inches of his cheek, and stuck in a large oak that + grew several yards behind him. This was decidedly a bad effort, and a + common sneer proclaimed as much, to the great mortification of the young + man. On the other hand, there was a general but suppressed murmur of + admiration at the steadiness with which the captive stood the trial. The + head was the only part he could move, and this had been purposely left + free, that the tormentors might have the amusement, and the tormented + endure the shame, of his dodging, and otherwise attempting to avoid the + blows. Deerslayer disappointed these hopes by a command of nerve that + rendered his whole body as immovable as the tree to which he was bound. + Nor did he even adopt the natural and usual expedient of shutting his + eyes, the firmest and oldest warrior of the red-men never having more + disdainfully denied himself this advantage under similar circumstances. + </p> + <p> + The Raven had no sooner made his unsuccessful and puerile effort, than he + was succeeded by le Daim-Mose, or the Moose; a middle aged warrior who was + particularly skilful in the use of the tomahawk, and from whose attempt + the spectators confidently looked for gratification. This man had none of + the good nature of the Raven, but he would gladly have sacrificed the + captive to his hatred of the pale-faces generally, were it not for the + greater interest he felt in his own success as one particularly skilled in + the use of this weapon. He took his stand quietly, but with an air of + confidence, poised his little axe but a single instant, advanced a foot + with a quick motion, and threw. Deerslayer saw the keen instrument + whirling towards him, and believed all was over; still, he was not + touched. The tomahawk had actually bound the head of the captive to the + tree, by carrying before it some of his hair, having buried itself deep + beneath the soft bark. A general yell expressed the delight of the + spectators, and the Moose felt his heart soften a little towards the + prisoner, whose steadiness of nerve alone enabled him to give this + evidence of his consummate skill. + </p> + <p> + Le Daim-Mose was succeeded by the Bounding Boy, or le Garcon qui Bondi who + came leaping into the circle, like a hound or a goat at play. This was one + of those elastic youths whose muscles seemed always in motion, and who + either affected, or who from habit was actually unable, to move in any + other manner than by showing the antics just mentioned. Nevertheless, he + was both brave and skilful, and had gained the respect of his people by + deeds in war, as well as success in the hunts. A far nobler name would + long since have fallen to his share, had not a French-man of rank + inadvertently given him this sobriquet, which he religiously preserved as + coming from his Great Father who lived beyond the Wide Salt Lake. The + Bounding Boy skipped about in front of the captive, menacing him with his + tomahawk, now on one side and now on another, and then again in front, in + the vain hope of being able to extort some sign of fear by this parade of + danger. At length Deerslayer's patience became exhausted by all this + mummery, and he spoke for the first time since the trial had actually + commenced. + </p> + <p> + “Throw away, Huron,” he cried, “or your tomahawk will forget its ar'n'd. + Why do you keep loping about like a fa'a'n that's showing its dam how well + it can skip, when you're a warrior grown, yourself, and a warrior grown + defies you and all your silly antiks. Throw, or the Huron gals will laugh + in your face.” + </p> + <p> + Although not intended to produce such an effect, the last words aroused + the “Bounding” warrior to fury. The same nervous excitability which + rendered him so active in his person, made it difficult to repress his + feelings, and the words were scarcely past the lips of the speaker than + the tomahawk left the hand of the Indian. Nor was it cast without + ill-will, and a fierce determination to slay. Had the intention been less + deadly, the danger might have been greater. The aim was uncertain, and the + weapon glanced near the cheek of the captive, slightly cutting the + shoulder in its evolutions. This was the first instance in which any other + object than that of terrifying the prisoner, and of displaying skill had + been manifested, and the Bounding Boy was immediately led from the arena, + and was warmly rebuked for his intemperate haste, which had come so near + defeating all the hopes of the band. To this irritable person succeeded + several other young warriors, who not only hurled the tomahawk, but who + cast the knife, a far more dangerous experiment, with reckless + indifference; yet they always manifested a skill that prevented any injury + to the captive. Several times Deerslayer was grazed, but in no instance + did he receive what might be termed a wound. The unflinching firmness with + which he faced his assailants, more especially in the sort of rally with + which this trial terminated, excited a profound respect in the spectators, + and when the chiefs announced that the prisoner had well withstood the + trials of the knife and the tomahawk, there was not a single individual in + the band who really felt any hostility towards him, with the exception of + Sumach and the Bounding Boy. These two discontented spirits got together, + it is true, feeding each other's ire, but as yet their malignant feelings + were confined very much to themselves, though there existed the danger + that the others, ere long, could not fail to be excited by their own + efforts into that demoniacal state which usually accompanied all similar + scenes among the red men. + </p> + <p> + Rivenoak now told his people that the pale-face had proved himself to be a + man. He might live with the Delawares, but he had not been made woman with + that tribe. He wished to know whether it was the desire of the Hurons to + proceed any further. Even the gentlest of the females, however, had + received too much satisfaction in the late trials to forego their + expectations of a gratifying exhibition, and there was but one voice in + the request to proceed. The politic chief, who had some such desire to + receive so celebrated a hunter into his tribe, as a European Minister has + to devise a new and available means of taxation, sought every plausible + means of arresting the trial in season, for he well knew, if permitted to + go far enough to arouse the more ferocious passions of the tormentors, it + would be as easy to dam the waters of the great lakes of his own region, + as to attempt to arrest them in their bloody career. He therefore called + four or five of the best marksmen to him, and bid them put the captive to + the proof of the rifle, while at the same time he cautioned them touching + the necessity of their maintaining their own credit, by the closest + attention to the manner of exhibiting their skill. + </p> + <p> + When Deerslayer saw the chosen warriors step into the circle, with their + arms prepared for service, he felt some such relief as the miserable + sufferer, who has long endured the agonies of disease, feels at the + certain approach of death. Any trifling variance in the aim of this + formidable weapon would prove fatal; since, the head being the target, or + rather the point it was desired to graze without injuring, an inch or two + of difference in the line of projection must at once determine the + question of life or death. + </p> + <p> + In the torture by the rifle there was none of the latitude permitted that + appeared in the case of even Gessler's apple, a hair's breadth being, in + fact, the utmost limits that an expert marksman would allow himself on an + occasion like this. Victims were frequently shot through the head by too + eager or unskilful hands, and it often occurred that, exasperated by the + fortitude and taunts of the prisoner, death was dealt intentionally in a + moment of ungovernable irritation. All this Deerslayer well knew, for it + was in relating the traditions of such scenes, as well as of the battles + and victories of their people, that the old men beguiled the long winter + evenings in their cabins. He now fully expected the end of his career, and + experienced a sort of melancholy pleasure in the idea that he was to fall + by a weapon as much beloved as the rifle. A slight interruption, however, + took place before the business was allowed to proceed. + </p> + <p> + Hetty Hutter witnessed all that passed, and the scene at first had pressed + upon her feeble mind in a way to paralyze it entirely; but, by this time + she had rallied, and was growing indignant at the unmerited suffering the + Indians were inflicting on her friend. Though timid, and shy as the young + of the deer on so many occasions, this right-feeling girl was always + intrepid in the cause of humanity; the lessons of her mother, and the + impulses of her own heart—perhaps we might say the promptings of + that unseen and pure spirit that seemed ever to watch over and direct her + actions—uniting to keep down the apprehensions of woman, and to + impel her to be bold and resolute. She now appeared in the circle, gentle, + feminine, even bashful in mien, as usual, but earnest in her words and + countenance, speaking like one who knew herself to be sustained by the + high authority of God. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you torment Deerslayer, redmen?” she asked “What has he done that + you trifle with his life; who has given you the right to be his judges? + Suppose one of your knives or tomahawks had hit him; what Indian among you + all could cure the wound you would make. Besides, in harming Deerslayer, + you injure your own friend; when father and Hurry Harry came after your + scalps, he refused to be of the party, and staid in the canoe by himself. + You are tormenting a good friend, in tormenting this young man!” + </p> + <p> + The Hurons listened with grave attention, and one among them, who + understood English, translated what had been said into their native + tongue. As soon as Rivenoak was made acquainted with the purport of her + address he answered it in his own dialect; the interpreter conveying it to + the girl in English. + </p> + <p> + “My daughter is very welcome to speak,” said the stern old orator, using + gentle intonations and smiling as kindly as if addressing a child—“The + Hurons are glad to hear her voice; they listen to what she says. The Great + Spirit often speaks to men with such tongues. This time, her eyes have not + been open wide enough to see all that has happened. Deerslayer did not + come for our scalps, that is true; why did he not come? Here they are on + our heads; the war locks are ready to be taken hold of; a bold enemy ought + to stretch out his hand to seize them. The Iroquois are too great a nation + to punish men that take scalps. What they do themselves, they like to see + others do. Let my daughter look around her and count my warriors. Had I as + many hands as four warriors, their fingers would be fewer than my people, + when they came into your hunting grounds. Now, a whole hand is missing. + Where are the fingers? Two have been cut off by this pale-face; my Hurons + wish to see if he did this by means of a stout heart, or by treachery. + Like a skulking fox, or like a leaping panther.” + </p> + <p> + “You know yourself, Huron, how one of them fell. I saw it, and you all saw + it, too. 'Twas too bloody to look at; but it was not Deerslayer's fault. + Your warrior sought his life, and he defended himself. I don't know + whether this good book says that it was right, but all men will do that. + Come, if you want to know which of you can shoot best, give Deerslayer a + rifle, and then you will find how much more expert he is than any of your + warriors; yes, than all of them together!” + </p> + <p> + Could one have looked upon such a scene with indifference, he would have + been amused at the gravity with which the savages listened to the + translation of this unusual request. No taunt, no smile mingled with their + surprise, for Hetty had a character and a manner too saintly to subject + her infirmity to the mockings of the rude and ferocious. On the contrary, + she was answered with respectful attention. + </p> + <p> + “My daughter does not always talk like a chief at a Council Fire,” + returned Rivenoak, “or she would not have said this. Two of my warriors + have fallen by the blows of our prisoner; their grave is too small to hold + a third. The Hurons do not like to crowd their dead. If there is another + spirit about to set out for the far off world, it must not be the spirit + of a Huron; it must be the spirit of a pale-face. Go, daughter, and sit by + Sumach, who is in grief; let the Huron warriors show how well they can + shoot; let the pale-face show how little he cares for their bullets.” + </p> + <p> + Hetty's mind was unequal to a sustained discussion, and accustomed to + defer to the directions of her seniors she did as told, seating herself + passively on a log by the side of the Sumach, and averting her face from + the painful scene that was occurring within the circle. + </p> + <p> + The warriors, as soon as this interruption had ceased, resumed their + places, and again prepared to exhibit their skill. As there was a double + object in view, that of putting the constancy of the captive to the proof, + and that of showing how steady were the hands of the marksmen under + circumstances of excitement, the distance was small, and, in one sense, + safe. But in diminishing the distance taken by the tormentors, the trial + to the nerves of the captive was essentially increased. The face of + Deerslayer, indeed, was just removed sufficiently from the ends of the + guns to escape the effects of the flash, and his steady eye was enabled to + look directly into their muzzles, as it might be, in anticipation of the + fatal messenger that was to issue from each. The cunning Hurons well knew + this fact, and scarce one levelled his piece without first causing it to + point as near as possible at the forehead of the prisoner, in the hope + that his fortitude would fail him, and that the band would enjoy the + triumph of seeing a victim quail under their ingenious cruelty. + Nevertheless each of the competitors was still careful not to injure, the + disgrace of striking prematurely being second only to that of failing + altogether in attaining the object. Shot after shot was made; all the + bullets coming in close proximity to the Deerslayer's head, without + touching it. Still no one could detect even the