 CHAPTER XXV. But mother now a shade has passed, A thwart my brightest visions here, A cloud of darkest gloom has wrapped, 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. 7th U-12. 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, cold 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 godly 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 Shingochuk 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. 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 hands slowly over the lake, hills, and heavens. The girl followed the movement with pleased wonder, smiling as each new beauty met her gaze. Huck! 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 Mingo's, Hist. But the currs of that tribe are howling and packed through the woods. They think that the Delaware's are asleep over the mountains. All but one of them is Chingoch Kuk. There is one here, and he is of the blood of Unkas. 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. Hist understood the illusion, 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 wildflowers of her native woods. Still she continued silent, as became her when the illusion 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. 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. 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 Delaware's. A wolf is forever howling. A hog will always eat. They have lost warriors. When 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. 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. What will the son of Unkas 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 his wisest? Does the head, too, speak the same words as the heart? What does Watawase 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. 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 man of the Delaware's, though it never sounded so sweet in her ears as from the lips of Chingoch Cook, 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. Watawah 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. Good! The husband and the wife will have but one heart. They will see with the same eyes, and feel with the same feelings. 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 mountainsides. 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 hisst. Well, he said in his usual composed manner and pleasant voice, he that sees the sun set in the west and wakes early enough in the morning will be certain to find him coming back again in the east, like a buck that has hunted round his haunt. I daresay now, hisst, you've beheld this time and again, and yet it never entered into your gallish mind to ask the reason? Both Chingochkoek and his betrothed looked up at the luminary, with an air that betokens 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 inquiring 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. Chingochkoek alone saw fit to answer. The pale faces know everything, he said. Can they tell us why the sun hides his face when he goes back at night? I, that is downright red-skinned Larnan, 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. Cheesarpent he continued more gravely, though too simply for affectation. This is easier explained than an Indian brain may fancy. The sun, while he seems to keep traveling in the heavens, never budges, but it is the earth that turns round, and anyone can understand if he is placed on the side of a mill-wheel, for instance, when it is in motion that he must sometimes see the heavens while he is at other times under water. There is no great secret in that. But plain nature. The difficulty being in setting the earth in motion. How does my brother know that the earth turns round, demanded the Indian. Can he see it? 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 consated that I could, and then again I've been obliged to own it an un-possibility. However, turn it does, as all my people say, and you ought to believe them, since they can foretell eclipses and other prodigies that used to fill the tribes with terror, according to your own traditions of such things. 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. Aye, that's what I call sense obstinacy. Seeing is believing, they say. From what they can't see some men won't in the least give credit to. Nevertheless, chief, that isn't quite as good reason as it may at first seem. You believe in the great spirit, I know, and yet I conclude it would puzzle you to show where you see him. Jengajguk 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 Unkas, in Tannamund, in Deerslayer. The evil spirit is in the mingos, that I see. I do not see the earth turn round. I don't wonder they call you the serpent, 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 answer doesn't quite meet my ID. That God is observable in all natural 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 palefaces know that the earth turns round by its works. This is the reason of the matter, though how it is to be explained is more that I can exactly tell you. This I know. All my people can sayt that fact. And what all the palefaces can sayt is very likely to be true. When the sun is in the top of that pine tomorrow, where will my brother dear Slayer be? 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 arc, 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. It was a little unreasonable in you, serpent, he said, to bring up such a subject of forehist. And when the young women of my own color might overhear what was said. Yes, it was a little more unreasonable than most things that you do, no matter. His didn't comprehend, and the other didn't hear. However, 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, serpent, and should like to hear what answer you can give. Jingotskuk will be with his friend dear Slayer, 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. I understand you, Delaware, return 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. It is well to think so, and it may be well to say so, for that matter. But it would not be well to do so, serpent. 