twitching of a muscle on + the part of the captive, or the slightest winking of an eye. This + indomitable resolution, which so much exceeded everything of its kind that + any present had before witnessed, might be referred to three distinct + causes. The first was resignation to his fate, blended with natural + steadiness of deportment; for our hero had calmly made up his mind that he + must die, and preferred this mode to any other; the second was his great + familiarity with this particular weapon, which deprived it of all the + terror that is usually connected with the mere form of the danger; and the + third was this familiarity carried out in practice, to a degree so nice as + to enable the intended victim to tell, within an inch, the precise spot + where each bullet must strike, for he calculated its range by looking in + at the bore of the piece. So exact was Deerslayer's estimation of the line + of fire, that his pride of feeling finally got the better of his + resignation, and when five or six had discharged their bullets into the + tree, he could not refrain from expressing his contempt at their want of + hand and eye. + </p> + <p> + “You may call this shooting, Mingos!” he exclaimed, “but we've squaws + among the Delawares, and I have known Dutch gals on the Mohawk, that could + outdo your greatest indivours. Ondo these arms of mine, put a rifle into + my hands, and I'll pin the thinnest warlock in your party to any tree you + can show me, and this at a hundred yards—ay, or at two hundred if + the objects can be seen, nineteen shots in twenty; or, for that matter + twenty in twenty, if the piece is creditable and trusty!” + </p> + <p> + A low menacing murmur followed this cool taunt. The ire of the warriors + kindled at listening to such a reproach from one who so far disdained + their efforts as to refuse even to wink when a rifle was discharged as + near his face as could be done without burning it. Rivenoak perceived that + the moment was critical, and, still retaining his hope of adopting so + noted a hunter into his tribe, the politic old chief interposed in time, + probably to prevent an immediate resort to that portion of the torture + which must necessarily have produced death through extreme bodily + suffering, if in no other manner. Moving into the centre of the irritated + group, he addressed them with his usual wily logic and plausible manner, + at once suppressing the fierce movement that had commenced. + </p> + <p> + “I see how it is,” he said. “We have been like the pale-faces when they + fasten their doors at night, out of fear of the red men. They use so many + bars that the fire comes and burns them before they can get out. We have + bound the Deerslayer too tight: the thongs keep his limbs from shaking and + his eyes from shutting. Loosen him; let us see what his own body is really + made of.” + </p> + <p> + It is often the case when we are thwarted in a cherished scheme, that any + expedient, however unlikely to succeed, is gladly resorted to in + preference to a total abandonment of the project. So it was with the + Hurons. The proposal of the chief found instant favor, and several hands + were immediately at work, cutting and tearing the ropes of bark from the + body of our hero. In half a minute Deerslayer stood as free from bonds as + when an hour before he had commenced his flight on the side of the + mountain. Some little time was necessary that he should recover the use of + his limbs, the circulation of the blood having been checked by the + tightness of the ligatures, and this was accorded to him by the politic + Rivenoak, under the pretence that his body would be more likely to submit + to apprehension if its true tone were restored; though really with a view + to give time to the fierce passions which had been awakened in the bosoms + of his young men to subside. This ruse succeeded, and Deerslayer by + rubbing his limbs, stamping his feet, and moving about, soon regained the + circulation, recovering all his physical powers as effectually as if + nothing had occurred to disturb them. + </p> + <p> + It is seldom men think of death in the pride of their health and strength. + So it was with Deerslayer. Having been helplessly bound and, as he had + every reason to suppose, so lately on the very verge of the other world, + to find himself so unexpectedly liberated, in possession of his strength + and with a full command of limb, acted on him like a sudden restoration to + life, reanimating hopes that he had once absolutely abandoned. From that + instant all his plans changed. In this, he simply obeyed a law of nature; + for while we have wished to represent our hero as being resigned to his + fate, it has been far from our intention to represent him as anxious to + die. From the instant that his buoyancy of feeling revived, his thoughts + were keenly bent on the various projects that presented themselves as + modes of evading the designs of his enemies, and he again became the quick + witted, ingenious and determined woodsman, alive to all his own powers and + resources. The change was so great that his mind resumed its elasticity, + and no longer thinking of submission, it dwelt only on the devices of the + sort of warfare in which he was engaged. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Deerslayer was released, the band divided itself in a circle + around him, in order to hedge him in, and the desire to break down his + spirit grew in them, precisely as they saw proofs of the difficulty there + would be in subduing it. The honor of the band was now involved in the + issue, and even the fair sex lost all its sympathy with suffering in the + desire to save the reputation of the tribe. The voices of the girls, soft + and melodious as nature had made them, were heard mingling with the + menaces of the men, and the wrongs of Sumach suddenly assumed the + character of injuries inflicted on every Huron female. Yielding to this + rising tumult, the men drew back a little, signifying to the females that + they left the captive, for a time, in their hands, it being a common + practice on such occasions for the women to endeavor to throw the victim + into a rage by their taunts and revilings, and then to turn him suddenly + over to the men in a state of mind that was little favorable to resisting + the agony of bodily suffering. Nor was this party without the proper + instruments for effecting such a purpose. Sumach had a notoriety as a + scold, and one or two crones, like the She Bear, had come out with the + party, most probably as the conservators of its decency and moral + discipline; such things occurring in savage as well as in civilized life. + It is unnecessary to repeat all that ferocity and ignorance could invent + for such a purpose, the only difference between this outbreaking of + feminine anger, and a similar scene among ourselves, consisting in the + figures of speech and the epithets, the Huron women calling their prisoner + by the names of the lower and least respected animals that were known to + themselves. + </p> + <p> + But Deerslayer's mind was too much occupied to permit him to be disturbed + by the abuse of excited hags, and their rage necessarily increasing with + his indifference, as his indifference increased with their rage, the + furies soon rendered themselves impotent by their own excesses. Perceiving + that the attempt was a complete failure, the warriors interfered to put a + stop to this scene, and this so much the more because preparations were + now seriously making for the commencement of the real tortures, or that + which would put the fortitude of the sufferer to the test of severe bodily + pain. A sudden and unlooked for announcement, that proceeded from one of + the look-outs, a boy ten or twelve years old, however, put a momentary + check to the whole proceedings. As this interruption has a close + connection with the dénouement of our story, it shall be given in a + separate chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “So deem'st thou—so each mortal deems + Of that which is from that which seems; + But other harvest here + Than that which peasant's scythe demands, + Was gather'd in by sterner hands, + With bayonet, blade, and spear.” + + Scott, “The Field of Waterloo,” V.i-6. +</pre> + <p> + It exceeded Deerslayer's power to ascertain what had produced the sudden + pause in the movements of his enemies, until the fact was revealed in the + due course of events. He perceived that much agitation prevailed among the + women in particular, while the warriors rested on their arms in a sort of + dignified expectation. It was plain no alarm was excited, though it was + not equally apparent that a friendly occurrence produced the delay. + Rivenoak was evidently apprised of all, and by a gesture of his arm he + appeared to direct the circle to remain unbroken, and for each person to + await the issue in the situation he or she then occupied. It required but + a minute or two to bring an explanation of this singular and mysterious + pause, which was soon terminated by the appearance of Judith on the + exterior of the line of bodies, and her ready admission within its circle. + </p> + <p> + If Deerslayer was startled by this unexpected arrival, well knowing that + the quick witted girl could claim none of that exemption from the + penalties of captivity that was so cheerfully accorded to her feebler + minded sister, he was equally astonished at the guise in which she came. + All her ordinary forest attire, neat and becoming as this usually was, had + been laid aside for the brocade that has been already mentioned, and which + had once before wrought so great and magical an effect in her appearance. + Nor was this all. Accustomed to see the ladies of the garrison in the + formal, gala attire of the day, and familiar with the more critical + niceties of these matters, the girl had managed to complete her dress in a + way to leave nothing strikingly defective in its details, or even to + betray an incongruity that would have been detected by one practised in + the mysteries of the toilet. Head, feet, arms, hands, bust, and drapery, + were all in harmony, as female attire was then deemed attractive and + harmonious, and the end she aimed at, that of imposing on the uninstructed + senses of the savages, by causing them to believe their guest was a woman + of rank and importance, might well have succeeded with those whose habits + had taught them to discriminate between persons. Judith, in addition to + her rare native beauty, had a singular grace of person, and her mother had + imparted enough of her own deportment to prevent any striking or offensive + vulgarity of manner; so that, sooth to say, the gorgeous dress might have + been worse bestowed in nearly every particular. Had it been displayed in a + capital, a thousand might have worn it, before one could have been found + to do more credit to its gay colours, glossy satins, and rich laces, than + the beautiful creature whose person it now aided to adorn. The effect of + such an apparition had not been miscalculated. The instant Judith found + herself within the circle, she was, in a degree, compensated for the + fearful personal risk she ran, by the unequivocal sensation of surprise + and admiration produced by her appearance. The grim old warriors uttered + their favorite exclamation “hugh!” The younger men were still more + sensibly overcome, and even the women were not backward in letting open + manifestations of pleasure escape them. It was seldom that these untutored + children of the forest had ever seen any white female above the commonest + sort, and, as to dress, never before had so much splendor shone before + their eyes. The gayest uniforms of both French and English seemed dull + compared with the lustre of the brocade, and while the rare personal + beauty of the wearer added to the effect produced by its hues, the attire + did not fail to adorn that beauty in a way which surpassed even the hopes + of its wearer. Deerslayer himself was astounded, and this quite as much by + the brilliant picture the girl presented, as at the indifference to + consequences with which she had braved the danger of the step she had + taken. Under such circumstances, all waited for the visitor to explain her + object, which to most of the spectators seemed as inexplicable as her + appearance. + </p> + <p> + “Which of these warriors is the principal chief?” demanded Judith of + Deerslayer, as soon as she found it was expected that she should open the + communications; “my errand is too important to be delivered to any of + inferior rank. First explain to the Hurons what I say; then give an answer + to the question I have put.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer quietly complied, his auditors greedily listening to the + interpretation of the first words that fell from so extraordinary a + vision. The demand seemed perfectly in character for one who had every + appearance of an exalted rank, herself. Rivenoak gave an appropriate + reply, by presenting himself before his fair visitor in a way to leave no + doubt that he was entitled to all the consideration he claimed. + </p> + <p> + “I can believe this, Huron,” resumed Judith, enacting her assumed part + with a steadiness and dignity that did credit to her powers of imitation, + for she strove to impart to her manner the condescending courtesy she had + once observed in the wife of a general officer, at a similar though a more + amicable scene: “I can believe you to be the principal person of this + party; I see in your countenance the marks of thought and reflection. To + you, then, I must make my communication.” + </p> + <p> + “Let the Flower of the Woods speak,” returned the old chief courteously, + as soon as her address had been translated so that all might understand it—“If + her words are as pleasant as her looks, they will never quit my ears; I + shall hear them long after the winter of Canada has killed all the + flowers, and frozen all the speeches of summer.” + </p> + <p> + This admiration was grateful to one constituted like Judith, and + contributed to aid her self-possession, quite as much as it fed her + vanity. Smiling involuntarily, or in spite of her wish to seem reserved, + she proceeded in her plot. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Huron,” she continued, “listen to my words. Your eyes tell you that + I am no common woman. I will not say I am queen of this country; she is + afar off, in a distant land; but under our gracious monarchs, there are + many degrees of rank; one of these I fill. What that rank is precisely, it + is unnecessary for me to say, since you would not understand it. For that + information you must trust your eyes. You see what I am; you must feel + that in listening to my words, you listen to one who can be your friend, + or your enemy, as you treat her.” + </p> + <p> + This was well uttered, with a due attention to manner and a steadiness of + tone that was really surprising, considering all the circumstances of the + case. It was well, though simply rendered into the Indian dialect too, and + it was received with a respect and gravity that augured favourably for the + girl's success. But Indian thought is not easily traced to its sources. + Judith waited with anxiety to hear the answer, filled with hope even while + she doubted. Rivenoak was a ready speaker, and he answered as promptly as + comported with the notions of Indian decorum; that peculiar people seeming + to think a short delay respectful, inasmuch as it manifests that the words + already heard have been duly weighed. + </p> + <p> + “My daughter is handsomer than the wild roses of Ontario; her voice is + pleasant to the ear as the song of the wren,” answered the cautious and + wily chief, who of all the band stood alone in not being fully imposed on + by the magnificent and unusual appearance of Judith; but who distrusted + even while he wondered: “the humming bird is not much larger than the bee; + yet, its feathers are as gay as the tail of the peacock. The Great Spirit + sometimes puts very bright clothes on very little animals. Still He covers + the Moose with coarse hair. These things are beyond the understanding of + poor Indians, who can only comprehend what they see and hear. No doubt my + daughter has a very large wigwam somewhere about the lake; the Hurons have + not found it, on account of their ignorance?” + </p> + <p> + “I have told you, chief, that it would be useless to state my rank and + residence, in as much as you would not comprehend them. You must trust to + your eyes for this knowledge; what red man is there who cannot see? This + blanket that I wear is not the blanket of a common squaw; these ornaments + are such as the wives and daughters of chiefs only appear in. Now, listen + and hear why I have come alone among your people, and hearken to the + errand that has brought me here. The Yengeese have young men, as well as + the Hurons; and plenty of them, too; this you well know.” + </p> + <p> + “The Yengeese are as plenty as the leaves on the trees! This every Huron + knows, and feels.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, chief. Had I brought a party with me, it might have + caused trouble. My young men and your young men would have looked angrily + at each other; especially had my young men seen that pale-face bound for + the torture. He is a great hunter, and is much loved by all the garrisons, + far and near. There would have been blows about him, and the trail of the + Iroquois back to the Canadas would have been marked with blood.” + </p> + <p> + “There is so much blood on it, now,” returned the chief, gloomily, “that + it blinds our eyes. My young men see that it is all Huron.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt; and more Huron blood would be spilt had I come surrounded with + pale-faces. I have heard of Rivenoak, and have thought it would be better + to send him back in peace to his village, that he might leave his women + and children behind him; if he then wished to come for our scalps, we + would meet him. He loves animals made of ivory, and little rifles. See; I + have brought some with me to show him. I am his friend. When he has packed + up these things among his goods, he will start for his village, before any + of my young men can overtake him, and then he will show his people in + Canada what riches they can come to seek, now that our great fathers, + across the Salt Lake, have sent each other the war hatchet. I will lead + back with me this great hunter, of whom I have need to keep my house in + venison.” + </p> + <p> + Judith, who was sufficiently familiar with Indian phraseology, endeavored + to express her ideas in the sententious manner common to those people, and + she succeeded even beyond her own expectations. Deerslayer did her full + justice in the translation, and this so much the more readily, since the + girl carefully abstained from uttering any direct untruth; a homage she + paid to the young man's known aversion to falsehood, which he deemed a + meanness altogether unworthy of a white man's gifts. The offering of the + two remaining elephants, and of the pistols already mentioned, one of + which was all the worse for the recent accident, produced a lively + sensation among the Hurons, generally, though Rivenoak received it coldly, + notwithstanding the delight with which he had first discovered the + probable existence of a creature with two tails. In a word, this cool and + sagacious savage was not so easily imposed on as his followers, and with a + sentiment of honor that half the civilized world would have deemed + supererogatory, he declined the acceptance of a bribe that he felt no + disposition to earn by a compliance with the donor's wishes. + </p> + <p> + “Let my daughter keep her two-tailed hog, to eat when venison is scarce,” + he drily answered, “and the little gun, which has two muzzles. The Hurons + will kill deer when they are hungry, and they have long rifles to fight + with. This hunter cannot quit my young men now; they wish to know if he is + as stouthearted as he boasts himself to be.” + </p> + <p> + “That I deny, Huron—” interrupted Deerslayer, with warmth—“Yes, + that I downright deny, as ag'in truth and reason. No man has heard me + boast, and no man shall, though ye flay me alive, and then roast the + quivering flesh, with your own infarnal devices and cruelties! I may be + humble, and misfortunate, and your prisoner; but I'm no boaster, by my + very gifts.” + </p> + <p> + “My young pale-face boasts he is no boaster,” returned the crafty chief: + “he must be right. I hear a strange bird singing. It has very rich + feathers. No Huron ever before saw such feathers! They will be ashamed to + go back to their village, and tell their people that they let their + prisoner go on account of the song of this strange bird and not be able to + give the name of the bird. They do not know how to say whether it is a + wren, or a cat bird. This would be a great disgrace; my young men would + not be allowed to travel in the woods without taking their mothers with + them, to tell them the names of the birds!” + </p> + <p> + “You can ask my name of your prisoner,” returned the girl. “It is Judith; + and there is a great deal of the history of Judith in the pale-face's best + book, the Bible. If I am a bird of fine feathers, I have also my name.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered the wily Huron, betraying the artifice he had so long + practised, by speaking in English with tolerable accuracy, “I not ask + prisoner. He tired; he want rest. I ask my daughter, with feeble mind. She + speak truth. Come here, daughter; you answer. Your name, Hetty?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's what they call me,” returned the girl, “though it's written + Esther in the Bible.” + </p> + <p> + “He write him in bible, too! All write in bible. No matter—what her + name?” + </p> + <p> + “That's Judith, and it's so written in the Bible, though father sometimes + called her Jude. That's my sister Judith. Thomas Hutter's daughter—Thomas + Hutter, whom you called the Muskrat; though he was no muskrat, but a man + like yourselves—he lived in a house on the water, and that was + enough for you.” + </p> + <p> + A smile of triumph gleamed on the hard wrinkled countenance of the chief, + when he found how completely his appeal to the truth-loving Hetty had + succeeded. As for Judith, herself, the moment her sister was questioned, + she saw that all was lost; for no sign, or even intreaty could have + induced the right feeling girl to utter a falsehood. To attempt to impose + a daughter of the Muskrat on the savages as a princess, or a great lady, + she knew would be idle, and she saw her bold and ingenious expedient for + liberating the captive fail, through one of the simplest and most natural + causes that could be imagined. She turned her eye on Deerslayer, + therefore, as if imploring him to interfere to save them both. + </p> + <p> + “It will not do, Judith,” said the young man, in answer to this appeal, + which he understood, though he saw its uselessness; “it will not do. 'Twas + a bold idea, and fit for a general's lady, but yonder Mingo” Rivenoak had + withdrawn to a little distance, and was out of earshot—“but yonder + Mingo is an oncommon man, and not to be deceived by any unnat'ral + sarcumvention. Things must come afore him in their right order, to draw a + cloud afore his eyes! 'Twas too much to attempt making him fancy that a + queen, or a great lady, lived in these mountains, and no doubt he thinks + the fine clothes you wear is some of the plunder of your own father—or, + at least, of him who once passed for your father; as quite likely it was, + if all they say is true.” + </p> + <p> + “At all events, Deerslayer, my presence here will save you for a time. + They will hardly attempt torturing you before my face!” + </p> + <p> + “Why not, Judith? Do you think they will treat a woman of the pale faces + more tenderly than they treat their own? It's true that your sex will most + likely save you from the torments, but it will not save your liberty, and + may not save your scalp. I wish you had not come, my good Judith; it can + do no good to me, while it may do great harm to yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “I can share your fate,” the girl answered with generous enthusiasm. “They + shall not injure you while I stand by, if in my power to prevent it—besides—” + </p> + <p> + “Besides, what, Judith? What means have you to stop Injin cruelties, or to + avart Injin deviltries?” + </p> + <p> + “None, perhaps, Deerslayer,” answered the girl, with firmness, “but I can + suffer with my friends—die with them if necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Judith—suffer you may; but die you will not, until the Lord's + time shall come. It's little likely that one of your sex and beauty will + meet with a harder fate than to become the wife of a chief, if, indeed + your white inclinations can stoop to match with an Injin. 'Twould have + been better had you staid in the Ark, or the castle, but what has been + done, is done. You was about to say something, when you stopped at + 'besides'?” + </p> + <p> + “It might not be safe to mention it here, Deerslayer,” the girl hurriedly + answered, moving past him carelessly, that she might speak in a lower + tone; “half an hour is all in all to us. None of your friends are idle.” + </p> + <p> + The hunter replied merely by a grateful look. Then he turned towards his + enemies, as if ready again to face their torments. A short consultation + had passed among the elders of the band, and by this time they also were + prepared with their decision. The merciful purpose of Rivenoak had been + much weakened by the artifice of Judith, which, failing of its real + object, was likely to produce results the very opposite of those she had + anticipated. This was natural; the feeling being aided by the resentment + of an Indian who found how near he had been to becoming the dupe of an + inexperienced girl. By this time, Judith's real character was fully + understood, the wide spread reputation of her beauty contributing to the + exposure. As for the unusual attire, it was confounded with the profound + mystery of the animals with two tails, and for the moment lost its + influence. + </p> + <p> + When Rivenoak, therefore, faced the captive again, it was with an altered + countenance. He had abandoned the wish of saving him, and was no longer + disposed to retard the more serious part of the torture. This change of + sentiment was, in effect, communicated to the young men, who were already + eagerly engaged in making their preparations for the contemplated scene. + Fragments of dried wood were rapidly collected near the sapling, the + splinters which it was intended to thrust into the flesh of the victim, + previously to lighting, were all collected, and the thongs were already + produced that were again to bind him to the tree. All this was done in + profound silence, Judith watching every movement with breathless + expectation, while Deerslayer himself stood seemingly as unmoved as one of + the pines of the hills. When the warriors advanced to bind him, however, + the young man glanced at Judith, as if to enquire whether resistance or + submission were most advisable. By a significant gesture she counselled + the last, and, in a minute, he was once more fastened to the tree, a + helpless object of any insult, or wrong, that might be offered. So eagerly + did every one now act, that nothing was said. The fire was immediately + lighted in the pile, and the end of all was anxiously expected. + </p> + <p> + It was not the intention of the Hurons absolutely to destroy the life of + their victim by means of fire. They designed merely to put his physical + fortitude to the severest proofs it could endure, short of that extremity. + In the end, they fully intended to carry his scalp with them into their + village, but it was their wish first to break down his resolution, and to + reduce him to the level of a complaining sufferer. With this view, the + pile of brush and branches had been placed at a proper distance, or, one + at which it was thought the heat would soon become intolerable, though it + might not be immediately dangerous. As often happened, however, on these + occasions, this distance had been miscalculated, and the flames began to + wave their forked tongues in a proximity to the face of the victim, that + would have proved fatal, in another instant, had not Hetty rushed through + the crowd, armed with a stick, and scattered the blazing pile in a dozen + directions. More than one hand was raised to strike this presumptuous + intruder to the earth, but the chiefs prevented the blows, by reminding + their irritated followers of the state of her mind. Hetty, herself, was + insensible to the risk she ran, but, as soon as she had performed this + bold act, she stood looking about her, in frowning resentment, as if to + rebuke the crowd of attentive savages for their cruelty. + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, dearest sister, for that brave and ready act!” murmured + Judith, herself unnerved so much as to be incapable of exertion—“Heaven, + itself, has sent you on its holy errand.” + </p> + <p> + “'Twas well meant, Judith—” rejoined the victim—“'twas + excellently meant, and 'twas timely; though it may prove ontimely in the + ind! What is to come to pass, must come to pass soon, or 'twill quickly be + too late. Had I drawn in one mouthful of that flame in breathing, the + power of man could not save my life, and you see that, this time, they've + so bound my forehead, as not to leave my head the smallest chance. 