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 feelings and joy and misery? No, no. Hist must not be deserted, because a cloud is passing between you and me, a little unexpectedly, and a little darker than we may have looked for. 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 Delaware's, when the sun shall be in the pine to-morrow. The Lord bless and protect you. Chief, this is downright madness. Can either, or both of you, alter a mingo nature? Will your grand looks or Hist's tears and beauty change a wolf into a squirrel, or make a catamount as innocent as a fawn? No, serpent. You will think better of this matter, and leave me in the hands of God. After all, it's by no means certain 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 certainty what will happen, and young creatures like Hist ain't going to be risked on uncertainties. 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 active in stirring about the camp of the vagabonds, from sunrise to sunset, circumventing and contriving, as restless as a hound off the scent, and doing all manner of things to help me, and to distract the enemy. But two are oftener feebler than one, and we must take things as they are, and not as we want them to be. Listen, dear Slayer, return the indium with an emphasis so decided as to show how much he was an earnest. If Chingochkoek was in the hands of the Hurons, what would my pale-faced brother do? Sneak off to the Delaware villages, and say to the chiefs, and old men, and young warriors, see, here is Watawa, she is safe, but a little tired, and here is the son of Unkas, not as tired as the honeysuckle, being stronger, but just as safe. Did he do this? Well, that's uncommon in genius. It's cunning enough for Amingo 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 again you, and you may as well give it up, since to hold out again reason is no way becoming a chief of your character and reputation. 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. 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 friend yonder in the Huron camp in danger of the torments. That's it, isn't it? The Indian bowed his head silently, and always with unmoved gravity, though as I twinkled at the sight of the other's embarrassment. Well, I never had a betrothed. Never had the kind of feelings toward any young woman you have towards his. Though the Lord knows my feelings are kind enough towards him all. All my heart, as they call it in such matters, isn't touched, and therefore I can't say what I would do. A friend pulls strong, that I know by experience, serpent, but, by all that I've seen and heard concerning love, I'm led to think that a betrothed pulls stronger. True. But the betrothed of Chingoch Cook does not pull towards the lodges of the Delaware's. She pulls towards the camp of the Hurons. She's a noble gal for all her little feet and hands that ain'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, serpent, for I conclude that she hasn't changed her mind, and means to give herself up, and turn here on wife? What is it you want? What a wobble never live in the wigwam of an ear-work-woy, answered the Delaware dryly. 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. 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 uncertainty. But remember, serpent, that no torments that mingo and genuity can invent, no tauntings and revilings, no burnings and roastings and nail-tearings, nor any other unhuman contrivances can so soon break down my spirit as to find that you and his have fallen into the power of the enemy in striving to do something for my good. The Delaware's are prudent. The Deer Slayer will not find them running into a strange camp with their eyes shut. Here the dialogue terminated. Had he 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. Here Slayer himself, so far as human eyes could penetrate, was wholly unmoved, conversing cheerfully and naturally, though he avoided any direct illusions to the expected and great event of the day. If any evidence could be discovered of his thoughts reverting to that painful subject at all, it was in the manner in which he spoke of death and the last great change. Grieve not, had he, 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 appointed that all must die. Your parents, or them you fancied your parents, which is the same thing, had gone off for you. This is only in the order of nature, my good gal, for the agent to go first and the young to follow. But one that had a mother like Jorn 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 IDs befitting their notions and gifts as redskins, 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 traveled by all colors alike. It is impossible for the wicked to enter on it, I will allow, but friends can scarce be separated, though they are not of the same race on earth. Keep up your spirits, poor Hetty, and look forward to the day when you will meet your mother again, and that without pain or sorrowing. I do expect to see mother return to the truth-telling and simple girl, but what will become of father? 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 earth, and it's fair to guess he'll not be much of one hereafter. How's ever, Hetty, dropping into the English by an easy transition, how's ever, 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 recommend to you, trusting to God, and putting down all misgivings and faint-hearted feelings. It's wonderful, Judith, how different people have different notions about the future, some fancying one change and some fancying another. I've known white teachers that have thought all was spirit, hereafter, and them again that believed the body will be transported to another world, much as the redskins themselves imagine, and that we shall walk about in the flesh, and know each other, and talk together, and be friends there, as we've been friends here. Which of these opinions is most pleasing to you, dear slayer, 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? The last would make death a bitter portion. Yes, it would. It's eight good years since the serpent and I began to hunt together, and the thought that we were never to meet again would be a hard thought to me. He looks forward to the time when he shall chase a sort of spirit, dear, in company, on planes 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 again reason. Spirits can't eat, nor have they any use for clothes, and dear 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. The recollection of which, dear Slayer, must now be a great consolation to you. It is the thought of such things, my friends, 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. It truly makes a bolder heart than a light conscience. 