'Twas + well meant, but it might have been more marciful to let the flames act + their part.” + </p> + <p> + “Cruel, heartless Hurons!” exclaimed the still indignant Hetty—“Would + you burn a man and a Christian, as you would burn a log of wood! Do you + never read your Bibles? Or do you think God will forget such things?” + </p> + <p> + A gesture from Rivenoak caused the scattered brands to be collected. Fresh + wood was brought, even the women and children busying themselves eagerly, + in the gathering of dried sticks. The flame was just kindling a second + time, when an Indian female pushed through the circle, advanced to the + heap, and with her foot dashed aside the lighted twigs in time to prevent + the conflagration. A yell followed this second disappointment, but when + the offender turned towards the circle, and presented the countenance of + Hist, it was succeeded by a common exclamation of pleasure and surprise. + For a minute, all thought of pursuing the business in hand was forgotten. + Young and old crowded around the girl, in haste to demand an explanation + of her sudden and unlooked-for return. It was at this critical instant + that Hist spoke to Judith in a low voice, placed some small object unseen + in her hand, and then turned to meet the salutations of the Huron girls, + with whom she was personally a great favorite. Judith recovered her self + possession, and acted promptly. The small, keen edged knife that Hist had + given to the other, was passed by the latter into the hands of Hetty, as + the safest and least suspected medium of transferring it to Deerslayer. + But the feeble intellect of the last defeated the well-grounded hopes of + all three. Instead of first cutting loose the hands of the victim, and + then concealing the knife in his clothes, in readiness for action at the + most available instant, she went to work herself, with earnestness and + simplicity, to cut the thongs that bound his head, that he might not again + be in danger of inhaling flames. Of course this deliberate procedure was + seen, and the hands of Hetty were arrested, ere she had more than + liberated the upper portion of the captive's body, not including his arms + below the elbows. This discovery at once pointed distrust towards Hist, + and to Judith's surprise, when questioned on the subject, that spirited + girl was not disposed to deny her agency in what had passed. + </p> + <p> + “Why should I not help the Deerslayer?” the girl demanded, in the tones of + a firm minded woman. “He is the brother of a Delaware chief; my heart is + all Delaware. Come forth, miserable Briarthorn, and wash the Iroquois + paint from your face; stand before the Hurons the crow that you are. You + would eat the carrion of your own dead, rather than starve. Put him face + to face with Deerslayer, chiefs and warriors; I will show you how great a + knave you have been keeping in your tribe.” + </p> + <p> + This bold language, uttered in their own dialect and with a manner full of + confidence, produced a deep sensation among the Hurons. Treachery is + always liable to distrust, and though the recreant Briarthorn had + endeavoured to serve the enemy well, his exertions and assiduities had + gained for him little more than toleration. His wish to obtain Hist for a + wife had first induced him to betray her, and his own people, but serious + rivals to his first project had risen up among his new friends, weakening + still more their sympathies with treason. In a word, Briarthorn had been + barely permitted to remain in the Huron encampment, where he was as + closely and as jealously watched as Hist, herself, seldom appearing before + the chiefs, and sedulously keeping out of view of Deerslayer, who, until + this moment, was ignorant even of his presence. Thus summoned, however, it + was impossible to remain in the back ground. “Wash the Iroquois paint from + his face,” he did not, for when he stood in the centre of the circle, he + was so disguised in these new colours, that at first, the hunter did not + recognise him. He assumed an air of defiance, notwithstanding, and + haughtily demanded what any could say against “Briarthorn.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask yourself that,” continued Hist with spirit, though her manner grew + less concentrated, and there was a slight air of abstraction that became + observable to Deerslayer and Judith, if to no others—“Ask that of + your own heart, sneaking woodchuck of the Delawares; come not here with + the face of an innocent man. Go look into the spring; see the colours of + your enemies on your lying skin; then come back and boast how you run from + your tribe and took the blanket of the French for your covering! Paint + yourself as bright as the humming bird, you will still be black as the + crow!” + </p> + <p> + Hist had been so uniformly gentle, while living with the Hurons, that they + now listened to her language with surprise. As for the delinquent, his + blood boiled in his veins, and it was well for the pretty speaker that it + was not in his power to execute the revenge he burned to inflict on her, + in spite of his pretended love. + </p> + <p> + “Who wishes Briarthorn?” he sternly asked—“If this pale-face is + tired of life, if afraid of Indian torments, speak, Rivenoak; I will send + him after the warriors we have lost.” + </p> + <p> + “No, chiefs—no, Rivenoak—” eagerly interrupted Hist—“Deerslayer + fears nothing; least of all a crow! Unbind him—cut his withes, place + him face to face with this cawing bird; then let us see which is tired of + life!” + </p> + <p> + Hist made a forward movement, as if to take a knife from a young man, and + perform the office she had mentioned in person, but an aged warrior + interposed, at a sign from Rivenoak. This chief watched all the girl did + with distrust, for, even while speaking in her most boastful language, and + in the steadiest manner, there was an air of uncertainty and expectation + about her, that could not escape so close an observer. She acted well; but + two or three of the old men were equally satisfied that it was merely + acting. Her proposal to release Deerslayer, therefore, was rejected, and + the disappointed Hist found herself driven back from the sapling, at the + very moment she fancied herself about to be successful. At the same time, + the circle, which had got to be crowded and confused, was enlarged, and + brought once more into order. Rivenoak now announced the intention of the + old men again to proceed, the delay having continued long enough, and + leading to no result. + </p> + <p> + “Stop Huron—stay chiefs!—” exclaimed Judith, scarce knowing + what she said, or why she interposed, unless to obtain time. “For God's + sake, a single minute longer—” + </p> + <p> + The words were cut short, by another and a still more extraordinary + interruption. A young Indian came bounding through the Huron ranks, + leaping into the very centre of the circle, in a way to denote the utmost + confidence, or a temerity bordering on foolhardiness. Five or six + sentinels were still watching the lake at different and distant points, + and it was the first impression of Rivenoak that one of these had come in, + with tidings of import. Still the movements of the stranger were so rapid, + and his war dress, which scarcely left him more drapery than an antique + statue, had so little distinguishing about it, that, at the first moment, + it was impossible to ascertain whether he were friend or foe. Three leaps + carried this warrior to the side of Deerslayer, whose withes were cut in + the twinkling of an eye, with a quickness and precision that left the + prisoner perfect master of his limbs. Not till this was effected did the + stranger bestow a glance on any other object; then he turned and showed + the astonished Hurons the noble brow, fine person, and eagle eye, of a + young warrior, in the paint and panoply of a Delaware. He held a rifle in + each hand, the butts of both resting on the earth, while from one dangled + its proper pouch and horn. This was Killdeer which, even as he looked + boldly and in defiance at the crowd around him, he suffered to fall back + into the hands of its proper owner. The presence of two armed men, though + it was in their midst, startled the Hurons. Their rifles were scattered + about against the different trees, and their only weapons were their + knives and tomahawks. Still they had too much self-possession to betray + fear. It was little likely that so small a force would assail so strong a + band, and each man expected some extraordinary proposition to succeed so + decisive a step. The stranger did not seem disposed to disappoint them; he + prepared to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Hurons,” he said, “this earth is very big. The Great Lakes are big, too; + there is room beyond them for the Iroquois; there is room for the + Delawares on this side. I am Chingachgook the Son of Uncas; the kinsman of + Tamenund. This is my betrothed; that pale-face is my friend. My heart was + heavy, when I missed him; I followed him to your camp, to see that no harm + happened to him. All the Delaware girls are waiting for Wah; they wonder + that she stays away so long. Come, let us say farewell, and go on our + path.” + </p> + <p> + “Hurons, this is your mortal enemy, the Great Serpent of them you hate!” + cried Briarthorn. “If he escape, blood will be in your moccasin prints, + from this spot to the Canadas. I am all Huron!” As the last words were + uttered, the traitor cast his knife at the naked breast of the Delaware. A + quick movement of the arm, on the part of Hist, who stood near, turned + aside the blow, the dangerous weapon burying its point in a pine. At the + next instant, a similar weapon glanced from the hand of the Serpent, and + quivered in the recreant's heart. A minute had scarcely elapsed from the + moment in which Chingachgook bounded into the circle, and that in which + Briarthorn fell, like a log, dead in his tracks. The rapidity of events + had prevented the Hurons from acting; but this catastrophe permitted no + farther delay. A common exclamation followed, and the whole party was in + motion. At this instant a sound unusual to the woods was heard, and every + Huron, male and female, paused to listen, with ears erect and faces filled + with expectation. The sound was regular and heavy, as if the earth were + struck with beetles. Objects became visible among the trees of the + background, and a body of troops was seen advancing with measured tread. + They came upon the charge, the scarlet of the King's livery shining among + the bright green foliage of the forest. + </p> + <p> + The scene that followed is not easily described. It was one in which wild + confusion, despair, and frenzied efforts, were so blended as to destroy + the unity and distinctness of the action. A general yell burst from the + enclosed Hurons; it was succeeded by the hearty cheers of England. Still + not a musket or rifle was fired, though that steady, measured tramp + continued, and the bayonet was seen gleaming in advance of a line that + counted nearly sixty men. The Hurons were taken at a fearful disadvantage. + On three sides was the water, while their formidable and trained foes cut + them off from flight on the fourth. Each warrior rushed for his arms, and + then all on the point, man, woman and child, eagerly sought the covers. In + this scene of confusion and dismay, however, nothing could surpass the + discretion and coolness of Deerslayer. His first care was to place Judith + and Hist behind trees, and he looked for Hetty; but she had been hurried + away in the crowd of Huron women. This effected, he threw himself on a + flank of the retiring Hurons, who were inclining off towards the southern + margin of the point, in the hope of escaping through the water. Deerslayer + watched his opportunity, and finding two of his recent tormentors in a + range, his rifle first broke the silence of the terrific scene. The bullet + brought down both at one discharge. This drew a general fire from the + Hurons, and the rifle and war cry of the Serpent were heard in the clamor. + Still the trained men returned no answering volley, the whoop and piece of + Hurry alone being heard on their side, if we except the short, prompt word + of authority, and that heavy, measured and menacing tread. Presently, + however, the shrieks, groans, and denunciations that usually accompany the + use of the bayonet followed. That terrible and deadly weapon was glutted + in vengeance. The scene that succeeded was one of those of which so many + have occurred in our own times, in which neither age nor sex forms an + exemption to the lot of a savage warfare. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXXI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The flower that smiles to-day + To-morrow dies; + All that we wish to stay, + Tempts and then flies: + What is this world's delight? + Lightning that mocks the night, + Brief even as bright.” + + Shelley, “Mutability,” II. i-v. +</pre> + <p> + The picture next presented, by the point of land that the unfortunate + Hurons had selected for their last place of encampment, need scarcely be + laid before the eyes of the reader. Happily for the more tender-minded and + the more timid, the trunks of the trees, the leaves, and the smoke had + concealed much of that which passed, and night shortly after drew its veil + over the lake, and the whole of that seemingly interminable wilderness; + which may be said to have then stretched, with few and immaterial + interruptions, from the banks of the Hudson to the shores of the Pacific + Ocean. Our business carries us into the following day, when light returned + upon the earth, as sunny and as smiling as if nothing extraordinary had + occurred. + </p> + <p> + When the sun rose on the following morning, every sign of hostility and + alarm had vanished from the basin of the Glimmerglass. The frightful event + of the preceding evening had left no impression on the placid sheet, and + the untiring hours pursued their course in the placid order prescribed by + the powerful hand that set them in motion. The birds were again skimming + the water, or were seen poised on the wing, high above the tops of the + tallest pines of the mountains, ready to make their swoops, in obedience + to the irresistable law of their natures. In a word, nothing was changed, + but the air of movement and life that prevailed in and around the castle. + Here, indeed, was an alteration that must have struck the least observant + eye. A sentinel, who wore the light infantry uniform of a royal regiment, + paced the platform with measured tread, and some twenty more of the same + corps lounged about the place, or were seated in the ark. Their arms were + stacked under the eye of their comrade on post. Two officers stood + examining the shore, with the ship's glass so often mentioned. Their looks + were directed to that fatal point, where scarlet coats were still to be + seen gliding among the trees, and where the magnifying power of the + instrument also showed spades at work, and the sad duty of interment going + on. Several of the common men bore proofs on their persons that their + enemies had not been overcome entirely without resistance, and the + youngest of the two officers on the platform wore an arm in a sling. His + companion, who commanded the party, had been more fortunate. He it was who + used the glass, in making the reconnoissances in which the two were + engaged. + </p> + <p> + A sergeant approached to make a report. He addressed the senior of these + officers as Capt. Warley, while the other was alluded to as Mr., which was + equivalent to Ensign Thornton. The former it will at once be seen was the + officer who had been named with so much feeling in the parting dialogue + between Judith and Hurry. He was, in truth, the very individual with whom + the scandal of the garrisons had most freely connected the name of this + beautiful but indiscreet girl. He was a hard featured, red faced man of + about five and thirty; but of a military carriage, and with an air of + fashion that might easily impose on the imagination of one as ignorant of + the world as Judith. + </p> + <p> + “Craig is covering us with benedictions,” observed this person to his + young ensign, with an air of indifference, as he shut the glass and handed + it to his servant; “to say the truth, not without reason; it is certainly + more agreeable to be here in attendance on Miss Judith Hutter, than to be + burying Indians on a point of the lake, however romantic the position, or + brilliant the victory. By the way, Wright—is Davis still living?” + </p> + <p> + “He died about ten minutes since, your honor,” returned the sergeant to + whom this question was addressed. “I knew how it would be, as soon as I + found the bullet had touched the stomach. I never knew a man who could + hold out long, if he had a hole in his stomach.” + </p> + <p> + “No; it is rather inconvenient for carrying away any thing very + nourishing,” observed Warley, gaping. “This being up two nights de suite, + Arthur, plays the devil with a man's faculties! I'm as stupid as one of + those Dutch parsons on the Mohawk—I hope your arm is not painful, my + dear boy?” + </p> + <p> + “It draws a few grimaces from me, sir, as I suppose you see,” answered the + youth, laughing at the very moment his countenance was a little awry with + pain. “But it may be borne. I suppose Graham can spare a few minutes, + soon, to look at my hurt.” + </p> + <p> + “She is a lovely creature, this Judith Hutter, after all, Thornton; and it + shall not be my fault if she is not seen and admired in the Parks!” + resumed Warley, who thought little of his companion's wound—“your + arm, eh! Quite True—Go into the ark, sergeant, and tell Dr. Graham I + desire he would look at Mr. Thornton's injury, as soon as he has done with + the poor fellow with the broken leg. A lovely creature! and she looked + like a queen in that brocade dress in which we met her. I find all changed + here; father and mother both gone, the sister dying, if not dead, and none + of the family left, but the beauty! This has been a lucky expedition all + round, and promises to terminate better than Indian skirmishes in + general.” + </p> + <p> + “Am I to suppose, sir, that you are about to desert your colours, in the + great corps of bachelors, and close the campaign with matrimony?” + </p> + <p> + “I, Tom Warley, turn Benedict! Faith, my dear boy, you little know the + corps you speak of, if you fancy any such thing. I do suppose there are + women in the colonies that a captain of Light Infantry need not disdain; + but they are not to be found up here, on a mountain lake; or even down on + the Dutch river where we are posted. It is true, my uncle, the general, + once did me the favor to choose a wife for me in Yorkshire; but she had no + beauty—and I would not marry a princess, unless she were handsome.” + </p> + <p> + “If handsome, you would marry a beggar?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, these are the notions of an ensign! Love in a cottage—doors—and + windows—the old story, for the hundredth time. The 20th—don't + marry. We are not a marrying corps, my dear boy. There's the Colonel, Old + Sir Edwin——-, now; though a full General he has never thought + of a wife; and when a man gets as high as a Lieutenant General, without + matrimony, he is pretty safe. Then the Lieutenant Colonel is confirmed, as + I tell my cousin the bishop. The Major is a widower, having tried + matrimony for twelve months in his youth, and we look upon him, now, as + one of our most certain men. Out of ten captains, but one is in the + dilemma, and he, poor devil, is always kept at regimental headquarters, as + a sort of memento mori, to the young men as they join. As for the + subalterns, not one has ever yet had the audacity to speak of introducing + a wife into the regiment. But your arm is troublesome, and we'll go + ourselves and see what has become of Graham.” + </p> + <p> + The surgeon who had accompanied the party was employed very differently + from what the captain supposed. When the assault was over, and the dead + and wounded were collected, poor Hetty had been found among the latter. A + rifle bullet had passed through her body, inflicting an injury that was + known at a glance to be mortal. How this wound was received, no one knew; + it was probably one of those casualties that ever accompany scenes like + that related in the previous chapter. + </p> + <p> + The Sumach, all the elderly women, and some of the Huron girls, had fallen + by the bayonet, either in the confusion of the melee, or from the + difficulty of distinguishing the sexes when the dress was so simple. Much + the greater portion of the warriors suffered on the spot. A few had + escaped, however, and two or three had been taken unharmed. As for the + wounded, the bayonet saved the surgeon much trouble. Rivenoak had escaped + with life and limb, but was injured and a prisoner. As Captain Warley and + his ensign went into the Ark they passed him, seated in dignified silence + in one end of the scow, his head and leg bound, but betraying no visible + sign of despondency or despair. That he mourned the loss of his tribe is + certain; still he did it in a manner that best became a warrior and a + chief. + </p> + <p> + The two soldiers found their surgeon in the principal room of the Ark. He + was just quitting the pallet of Hetty, with an expression of sorrowful + regret on his hard, pock-marked Scottish features, that it was not usual + to see there. All his assiduity had been useless, and he was compelled + reluctantly to abandon the expectation of seeing the girl survive many + hours. Dr. Graham was accustomed to death-bed scenes, and ordinarily they + produced but little impression on him. In all that relates to religion, + his was one of those minds which, in consequence of reasoning much on + material things, logically and consecutively, and overlooking the total + want of premises which such a theory must ever possess, through its want + of a primary agent, had become sceptical; leaving a vague opinion + concerning the origin of things, that, with high pretentions to + philosophy, failed in the first of all philosophical principles, a cause. + To him religious dependence appeared a weakness, but when he found one + gentle and young like Hetty, with a mind beneath the level of her race, + sustained at such a moment by these pious sentiments, and that, too, in a + way that many a sturdy warrior and reputed hero might have looked upon + with envy, he found himself affected by the sight to a degree that he + would have been ashamed to confess. Edinburgh and Aberdeen, then as now, + supplied no small portion of the medical men of the British service, and + Dr. Graham, as indeed his name and countenance equally indicated, was, by + birth a North Briton. + </p> + <p> + “Here is an extraordinary exhibition for a forest, and one but half-gifted + with reason,” he observed with a decided Scotch accent, as Warley and the + ensign entered; “I just hope, gentlemen, that when we three shall be + called on to quit the 20th, we may be found as resigned to go on the half + pay of another existence, as this poor demented chiel!” + </p> + <p> + “Is there no hope that she can survive the hurt?” demanded Warley, turning + his eyes towards the pallid Judith, on whose cheeks, however, two large + spots of red had settled as soon as he came into the cabin. + </p> + <p> + “No more than there is for Chairlie Stuart! Approach and judge for + yourselves, gentlemen; ye'll see faith exemplified in an exceeding and + wonderful manner. There is a sort of arbitrium between life and death, in + actual conflict in the poor girl's mind, that renders her an interesting + study to a philosopher. Mr. Thornton, I'm at your service, now; we can + just look at the arm in the next room, while we speculate as much as we + please on the operations and sinuosities of the human mind.” + </p> + <p> + The surgeon and ensign retired, and Warley had an opportunity of looking + about him more at leisure, and with a better understanding of the nature + and feelings of the group collected in the cabin. Poor Hetty had been + placed on her own simple bed, and was reclining in a half seated attitude, + with the approaches of death on her countenance, though they were + singularly dimmed by the lustre of an expression in which all the + intelligence of her entire being appeared to be concentrated. Judith and + Hist were near her, the former seated in deep grief; the latter standing, + in readiness to offer any of the gentle attentions of feminine care. + Deerslayer stood at the end of the pallet, leaning on Killdeer, unharmed + in person, all the fine martial ardor that had so lately glowed in his + countenance having given place to the usual look of honesty and + benevolence, qualities of which the expression was now softened by manly + regret and pity. The Serpent was in the background of the picture, erect, + and motionless as a statue; but so observant that not a look of the eye + escaped his own keen glances. Hurry completed the group, being seated on a + stool near the door, like one who felt himself out of place in such a + scene, but who was ashamed to quit it, unbidden. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that in scarlet?” asked Hetty, as soon as the Captain's uniform + caught her eye. “Tell me, Judith, is it the friend of Hurry?” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis the officer who commands the troops that have rescued us all from + the hands of the Hurons,” was the low answer of the sister. + </p> + <p> + “Am I rescued, too!—I thought they said I was shot, and about to + die. Mother is dead; and so is father; but you are living, Judith, and so + is Hurry. I was afraid Hurry would be killed, when I heard him shouting + among the soldiers.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind—never mind, dear Hetty—” interrupted Judith, + sensitively alive to the preservation of her sister's secret, more, + perhaps, at such a moment, than at any other. “Hurry is well, and + Deerslayer is well, and the Delaware is well, too.” + </p> + <p> + “How came they to shoot a poor girl like me, and let so many men go + unharmed? I didn't know that the Hurons were so wicked, Judith!” + </p> + <p> + “'Twas an accident, poor Hetty; a sad accident it has been! No one would + willingly have injured you.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad of that!—I thought it strange; I am feeble minded, and the + redmen have never harmed me before. I should be sorry to think that they + had changed their minds. I am glad too, Judith, that they haven't hurt + Hurry. Deerslayer I don't think God will suffer any one to harm. It was + very fortunate the soldiers came as they did though, for fire will burn!” + </p> + <p> + “It was indeed fortunate, my sister; God's holy name be forever blessed + for the mercy!” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say, Judith, you know some of the officers; you used to know so + many!” + </p> + <p> + Judith made no reply; she hid her face in her hands and groaned. Hetty + gazed at her in wonder; but naturally supposing her own situation was the + cause of this grief, she kindly offered to console her sister. + </p> + <p> + “Don't mind me, dear Judith,” said the affectionate and pure-hearted + creature, “I don't suffer; if I do die, why father and mother are both + dead, and what happens to them may well happen to me. You know I am of + less account than any of the family; therefore few will think of me after + I'm in the lake.