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 had he pursued the subject. This was done in the simple manner natural to the girl. It would be cruel to kill the poor, dear, 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, dear Slayer. That I do, gal, and a useful creature it is to such as like cloths better than skins for winter garments. I understand the nature of sheep, though I've had but little to do with them, and the nature of wolves, too, and can take the idea 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. And sin and hypocrisy are hot jackets, as they will find who put them on, returned heady 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. Well, my good heady, in that case you'd better not broach your doctrine to hisst, when she and you are alone, and the young Delaware maiden is inclined to talk religion. It's her fixed ID, 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 employment for a brave. But of hunting and fishing, according 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 active and instinctive enough to give a pleasure to death. So I wouldn't recommend it to you to start hisst on that ID. Hisst can't be so wicked as to believe any such thing, returned the other earnestly, no Indian hunts after he is dead. No wicked Indian I grant you, no wicked Indian certainly. 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 everything that isn't manful. Now mind, I don't tell you these are my IDs, but they are Hisst's IDs, and therefore for the sake of peace the less you say to her again them, the better. And what are your IDs of the fate of an Indian, in the other world, demanded Judith, who had just found her voice? Ah, gal, anything but that. I am too Christianized to expect anything so fanciful as hunting and fishing after death, nor do I believe there is one man of two for the red skin and another for a pale face. You find different colors on earth, as any one may see, but you don't find different natures, different gifts, but only one nature. And what is a gift different from a nature? Is not nature itself a gift from God? Certain, that's quick-thoughted and creditable, Judith, though the main ID is wrong. A nature is the creature itself, its wishes, wants, IDs, and feelings, as all are born in Him. This nature never can be changed in the main, though it may undergo some increase or lessening. Now gifts come of circumstances, thus if you put a man on 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 nature as it might be, and excuse a thousand acts and IDs. Still the creature 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, seeing 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 creatures themselves, looks only at his own work. This isn't real missionary doctrine, but it says near it as a man of white color need be. As me. Little did I think to be talking of such matters today. 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 converse with you. Judith complied with the willingness she could scarce conceal. Following the hunter into the cabin she took a seat on a stool, while the young man brought kill-deer 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 breach with a sort of affectionate aciduity, he laid it down and proceeded to the subject which had induced him to desire the interview. 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 weapon has a great name, and it deserves one, and ought to of right be carried by some known and sure hand, for the best reputation may be lost by careless and thoughtless handling. Can it be in better hands than those in which it is now, dear Slayer? Thomas Hutter seldom missed with it. With you it must turn out to be— Certain death! interrupted the hunter, laughing. I once knowed a beaver-man that had a piece he called by that very name, but was all boastfulness, for I've seen deliwheres that were as true with arrows at a short range. However, I'll not deny my gifts, for this is a gift, Judith, and not nature. 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? Between us the truth may be sad, though I shouldn't like to have it known to the serpent and hisst. But to you the truth may be spoken, since your feelings will not be as likely to be tormented by it, as by 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, Kildere would be without an owner. 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. What would you have me do with the weapon, she asked, should that which you seem to expect take place? That's just what I wanted to speak to you about, Judith. That's just it. There's Chingich Kuk now, though far from being perfect certainty with a rifle. For few redskins ever get to be that. Though far from being perfect certainty, he is respectable, and is coming on. Nevertheless he is my friend, and all the better friend, perhaps, because there never can be any hard feelings between us, touch in our gifts, his being red, and mine being altogether white. Now I should like to leave kill-deer to the serpent, should anything happen to keep me from doing credit and honor to your precious gift, Judith. Leave it to whom you please, dear Slayer. The rifle is your own, to do with as you please. Chingich Kuk shall have it, should you never return to claim it, if that be your wish. Has Hattie