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, no—poor, dear, dear Hetty!” exclaimed Judith, in an + uncontrollable burst of sorrow, “I, at least, will ever think of you; and + gladly, oh! how gladly would I exchange places with you, to be the pure, + excellent, sinless creature you are!” + </p> + <p> + Until now, Captain Warley had stood leaning against the door of the cabin; + when this outbreak of feeling, and perchance of penitence, however, + escaped the beautiful girl, he walked slowly and thoughtfully away; even + passing the ensign, then suffering under the surgeon's care, without + noticing him. + </p> + <p> + “I have got my Bible here, Judith,” returned her sister in a voice of + triumph. “It's true, I can't read any longer, there's something the matter + with my eyes—you look dim and distant—and so does Hurry, now I + look at him—well, I never could have believed that Henry March would + have so dull a look! What can be the reason, Judith, that I see so badly, + today? I, who mother always said had the best eyes in the whole family. + Yes, that was it: my mind was feeble—what people call half-witted—but + my eyes were so good!” + </p> + <p> + Again Judith groaned; this time no feeling of self, no retrospect of the + past caused the pain. It was the pure, heartfelt sorrow of sisterly love, + heightened by a sense of the meek humility and perfect truth of the being + before her. At that moment, she would gladly have given up her own life to + save that of Hetty. As the last, however, was beyond the reach of human + power, she felt there was nothing left her but sorrow. At this moment + Warley returned to the cabin, drawn by a secret impulse he could not + withstand, though he felt, just then, as if he would gladly abandon the + American continent forever, were it practicable. Instead of pausing at the + door, he now advanced so near the pallet of the sufferer as to come more + plainly within her gaze. Hetty could still distinguish large objects, and + her look soon fastened on him. + </p> + <p> + “Are you the officer that came with Hurry?” she asked. “If you are, we + ought all to thank you, for, though I am hurt, the rest have saved their + lives. Did Harry March tell you, where to find us, and how much need there + was for your services?” + </p> + <p> + “The news of the party reached us by means of a friendly runner,” returned + the Captain, glad to relieve his feelings by this appearance of a friendly + communication, “and I was immediately sent out to cut it off. It was + fortunate, certainly, that we met Hurry Harry, as you call him, for he + acted as a guide, and it was not less fortunate that we heard a firing, + which I now understand was merely a shooting at the mark, for it not only + quickened our march, but called us to the right side of the lake. The + Delaware saw us on the shore, with the glass it would seem, and he and + Hist, as I find his squaw is named, did us excellent service. It was + really altogether a fortunate concurrence of circumstances, Judith.” + </p> + <p> + “Talk not to me of any thing fortunate, sir,” returned the girl huskily, + again concealing her face. “To me the world is full of misery. I wish + never to hear of marks, or rifles, or soldiers, or men, again!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know my sister?” asked Hetty, ere the rebuked soldier had time to + rally for an answer. “How came you to know that her name is Judith? You + are right, for that is her name; and I am Hetty; Thomas Hutter's + daughters.” + </p> + <p> + “For heaven's sake, dearest sister; for my sake, beloved Hetty,” + interposed Judith, imploringly, “say no more of this!” + </p> + <p> + Hetty looked surprised, but accustomed to comply, she ceased her awkward + and painful interrogations of Warley, bending her eyes towards the Bible + which she still held between her hands, as one would cling to a casket of + precious stones in a shipwreck, or a conflagration. Her mind now adverted + to the future, losing sight, in a great measure, of the scenes of the + past. + </p> + <p> + “We shall not long be parted, Judith,” she said; “when you die, you must + be brought and be buried in the lake, by the side of mother, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Would to God, Hetty, that I lay there at this moment!” + </p> + <p> + “No, that cannot be, Judith; people must die before they have any right to + be buried. 'Twould be wicked to bury you, or for you to bury yourself, + while living. Once I thought of burying myself; God kept me from that + sin.” + </p> + <p> + “You!—You, Hetty Hutter, think of such an act!” exclaimed Judith, + looking up in uncontrollable surprise, for she well knew nothing passed + the lips of her conscientious sister, that was not religiously true. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I did, Judith, but God has forgotten—no he forgets nothing—but + he has forgiven it,” returned the dying girl, with the subdued manner of a + repentant child. “'Twas after mother's death; I felt I had lost the best + friend I had on earth, if not the only friend. 'Tis true, you and father + were kind to me, Judith, but I was so feeble-minded, I knew I should only + give you trouble; and then you were so often ashamed of such a sister and + daughter, and 'tis hard to live in a world where all look upon you as + below them. I thought then, if I could bury myself by the side of mother, + I should be happier in the lake than in the hut.” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me—pardon me, dearest Hetty—on my bended knees, I beg + you to pardon me, sweet sister, if any word, or act of mine drove you to + so maddening and cruel a thought!” + </p> + <p> + “Get up, Judith—kneel to God; don't kneel to me. Just so I felt when + mother was dying! I remembered everything I had said and done to vex her, + and could have kissed her feet for forgiveness. I think it must be so with + all dying people; though, now I think of it, I don't remember to have had + such feelings on account of father.” + </p> + <p> + Judith arose, hid her face in her apron, and wept. A long pause—one + of more than two hours—succeeded, during which Warley entered and + left the cabin several times; apparently uneasy when absent, and yet + unable to remain. He issued various orders, which his men proceeded to + execute, and there was an air of movement in the party, more especially as + Mr. Craig, the lieutenant, had got through the unpleasant duty of burying + the dead, and had sent for instructions from the shore, desiring to know + what he was to do with his detachment. During this interval Hetty slept a + little, and Deerslayer and Chingachgook left the Ark to confer together. + But, at the end of the time mentioned, the Surgeon passed upon the + platform, and with a degree of feeling his comrades had never before + observed in one of his habits, he announced that the patient was rapidly + drawing near her end. On receiving this intelligence the group collected + again, curiosity to witness such a death—or a better feeling—drawing + to the spot men who had so lately been actors in a scene seemingly of so + much greater interest and moment. By this time Judith had got to be + inactive through grief, and Hist alone was performing the little offices + of feminine attention that are so appropriate to the sick bed. Hetty + herself had undergone no other apparent change than the general failing + that indicated the near approach of dissolution. All that she possessed of + mind was as clear as ever, and, in some respects, her intellect perhaps + was more than usually active. + </p> + <p> + “Don't grieve for me so much, Judith,” said the gentle sufferer, after a + pause in her remarks; “I shall soon see mother—I think I see her + now; her face is just as sweet and smiling as it used to be! Perhaps when + I'm dead, God will give me all my mind, and I shall become a more fitting + companion for mother than I ever was before.” + </p> + <p> + “You will be an angel in heaven, Hetty,” sobbed the sister; “no spirit + there will be more worthy of its holy residence!” + </p> + <p> + “I don't understand it quite; still, I know it must be all true; I've read + it in the Bible. How dark it's becoming! Can it be night so soon? I can + hardly see you at all—where is Hist?” + </p> + <p> + “I here, poor girl—Why you no see me?” + </p> + <p> + “I do see you; but I couldn't tell whether 'twas you, or Judith. I believe + I shan't see you much longer, Hist.” + </p> + <p> + “Sorry for that, poor Hetty. Never mind—pale-face got a heaven for + girl as well as for warrior.” + </p> + <p> + “Where's the Serpent? Let me speak to him; give me his hand; so; I feel + it. Delaware, you will love and cherish this young Indian woman—I + know how fond she is of you; you must be fond of her. Don't treat her as + some of your people treat their wives; be a real husband to her. Now, + bring Deerslayer near me; give me his hand.” + </p> + <p> + This request was complied with, and the hunter stood by the side of the + pallet, submitting to the wishes of the girl with the docility of a child. + </p> + <p> + “I feel, Deerslayer,” she resumed, “though I couldn't tell why—but I + feel that you and I are not going to part for ever. 'Tis a strange + feeling! I never had it before; I wonder what it comes from!” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis God encouraging you in extremity, Hetty; as such it ought to be + harbored and respected. Yes, we shall meet ag'in, though it may be a long + time first, and in a far distant land.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to be buried in the lake, too? If so, that may account for + the feeling.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis little likely, gal; 'tis little likely; but there's a region for + Christian souls, where there's no lakes, nor woods, they say; though why + there should be none of the last, is more than I can account for; seeing + that pleasantness and peace is the object in view. My grave will be found + in the forest, most likely, but I hope my spirit will not be far from + your'n.” + </p> + <p> + “So it must be, then. I am too weak-minded to understand these things, but + I feel that you and I will meet again. Sister, where are you? I can't see, + now, anything but darkness. It must be night, surely!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Hetty, I am here at your side; these are my arms that are around + you,” sobbed Judith. “Speak, dearest; is there anything you wish to say, + or have done, in this awful moment.” + </p> + <p> + By this time Hetty's sight had entirely failed her. Nevertheless death + approached with less than usual of its horrors, as if in tenderness to one + of her half-endowed faculties. She was pale as a corpse, but her breathing + was easy and unbroken, while her voice, though lowered almost to a + whisper, remained clear and distinct. When her sister put this question, + however, a blush diffused itself over the features of the dying girl, so + faint however as to be nearly imperceptible; resembling that hue of the + rose which is thought to portray the tint of modesty, rather than the dye + of the flower in its richer bloom. No one but Judith detected this + exposure of feeling, one of the gentle expressions of womanly sensibility, + even in death. On her, however, it was not lost, nor did she conceal from + herself the cause. + </p> + <p> + “Hurry is here, dearest Hetty,” whispered the sister, with her face so + near the sufferer as to keep the words from other ears. “Shall I tell him + to come and receive your good wishes?” + </p> + <p> + A gentle pressure of the hand answered in the affirmative. Then Hurry was + brought to the side of the pallet. It is probable that this handsome but + rude woodsman had never before found himself so awkwardly placed, though + the inclination which Hetty felt for him (a sort of secret yielding to the + instincts of nature, rather than any unbecoming impulse of an + ill-regulated imagination), was too pure and unobtrusive to have created + the slightest suspicion of the circumstance in his mind. He allowed Judith + to put his hard colossal hand between those of Hetty, and stood waiting + the result in awkward silence. + </p> + <p> + “This is Hurry, dearest,” whispered Judith, bending over her sister, + ashamed to utter the words so as to be audible to herself. “Speak to him, + and let him go.” + </p> + <p> + “What shall I say, Judith?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, whatever your own pure spirit teaches, my love. Trust to that, and + you need fear nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Good bye, Hurry,” murmured the girl, with a gentle pressure of his hand. + “I wish you would try and be more like Deerslayer.” + </p> + <p> + These words were uttered with difficulty; a faint flush succeeded them for + a single instant. Then the hand was relinquished, and Hetty turned her + face aside, as if done with the world. The mysterious feeling that bound + her to the young man, a sentiment so gentle as to be almost imperceptible + to herself, and which could never have existed at all, had her reason + possessed more command over her senses, was forever lost in thoughts of a + more elevated, though scarcely of a purer character. + </p> + <p> + “Of what are you thinking, my sweet sister?” whispered Judith “Tell me, + that I may aid you at this moment.” + </p> + <p> + “Mother—I see Mother, now, and bright beings around her in the lake. + Why isn't father there? It's odd that I can see Mother, when I can't see + you! Farewell, Judith.” + </p> + <p> + The last words were uttered after a pause, and her sister had hung over + her some time, in anxious watchfulness, before she perceived that the + gentle spirit had departed. Thus died Hetty Hutter, one of those + mysterious links between the material and immaterial world, which, while + they appear to be deprived of so much that it is esteemed and necessary + for this state of being, draw so near to, and offer so beautiful an + illustration of the truth, purity, and simplicity of another. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter XXXII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “A baron's chylde to be begylde! + it were a cursed dede: + To be felà we with an outlà we! + Almighty God forbede! + Yea, better were, the pore squy + re alone to forest yede, + Then ye sholde say another day, + that by my cursed dede + Ye were betrayed: + wherefore, good mayde, + the best rede that I can, + Is, that I to the grene wode go, alone, + a banyshed man.” + + Thomas Percy, 'Nutbrowne Mayde,' 11. 