been consulted in this matter? Hattie goes from the parent to the children, and not to one child in particular. If you place your right on that of the law, dear Slayer, 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. There may be law on that, but there's no great reason, gal. According to the custom of families, the goods are urine, and there's no one here to gain say it. If Hattie 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. The girl made no answer, but placing herself at a window she summoned her sister to her side. When the question was put to Hattie, that simple-minded and affectionate creature cheerfully assented to the proposal to confer on dear Slayer 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. According 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 anything serious befalling himself. This is a new reason why you should be wary, Serpent, and not run into any uncalculated danger, the Hunter added, for it will be a victory of itself to a tribe to own such a piece as this. The mingles will turn green with envy, and what is more they will not venture 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 valley of a creature without its felons. Hist may be and should be precious to you, but kill-deer will have the love and veneration of your whole people. One rifle like another, dear Slayer, return the Indian in English, the language used by the other, a little hurt at his friends lowering his betrothed to the level of a gun. All kill, all wood and iron. Wife dear to heart, rifle good to shoot. 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 friend, such another occasion may never offer again, 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 kill-deer in a careless way in order that we may know a few of its secret varches. As this proposition served to relieve the thought 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 defense as their male companions. Now, Sarpent, we'll begin in a humble way, using old Tom's commoners first, and coming to your weapon and kill-deer as the winding-up observations, said Deer Slayer, 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 pint out the creature you wish to alarm. There's a diver nearest in, off to the eastward, and that's a creature that buries itself at the flash, and will be like enough to try both piece and powder. Chingochkoek 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 bullets 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. Deer Slayer 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 Deer Slayer stood with the breach of his rifle on the platform as tranquil as if nothing had happened, though laughing in his own peculiar manner. There's no great trial of the pieces in that, he said, as evanxious to prevent a false impression of his own merit. No, that proves, neither for nor again 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, before the bullet reached him. But the Sartin is too wise to mind such tricks, having long been used to them. Do you remember the time, Chief, when you thought yourself Sartin 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, between friends, and young folk will have their fun, Judith. I. 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. The latter looked in the required direction, and he soon saw a large black duck floating and stately reposed 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 such species continued to resort thither, as indeed they do in 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 dear slayer had just pointed out to his friend. Chingoch Cook 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. "'That bird must be put out of pain,' exclaimed your slayer, the moment the animal endeavored to rise on the wing, and this is the rifle in the eye to do it. 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. "'Never mind the gal, Sarpent. Never mind Hist's feelings, which will neither choke nor drown, slay nor beautify,' said dear slayer, laughing. Just natural for women to enter into their husbands victories and defeats, and you are as good as man and wife so far as prejudice and friendship go, here is a bird overhead that will put the pieces to the proof. I challenge you to an upward aim with a flying target. That's a rail-proof, and one that needs certain rifles, as well as certain eyes.' 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. He was greedily watching for an opportunity to make a swoop. It's hungry young elevating their heads from a nest that was in sight, in the naked summit of a dead pine. Chingoch Cook 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 and no great distance from the bird, though it missed its object. Dear slayer, whose aim was not more true than it was quick, spared 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. I made him weak, 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 kill, dear, for this is the occasion to try his merits, if he has him. 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. Chingoch Cook 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 his 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. Now, Judith, cried dear Slayer, laughing, with glistening and delighted eyes, will see if kill-dear isn't killed eagle, too. Give me room, Sarpent, and watch the reason of the aim, for by reason anything may be learned. 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. CHAPTER XXVI. Upon two stony tables spread before her she leaned her bosom more than stony hard, there slept the 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 mortals so untainted, but when the roll was read with thousand terrors fainted. Giles Fletcher, Christ's Victory in Heaven. CHAPTER VI. 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 dear Slayer, 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 fastened on their destroyers. It was more becoming two boys to gratify their feelings in this unthoughtful manner than two warriors on a war-path, even though it be their first. ASME. 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 killed dear. Take him back again, and keep him for some hand that's more desiring to own such a peace. I know none is deserving as your own, dear Slayer, answered the girl in haste, none but yours shall keep the rifle. 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 them. I haven't learned the first duty yet, it seems, so keep the peace till I have. The sight of a dying and distressed creature, 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 certain that it will come before the sun sets. I'd give back all my vain feelings and rejicens in hand and I, if that poor eagle was only on its nest again, with its young, praising the Lord for anything that we can know about the matter, for health and strength. 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. 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 at her it? Now wasn't it for this furlough of mine, which must soon take me back to the mingles, I'd find this creature's nest, if I traveled the woods of Fortnight, though an eagle's nest is soon found by them that understands the bird's nature. But I'd travel a Fortnight rather than not find it, just to put the young two out of their pain. I'm glad to hear you say this, dear slayer, observed Hattie, 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. That's it. That's just it, my good Hattie. We can all see our faults and mistakes when it's too late to help them. However, 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. Oh well, bitter thoughts are hard to be borne at all times, but there's times when they're harder than at others. Little did dear slayer 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 a prize of his intention, while his to visit 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 dear slayer 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 hunters sat. The best friends must often part, the last began when he saw the whole party grouped around him. Yes, friendship can't alter the ways of providence, and let our feelings 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, again. No one knows what will happen in this world, and therefore it may be well when friends separate under a likelihood that the parting may be long to say a few words in kindness as a sort of keepsake. 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 again, for it's a poor counselor that won't take as well as give. 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 dear slayers induced Judith to explain. You can advise Hetty as you land, she said hastily, for I intend that she shall accompany you to the shore. Is this wise, Judith? It's true that under common circumstances a female mind is a great protection among redskins, but when their feelings are up and they're bent on revenge it's hard to say what may come to pass. Besides, what were you about to say, dear slayer, asked Judith, whose gentleness of voice and manner amounted nearly to tenderness, though she struggled hard to keep her emotions and apprehensions and subjection? Why simply that there are sights and doons 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. Never fear for me, dear slayer, 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, mingles as well as Delaware's, do reverence and fear the Bible. 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 dear slayer. 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 have a few parting words to say to your sister, which can do you no good. Judith and her companion continued silent, until Hetty had so far complied as to leave them alone when dear slayer took up the subject as if it had been interrupted by some ordinary occurrence, even in a very matter-of-fact way. Words spoken at parting, and which may be the last we ever hear from a friend, are not soon forgotten, he repeated, and so, Judith, I intend to speak to you like a brother, see, and I'm not old enough to be your father. In the first place, I wish to caution you again your enemies, of which too may be said to haunt your very footsteps, and to beset your ways. The first is uncommon good looks, which is as dangerous a foe to some young women as a whole tribe of mingles should prove, and which calls for great watchfulness, not to admire and praise, but to distrust and circumvent. Yes, good looks may be circumvented, 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 again. 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 an eternal round, the goodness of God bringing back the pleasant when we've had enough of the unpleasant. 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 particular, I warn you, as it might be with my die-in-breath, to beware of the enemy, friend or enemy, as we deal with the gift. 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 dear Slayer seriously to offend her. And she listened with the patience which, had it been foretold only a week earlier, it would have excited her indignation to hear. I understand your meaning, dear Slayer, returned the girl, with a meekness and humility that a little surprised her listener, and hoped 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? The other is given way before your own good sense and judgment, I find, Judith. Yes, he's not as dangerous as I supposed. However, having opened the subject, it will be as well to end it honestly. The first enemy you have to be watchful of, as I've already told you, Judith, is uncommon good looks, and the next is an uncommon knowledge of the circumstance. If the first is bad, the last doesn't in any way mend the matter, so far as safety and peace of mind are concerned. 