265-76 from Reliques of + Ancient English Poetry, Vol. II. +</pre> + <p> + The day that followed proved to be melancholy, though one of much + activity. The soldiers, who had so lately been employed in interring their + victims, were now called on to bury their own dead. The scene of the + morning had left a saddened feeling on all the gentlemen of the party, and + the rest felt the influence of a similar sensation, in a variety of ways + and from many causes. Hour dragged on after hour until evening arrived, + and then came the last melancholy offices in honor of poor Hetty Hutter. + Her body was laid in the lake, by the side of that of the mother she had + so loved and reverenced, the surgeon, though actually an unbeliever, so + far complying with the received decencies of life as to read the funeral + service over her grave, as he had previously done over those of the other + Christian slain. It mattered not; that all seeing eye which reads the + heart, could not fail to discriminate between the living and the dead, and + the gentle soul of the unfortunate girl was already far removed beyond the + errors, or deceptions, of any human ritual. These simple rites, however, + were not wholly wanting in suitable accompaniments. The tears of Judith + and Hist were shed freely, and Deerslayer gazed upon the limpid water, + that now flowed over one whose spirit was even purer than its own mountain + springs, with glistening eyes. Even the Delaware turned aside to conceal + his weakness, while the common men gazed on the ceremony with wondering + eyes and chastened feelings. + </p> + <p> + The business of the day closed with this pious office. By order of the + commanding officer, all retired early to rest, for it was intended to + begin the march homeward with the return of light. One party, indeed, + bearing the wounded, the prisoners, and the trophies, had left the castle + in the middle of the day under the guidance of Hurry, intending to reach + the fort by shorter marches. It had been landed on the point so often + mentioned, or that described in our opening pages, and, when the sun set, + was already encamped on the brow of the long, broken, and ridgy hills, + that fell away towards the valley of the Mohawk. The departure of this + detachment had greatly simplified the duty of the succeeding day, + disencumbering its march of its baggage and wounded, and otherwise leaving + him who had issued the order greater liberty of action. + </p> + <p> + Judith held no communications with any but Hist, after the death of her + sister, until she retired for the night. Her sorrow had been respected, + and both the females had been left with the body, unintruded on, to the + last moment. The rattling of the drum broke the silence of that tranquil + water, and the echoes of the tattoo were heard among the mountains, so + soon after the ceremony was over as to preclude the danger of + interruption. That star which had been the guide of Hist, rose on a scene + as silent as if the quiet of nature had never yet been disturbed by the + labors or passions of man. One solitary sentinel, with his relief, paced + the platform throughout the night, and morning was ushered in, as usual, + by the martial beat of the reveille. + </p> + <p> + Military precision succeeded to the desultory proceedings of border men, + and when a hasty and frugal breakfast was taken, the party began its + movement towards the shore with a regularity and order that prevented + noise or confusion. Of all the officers, Warley alone remained. Craig + headed the detachment in advance, Thornton was with the wounded, and + Graham accompanied his patients as a matter of course. Even the chest of + Hutter, with all the more valuable of his effects, was borne away, leaving + nothing behind that was worth the labor of a removal. Judith was not sorry + to see that the captain respected her feelings, and that he occupied + himself entirely with the duty of his command, leaving her to her own + discretion and feelings. It was understood by all that the place was to be + totally abandoned; but beyond this no explanations were asked or given. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers embarked in the Ark, with the captain at their head. He had + enquired of Judith in what way she chose to proceed, and understanding her + wish to remain with Hist to the last moment, he neither molested her with + requests, nor offended her with advice. There was but one safe and + familiar trail to the Mohawk, and on that, at the proper hour, he doubted + not that they should meet in amity, if not in renewed intercourse. When + all were on board, the sweeps were manned, and the Ark moved in its + sluggish manner towards the distant point. Deerslayer and Chingachgook now + lifted two of the canoes from the water, and placed them in the castle. + The windows and door were then barred, and the house was left by means of + the trap, in the manner already described. On quitting the palisades, Hist + was seen in the remaining canoe, where the Delaware immediately joined + her, and paddled away, leaving Judith standing alone on the platform. + Owing to this prompt proceeding, Deerslayer found himself alone with the + beautiful and still weeping mourner. Too simple to suspect anything, the + young man swept the light boat round, and received its mistress in it, + when he followed the course already taken by his friend. The direction to + the point led diagonally past, and at no great distance from, the graves + of the dead. As the canoe glided by, Judith for the first time that + morning spoke to her companion. She said but little; merely uttering a + simple request to stop, for a minute or two, ere she left the place. + </p> + <p> + “I may never see this spot again, Deerslayer,” she said, “and it contains + the bodies of my mother and sister! Is it not possible, think you, that + the innocence of one of these beings may answer in the eyes of God for the + salvation of both?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't understand it so, Judith, though I'm no missionary, and am but + poorly taught. Each spirit answers for its own backslidings, though a + hearty repentance will satisfy God's laws.” + </p> + <p> + “Then must my poor poor mother be in heaven! Bitterly, bitterly has she + repented of her sins, and surely her sufferings in this life ought to + count as something against her sufferings in the next!” + </p> + <p> + “All this goes beyond me, Judith. I strive to do right, here, as the + surest means of keeping all right, hereafter. Hetty was oncommon, as all + that know'd her must allow, and her soul was as fit to consart with angels + the hour it left its body, as that of any saint in the Bible!” + </p> + <p> + “I do believe you only do her justice! Alas! Alas! that there should be so + great differences between those who were nursed at the same breast, slept + in the same bed, and dwelt under the same roof! But, no matter—move + the canoe, a little farther east, Deerslayer—the sun so dazzles my + eyes that I cannot see the graves. This is Hetty's, on the right of + mother's?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain—you ask'd that of us, and all are glad to do as you wish, + Judith, when you do that which is right.” + </p> + <p> + The girl gazed at him near a minute, in silent attention; then she turned + her eyes backward, at the castle. “This lake will soon be entirely + deserted,” she said, “and this, too, at a moment when it will be a more + secure dwelling place than ever. What has so lately happened will prevent + the Iroquois from venturing again to visit it for a long time to come.” + </p> + <p> + “That it will! Yes, that may be set down as sartain. I do not mean to pass + this-a-way, ag'in, so long as the war lasts, for, to my mind no Huron + moccasin will leave its print on the leaves of this forest, until their + traditions have forgotten to tell their young men of their disgrace and + rout.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you so delight in violence and bloodshed? I had thought better of + you, Deerslayer—believed you one who could find his happiness in a + quiet domestic home, with an attached and loving wife ready to study your + wishes, and healthy and dutiful children anxious to follow in your + footsteps, and to become as honest and just as yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, Judith, what a tongue you're mistress of! Speech and looks go hand + in hand, like, and what one can't do, the other is pretty sartain to + perform! Such a gal, in a month, might spoil the stoutest warrior in the + colony.” + </p> + <p> + “And am I then so mistaken? Do you really love war, Deerslayer, better + than the hearth, and the affections?” + </p> + <p> + “I understand your meaning, gal; yes, I do understand what you mean, I + believe, though I don't think you altogether understand me. Warrior I may + now call myself, I suppose, for I've both fou't and conquered, which is + sufficient for the name; neither will I deny that I've feelin's for the + callin', which is both manful and honorable when carried on accordin' to + nat'ral gifts, but I've no relish for blood. Youth is youth, howsever, and + a Mingo is a Mingo. If the young men of this region stood by, and suffered + the vagabonds to overrun the land, why, we might as well all turn + Frenchers at once, and give up country and kin. I'm no fire eater, Judith, + or one that likes fightin' for fightin's sake, but I can see no great + difference atween givin' up territory afore a war, out of a dread of war, + and givin' it up a'ter a war, because we can't help it, onless it be that + the last is the most manful and honorable.” + </p> + <p> + “No woman would ever wish to see her husband or brother stand by and + submit to insult and wrong, Deerslayer, however she might mourn the + necessity of his running into the dangers of battle. But, you've done + enough already, in clearing this region of the Hurons; since to you is + principally owing the credit of our late victory. Now, listen to me + patiently, and answer me with that native honesty, which it is as pleasant + to regard in one of your sex, as it is unusual to meet with.” + </p> + <p> + Judith paused, for now that she was on the very point of explaining + herself, native modesty asserted its power, notwithstanding the + encouragement and confidence she derived from the great simplicity of her + companion's character. Her cheeks, which had so lately been pale, flushed, + and her eyes lighted with some of their former brilliancy. Feeling gave + expression to her countenance and softness to her voice, rendering her who + was always beautiful, trebly seductive and winning. + </p> + <p> + “Deerslayer,” she said, after a considerable pause, “this is not a moment + for affectation, deception, or a want of frankness of any sort. Here, over + my mother's grave, and over the grave of truth-loving, truth-telling + Hetty, everything like unfair dealing seems to be out of place. I will, + therefore, speak to you without any reserve, and without any dread of + being misunderstood. You are not an acquaintance of a week, but it appears + to me as if I had known you for years. So much, and so much that is + important has taken place, within that short time, that the sorrows, and + dangers, and escapes of a whole life have been crowded into a few days, + and they who have suffered and acted together in such scenes, ought not to + feel like strangers. I know that what I am about to say might be + misunderstood by most men, but I hope for a generous construction of my + course from you. We are not here, dwelling among the arts and deceptions + of the settlements, but young people who have no occasion to deceive each + other, in any manner or form. I hope I make myself understood?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain, Judith; few convarse better than yourself, and none more + agreeable, like. Your words are as pleasant as your looks.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the manner in which you have so often praised those looks, that + gives me courage to proceed. Still, Deerslayer, it is not easy for one of + my sex and years to forget all her lessons of infancy, all her habits, and + her natural diffidence, and say openly what her heart feels!” + </p> + <p> + “Why not, Judith? Why shouldn't women as well as men deal fairly and + honestly by their fellow creatur's? I see no reason why you should not + speak as plainly as myself, when there is any thing ra'ally important to + be said.” + </p> + <p> + This indomitable diffidence, which still prevented the young man from + suspecting the truth, would have completely discouraged the girl, had not + her whole soul, as well as her whole heart, been set upon making a + desperate effort to rescue herself from a future that she dreaded with a + horror as vivid as the distinctness with which she fancied she foresaw it. + This motive, however, raised her above all common considerations, and she + persevered even to her own surprise, if not to her great confusion. + </p> + <p> + “I will—I must deal as plainly with you, as I would with poor, dear + Hetty, were that sweet child living!” she continued, turning pale instead + of blushing, the high resolution by which she was prompted reversing the + effect that such a procedure would ordinarily produce on one of her sex; + “yes, I will smother all other feelings, in the one that is now uppermost! + You love the woods and the life that we pass, here, in the wilderness, + away from the dwellings and towns of the whites.” + </p> + <p> + “As I loved my parents, Judith, when they was living! This very spot would + be all creation to me, could this war be fairly over, once; and the + settlers kept at a distance.” + </p> + <p> + “Why quit it, then? It has no owner—at least none who can claim a + better right than mine, and that I freely give to you. Were it a kingdom, + Deerslayer, I think I should delight to say the same. Let us then return + to it, after we have seen the priest at the fort, and never quit it again, + until God calls us away to that world where we shall find the spirits of + my poor mother and sister.” + </p> + <p> + A long, thoughtful pause succeeded; Judith here covered her face with both + her hands, after forcing herself to utter so plain a proposal, and + Deerslayer musing equally in sorrow and surprise, on the meaning of the + language he had just heard. At length the hunter broke the silence, + speaking in a tone that was softened to gentleness by his desire not to + offend. + </p> + <p> + “You haven't thought well of this, Judith,” he said, “no, your feelin's + are awakened by all that has lately happened, and believin' yourself to be + without kindred in the world, you are in too great haste to find some to + fill the places of them that's lost.” + </p> + <p> + “Were I living in a crowd of friends, Deerslayer, I should still think as + I now think—say as I now say,” returned Judith, speaking with her + hands still shading her lovely face. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, gal—thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Howsever, I + am not one to take advantage of a weak moment, when you're forgetful of + your own great advantages, and fancy 'arth and all it holds is in this + little canoe. No—no—Judith, 'twould be onginerous in me; what + you've offered can never come to pass!” + </p> + <p> + “It all may be, and that without leaving cause of repentance to any,” + answered Judith, with an impetuosity of feeling and manner that at once + unveiled her eyes. “We can cause the soldiers to leave our goods on the + road, till we return, when they can easily be brought back to the house; + the lake will be no more visited by the enemy, this war at least; all your + skins may be readily sold at the garrison; there you can buy the few + necessaries we shall want, for I wish never to see the spot, again; and + Deerslayer,” added the girl smiling with a sweetness and nature that the + young man found it hard to resist, “as a proof how wholly I am and wish to + be yours,—how completely I desire to be nothing but your wife, the + very first fire that we kindle, after our return, shall be lighted with + the brocade dress, and fed by every article I have that you may think + unfit for the woman you wish to live with!” + </p> + <p> + “Ah's me!—you're a winning and a lovely creatur', Judith; yes, you + are all that, and no one can deny it and speak truth. These pictur's are + pleasant to the thoughts, but they mightn't prove so happy as you now + think 'em. Forget it all, therefore, and let us paddle after the Sarpent + and Hist, as if nothing had been said on the subject.” + </p> + <p> + Judith was deeply mortified, and, what is more, she was profoundly + grieved. Still there was a steadiness and quiet in the manner of + Deerslayer that completely smothered her hopes, and told her that for once + her exceeding beauty had failed to excite the admiration and homage it was + wont to receive. Women are said seldom to forgive those who slight their + advances, but this high spirited and impetuous girl entertained no shadow + of resentment, then or ever, against the fair dealing and ingenuous + hunter. At the moment, the prevailing feeling was the wish to be certain + that there was no misunderstanding. After another painful pause, + therefore, she brought the matter to an issue by a question too direct to + admit of equivocation. + </p> + <p> + “God forbid that we lay up regrets, in after life, through my want of + sincerity now,” she said. “I hope we understand each other, at least. You + will not accept me for a wife, Deerslayer?” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis better for both that I shouldn't take advantage of your own + forgetfulness, Judith. We can never marry.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not love me,—cannot find it in your heart, perhaps, to + esteem me, Deerslayer!” + </p> + <p> + “Everything in the way of fri'ndship, Judith—everything, even to + sarvices and life itself. Yes, I'd risk as much for you, at this moment, + as I would risk in behalf of Hist, and that is sayin' as much as I can say + of any darter of woman. I do not think I feel towards either—mind I + say either, Judith—as if I wished to quit father and mother—if + father and mother was livin', which, howsever, neither is—but if + both was livin', I do not feel towards any woman as if I wish'd to quit + 'em in order to cleave unto her.” + </p> + <p> + “This is enough!” answered Judith, in a rebuked and smothered voice. “I + understand all that you mean. Marry you cannot with loving, and that love + you do not feel for me. Make no answer, if I am right, for I shall + understand your silence. That will be painful enough of itself.” + </p> + <p> + Deerslayer obeyed her, and he made no reply. For more than a minute, the + girl riveted her bright eyes on him as if to read his soul, while he was + playing with the water like a corrected school boy. Then Judith, herself, + dropped the end of her paddle, and urged the canoe away from the spot, + with a movement as reluctant as the feelings which controlled it. + Deerslayer quietly aided the effort, however, and they were soon on the + trackless line taken by the Delaware. + </p> + <p> + In their way to the point, not another syllable was exchanged between + Deerslayer and his fair companion. As Judith sat in the bow of the canoe, + her back was turned towards him, else it is probable the expression of her + countenance might have induced him to venture some soothing terms of + friendship and regard. Contrary to what would have been expected, + resentment was still absent, though the colour frequently changed from the + deep flush of mortification to the paleness of disappointment. Sorrow, + deep, heart-felt sorrow, however, was the predominant emotion, and this + was betrayed in a manner not to be mistaken. + </p> + <p> + As neither labored hard at the paddle, the ark had already arrived and the + soldiers had disembarked before the canoe of the two loiterers reached the + point. Chingachgook had preceded it, and was already some distance in the + wood, at a spot where the two trails, that to the garrison and that to the + villages of the Delawares, separated. The soldiers, too, had taken up + their line of march, first setting the Ark adrift again, with a reckless + disregard of its fate. All this Judith saw, but she heeded it not. The + glimmerglass had no longer any charms for her, and when she put her foot + on the strand, she immediately proceeded on the trail of the soldiers + without casting a single glance behind her. Even Hist was passed + unnoticed, that modest young creature shrinking from the averted face of + Judith, as if guilty herself of some wrongdoing. + </p> + <p> + “Wait you here, Sarpent,” said Deerslayer as he followed in the footsteps + of the dejected beauty, while passing his friend. “I will just see Judith + among her party, and come and j'ine you.” + </p> + <p> + A hundred yards had hid the couple from those in front, as well as those + in their rear, when Judith turned, and spoke. + </p> + <p> + “This will do, Deerslayer,” she said sadly. “I understand your kindness + but shall not need it. In a few minutes I shall reach the soldiers. As you + cannot go with me on the journey of life, I do not wish you to go further + on this. But, stop—before we part, I would ask you a single + question. And I require of you, as you fear God, and reverence the truth, + not to deceive me in your answer. I know you do not love another and I can + see but one reason why you cannot, will not love me. Tell me then, + Deerslayer,” The girl paused, the words she was about to utter seeming to + choke her. Then rallying all her resolution, with a face that flushed and + paled at every breath she drew, she continued. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me then, Deerslayer, if anything light of me, that Henry March has + said, may not have influenced your feelings?” + </p> + <p> + Truth was the Deerslayer's polar star. He ever kept it in view, and it was + nearly impossible for him to avoid uttering it, even when prudence + demanded silence. Judith read his answer in his countenance, and with a + heart nearly broken by the consciousness of undue erring, she signed to + him an adieu, and buried herself in the woods. For some time Deerslayer + was irresolute as to his course; but, in the end, he retraced his steps, + and joined the Delaware. That night the three camped on the head waters of + their own river, and the succeeding evening they entered the village of + the tribe, Chingachgook and his betrothed in triumph; their companion + honored and admired, but in a sorrow that it required months of activity + to remove. + </p> + <p> + The war that then had its rise was stirring and bloody. The Delaware chief + rose among his people, until his name was never mentioned without + eulogiums, while another Uncas, the last of his race, was added to the + long line of warriors who bore that distinguishing appellation. As for the + Deerslayer, under the sobriquet of Hawkeye, he made his fame spread far + and near, until the crack of his rifle became as terrible to the ears of + the Mingos as the thunders of the Manitou. His services were soon required + by the officers of the crown, and he especially attached himself in the + field to one in particular, with whose after life he had a close and + important connection. + </p> + <p> + Fifteen years had passed away, ere it was in the power of the Deerslayer + to revisit the Glimmerglass. A peace had intervened, and it was on the eve + of another and still more important war, when he and his constant friend, + Chingachgook, were hastening to the forts to join their allies. A + stripling accompanied them, for Hist already slumbered beneath the pines + of the Delawares, and the three survivors had now become inseparable. They + reached the lake just as the sun was setting. Here all was unchanged. The + river still rushed through its bower of trees; the little rock was washing + away, by the slow action of the waves, in the course of centuries, the + mountains stood in their native dress, dark, rich and mysterious, while + the sheet glistened in its solitude, a beautiful gem of the forest. + </p> + <p> + The following morning, the youth discovered one of the canoes drifted on + the shore, in a state of decay. A little labor put it in a state for + service, and they all embarked, with a desire to examine the place. All + the points were passed, and Chingachgook pointed out to his son the spot + where the Hurons had first encamped, and the point whence he had succeeded + in stealing his bride. Here they even landed, but all traces of the former + visit had disappeared. Next they proceeded to the scene of the battle, and + there they found a few of the signs that linger around such localities. + Wild beasts had disinterred many of the bodies, and human bones were + bleaching in the rains of summer. Uncas regarded all with reverence and + pity, though traditions were already rousing his young mind to the + ambition and sternness of a warrior. + </p> + <p> + From the point, the canoe took its way toward the shoal, where the remains + of the castle were still visible, a picturesque ruin. The storms of winter + had long since unroofed the house, and decay had eaten into the logs. All + the fastenings were untouched, but the seasons rioted in the place, as if + in mockery at the attempt to exclude them. The palisades were rotting, as + were the piles, and it was evident that a few more recurrences of winter, + a few more gales and tempests, would sweep all into the lake, and blot the + building from the face of that magnificent solitude. The graves could not + be found. Either the elements had obliterated their traces, or time had + caused those who looked for them to forget their position. + </p> + <p> + The Ark was discovered stranded on the eastern shore, where it had long + before been driven with the prevalent northwest winds. It lay on the sandy + extremity of a long low point, that is situated about two miles from the + outlet, and which is itself fast disappearing before the action of the + elements. The scow was filled with water, the cabin unroofed, and the logs + were decaying. Some of its coarser furniture still remained, and the heart + of Deerslayer beat quick, as he found a ribbon of Judith's fluttering from + a log. It recalled all her beauty, and we may add all her failings. + Although the girl had never touched his heart, the Hawkeye, for so we + ought now to call him, still retained a kind and sincere interest in her + welfare. He tore away the ribbon, and knotted it to the stock of Killdeer, + which had been the gift of the girl herself. + </p> + <p> + A few miles farther up the lake, another of the canoes was discovered, and + on the point where the party finally landed, were found those which had + been left there upon the shore. That in which the present navigation was + made, and the one discovered on the eastern shore, had dropped through the + decayed floor of the castle, drifted past the falling palisades, and had + been thrown as waifs upon the beach. + </p> + <p> + From all these signs, it was probable the lake had not been visited since + the occurrence of the final scene of our tale. Accident or tradition had + rendered it again a spot sacred to nature, the frequent wars and the + feeble population of the colonies still confining the settlements within + narrow boundaries. Chingachgook and his friend left the spot with + melancholy feelings. It had been the region of their First War Path, and + it carried back the minds of both to scenes of tenderness, as well as to + hours of triumph. They held their way towards the Mohawk in silence, + however, to rush into new adventures, as stirring and as remarkable as + those which had attended their opening careers on this lovely lake. At a + later day they returned to the place, where the Indian found a grave. + </p> + <p> + Time and circumstances have drawn an impenetrable mystery around all else + connected with the Hutters. They lived, erred, died, and are forgotten. + None connected have felt sufficient interest in the disgraced and + disgracing to withdraw the veil, and a century is about to erase even the + recollection of their names. The history of crime is ever revolting, and + it is fortunate that few love to dwell on its incidents. The sins of the + family have long since been arraigned at the judgment seat of God, or are + registered for the terrible settlement of the last great day. + </p> + <p> + The same fate attended Judith. When Hawkeye reached the garrison on the + Mohawk he enquired anxiously after that lovely but misguided creature. + None knew her—even her person was no longer remembered. Other + officers had, again and again, succeeded the Warleys and Craigs and + Grahams, though an old sergeant of the garrison, who had lately come from + England, was enabled to tell our hero that Sir Robert Warley lived on his + paternal estates, and that there was a lady of rare beauty in the Lodge + who had great influence over him, though she did not bear his name. + Whether this was Judith relapsed into her early failing, or some other + victim of the soldier's, Hawkeye never knew, nor would it be pleasant or + profitable to inquire. We live in a world of transgressions and + selfishness, and no pictures that represent us otherwise can be true, + though, happily, for human nature, gleamings of that pure spirit in whose + likeness man has been fashioned are to be seen, relieving its deformities, + and mitigating if not excusing its crimes. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Deerslayer, by James Fenimore Cooper + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DEERSLAYER *** + +***** This file should be named 3285-h.htm or 3285-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/2/8/3285/ + +Produced by Stephen Kerr, Martin Robb, and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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