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 listeners 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 dear Slayer 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 dear Slayer did not require proofs of intense feeling 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 soothed Sir Child were scarcely more gentle and winning than the tones of his voice, as he now expressed his contrition at having gone so far. "'It was well meant, Judith,' he said, but it was not intended to hurt your feelings so much. I have overdone the advice I see. Yes, I've overdone it, and I crave your pardon for the same. Friendship is an awful thing. Sometimes it chides us for not having done enough, and then, again, it speaks in strong words for having done too much. However, I acknowledge I've overdone the matter, and as I have a real and strong regard for you, I reject to say it, in as much as it proves how much better you are than my own vanity and consates had made you out to be. 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. "'Say no more, dear Slayer,' she hastily interposed. "'It pains me to hear you find fault with yourself. I know my own weakness, all the better. Now I see 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 HETI, to notice my weakness. Farewell, dear Slayer. May God bless and protect you, as your honest heart deserves blessings and protection. And as I must think he will.'" 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 everything 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 resplendent 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 hiss from a window to inform her that their friend expected her appearance. You know enough of red-skinned nature, and red-skinned usages, Watawa, 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 understand how unlikely I am ever to talk with you again. I have but little to say, but that little comes from long living among your people, and from heaven observed and noted their usages. The life of a woman is hard at the best, but I must own, though I am not opinionated in favor of my own color, than it is harder among the red men than it is among the pale faces. This is a pint 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. As ever, all women have their trials, red women have their in what I should call the natural way while white women take them inoculated like. Bear your birthing-hist, becomingly, and remember if it be a little toilsome how much lighter it is than that of most Indian women. I know the serpent well, what I call cordially, and he will never be a tyrant to anything he loves, though he will expect to be treated himself like a Mohican sheaf. There will be cloudy days in your lodge, I suppose, for they happen under all usages, and among all people. But by keeping the windows of your heart open there will always be room for the sunshine to enter. You come of a great stock yourself, and so does Chingoch Guk. It's not very likely that either will ever forget the circumstance and do anything to disgrace your forefathers. Nevertheless, lichen is a tender plant, and never thrives long when watered with tears. Let the earth around your married happiness be moistened by the do's of kindness. My pale brother is very wise, while will keep in her mind all that his wisdom tells her. 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 serpent 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 IDs or Christian doctrines. 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. Come this away, serpent, here, more out of sight of the women, commenced the dearest layer, for I have several things to say that mustn't so much as be suspected, much less overheard. You know too well the nature of furloughs and mingos to have any doubts or misgivings concerning what is like to happen when I get back to the camp. On them two pints, therefore, a few words will go a great way. In the first place, chief, I wish to say a little about hisst, and the manner in which you red men treat your wives. I suppose it's according 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 hunting, I see no good reason why any limit should be set to that, but hisst comes up too good a stock to toil like a common drudge. One of your means and standard need never want for corn or potatoes or anything that the fields yield. Therefore I hope the whole 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 hisst, 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 whomesoever the man rarely loves, he'll be likely enough to cherish. Nevertheless, it can do no harm to say that kind words never wrinkle, 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 practice of kind doing and kind talking is a wonderful advantage in keeping peace in a cabin, as well as on a hunt. My ears are open, return the Delaware gravely. The words of my brother have entered so far that they can never 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. 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 particular, though it might be well enough to take a look at the remains of the pile, and should any bones or pieces be found would 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 feelings have rather a gift for graves. It shall be done as my brother says, return the Indian gravely. If his mind is full, let him empty it in the bosom of a friend. I thank you, Sarpent. My mind's easy enough, yes. It's tolerable easy. Ideas will come uppermost that I'm not apt to think about in common. It's true. But by striving, again some, and letting other some out, all will come right in the long run. There's one thing, house ever, chief, that does seem to me to be unreasonable, and again, nature, though the missionary say it's true, and being of my religion and color I feel bound to believe them. They say an engine may torment and torture the body to his heart's content, and scalp, and cut, and tear, and burn, and consume all his inventions and deviltries until nothing 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 again, and the man will stand forth in his flesh the same creature as to looks, if not as to feelings, that he was before he was harmed. The missionaries are good men. Mean well, return the Delaware courteously. They are not great medicines. They think all they say, dear Slayer, that is no reason why warriors and orators should be all ears. When Chingich Kuk shall see the father of Tannamon standing in his scalp, and paint, and warlock, then will he believe the missionaries. Seeing is believing of a certainty, a asmi, and some of us may see these things sooner than we thought. I comprehend your meaning about Tannamon's father, serpent, and the idea is a close idea. Tannamon 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 yielding faith to all that the missionaries say. Thus ever, I am not again the opinion now, for you must know, serpent, 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. That is strange for a wise nation, said the Delaware with emphasis. The red man looks hard that he may see and understand. Yes, that's plausible, and is agreeable to mortal pride, but it's not as deep as it seems. If we could understand all we see, serpent, there might be not only sense but safety in refusing to give faith to any one thing that we might find uncomprehensible. But when there's so many things about which it may be said we know nothing at all, why there's little use and no reason in being difficult touching any one in particular, for my part, Delaware, all my thoughts haven't been on the game, when outlying in the hunts and scoutons of our youth. Many's the hour I pass pleasantly enough, too, in what is dis-tarmed, contemplation, by my people. On such occasions the mind is active, 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 earth is a most judicious place for a man to get a just idea of the power of the manatee, and of his own littleness. At such times there isn't any great disposition to find fault with little difficulties in the way of comprehension, as there are so many big ones to hide them. Believing comes easy enough to me at such times, and if the Lord made man first out of earth 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 bringing him back in the body, though ashes be the only substance left. These things lie beyond our understanding, though they may and do lie so close to our feelings. But of all the doctrines, Sarpent, that which disturbs me and disconcerts 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 live much together and loved each other well in life. Do the missionaries teach their white brethren to think it is so? demanded the Indian, with serious earnestness. The Delaware's 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. Tis wonderful how many consates mankind have concern and happiness and misery hereafter, exclaimed the hunter, born away by the power of his own thoughts. Some believe in burnins and flames, and some think punishment is to eat with the wolves and dogs. Then again some fancy heaven to be only the carrying out of their own earthly longans, while others fancy it all gold and shining lights. Well, I have an idea of my own in that matter, which is just this, serpent. Whenever I've done wrong, I've generally found twas Owen to some blindness of the mind, which hid the right from view, and when sight has returned, then has some sorrow and repentance. Now I can say that after death, when the body is laid aside or if used at all it is purified and without its longans, the spirit sees all things in their rail-lights and never becomes blind to truth and justice. Such be in the case, all that has been done in life is beheld as plainly as the sun has seen at noon. The good brings joy, while the evil brings sorrow. There's nothing unreasonable in that, but it's agreeable to every man's experience. I thought the pale faces believed all men were wicked. Who then could ever find the white man's heaven? It's ingenious, but it falls short of the missionary teachings. You'll be Christianized one day, I make no doubt, and then it will all come plain enough. You must know, Serpent, that there's been a great deed of salvation done, that by God's help enables all men to find a pardon for their wickedness. 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 ahead he's in the canoe, and the furlough takes me away. But the time will come when I hope you'll feel these things for, after all, they must be felt, rather than reasoned about. Asme. Well, Delaware, there's my hand. You know it's that of a friend, and we'll shake it as such, though it never has done you one half the good its owner wishes it had. 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. Dear Slayer, however, was more natural, nor could he have had 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. God bless you, Sarpent, God bless you, cried the hunter, as the canoe left the side of the platform. Your manatee and my God only know when and where we shall meet again. I shall count it a great blessing, and a full reward for any little good I may have done on earth, if we shall be permitted to know each other, and to consort together hereafter, as we have so long done in these pleasant woods before us. Chingochuk 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. Dear Slayer did not speak again until the canoe was halfway to the shore. Then he suddenly ceased paddling at an interruption that came from the mild musical voice of Hetty. Why do you go back to the Huron's, dear Slayer, 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, with thinks, though I don't see how that can well be. Ah, Hetty! Before we land I must converse a little with you, child. And that, too, on matters touching your own welfare, principally. Stop paddling. Or rather, that the mingles 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 ID and the movement. I see you're ready enough at an appearance, and might be made useful at a circumvention if it was lawful now to use one. That's just the ID and the movement. As-me. Deceit and a false tongue are evil things, and altogether unbecoming our color, 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 war-path, as well as to most other things, if we'll only have the wisdom to see it, and the generosity to own it. And why should your war-path, as you call it, come so near to an end, dear Slayer? Because my good girl, my furlough, come so near to an end. They're likely to have pretty much the same termination as regards time, one following on the heels of the other as a matter of course. I don't understand your meaning, dear Slayer, return the girl looking a little bewildered. Slayer always said people ought to speak more plainly to me than most other persons because I'm feeble-minded. Those that are feeble-minded don't understand as easily as those that have sense. Well, then, Hetty, the simple truth is this. You know that I'm now a captive to the Hurons, and captives can't do in all things as they please. 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? I can't be true, dear Slayer. I wish with all my heart and soul, Hetty, that you was right, and that I was wrong, instead of your being all wrong and I being only too near the truth. Free as I seem to your eyes, Gal, I'm bound hand and foot in reality. 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? The 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 desate and contrivances, but a furlough can be neither cut, slipped, nor circumvented. What sort of a thing is a furlough, then, if it be stronger than hemp or iron? I never saw a furlough. I hope you may never feel one, Gal. The tie is altogether in the felons in these matters, and therefore is to be felt and not seen. You can understand what it is to give a promise, I dare say, good little heady. 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 everybody else. 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 friends and send messages into my own color, if any such feel concerned in my account, on condition that I should be back when the sun is up to day, and take whatever their revenge and hatred king contrived 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 disappointments met with, on and about this lake. What is called a promise, a tween mother and daughter, or even a tween strangers in the settlements is called a furlough when given by one soldier to another on a war-path, and now I suppose you understand my situation, Hetty. 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. Do you think the Hurons will have the heart to do what you say, dear slayer, she asked? I have found them kind and harmless. That's true enough as concerns one like you, Hetty, but it's a very different affair when it comes to an open enemy, and he, too, the owner of a pretty sartan rifle. I don't say that they bear me special malice on account of any exploits already performed, for that would be bragging, as it might be on the verge of the grave, but it's no vanity to believe that they know one of their bravest and cunningest chiefs fell by my hands. Such be in 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 supposing 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 war-path, that it would come sooner or later every soldier counts on and expects. The Huron shall not harm you, dear Slayer, cried the girl much excited, to his 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? 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, concerning your own matters. What can you say to me, dear Slayer, since mother died few talked to me of such things? So much the worse, poor Gal. Yes, to so much the worse, for one of your state of mind needs frequent talking too in order to escape the snares and desates of this wicked world. You haven't forgotten Harry Harry, Gal, so soon I calculate. I—I forget Henry March, exclaimed Hetty, starting. Why should I forget him, dear Slayer, when he is our friend, and only left us last night? Even 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 Harry 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. And how can you know how long I was gone, or how far I went to land Harry, seeing you were not with us, and the distance was so great to say nothing of the night? 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 Harry Harry. Judith will never marry March, dear Slayer. That's the pint, Hetty. That's the very pint I want to come to. I suppose you know that it's natural for young people to have kind feelings for one another, more especially when one happens to be a youth and the 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 to be on her guard against evils she little dreams of. 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? Ah, Hetty, the love of the missionaries isn't the sort of like and I mean. Answer me one thing, child. Do you believe yourself to have mind enough to become a wife and a mother? That's not a proper question to ask a young woman, dear Slayer, and I'll not answer it, return the girl in a reproving manner, much as a parent rebukes a child for an act of indiscretion. If you have anything to say about Harry, I'll hear that. But you must not speak evil of him. He is absent, and is unkind to talk evil of the absent. 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 nothing amiss of Harry, who in the main is not a bad man for one of his colon. 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 liken for your sister, Judith. Well, what of that? Everybody admires Judith. She's so handsome, and Harry 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 Harry. 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? Certainly, I do not wish you to tell me, Hetty, nor would it be any advantage to a dying man to know. What the tongue says when the mind's asleep, neither head nor heart is answerable for. 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, dear Slayer, that Judith don't like Harry, 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 comliest 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. As 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 again, gal, and we'll push for the shore, for the sun is nearly up, and my furlough is almost out. The canoe now glided ahead, holding its way towards the point where dear Slayer 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. End of Chapter 26 Recording by Bill Borscht