 CHAPTER XXIII Help, Masters, help! There's a fish hangs in the net, like a poor man's right in the law. PARAKLEES OF TIRE The advance of the season now became as rapid as its first approach had been tedious and lingering. The days were uniformly mild, while the nights, though cool, were no longer chilled by frosts. The whipper-well was heard whistling his melancholy notes along the margin of the lake, and the ponds and meadows were sending forth the music of their thousand tenets. The leaf of the native popular was seen quivering in the woods, the sides of the mountains began to lose their hue of brown as the lively green of the different members of the forest blended their shades with the permanent colors of the pine and hemlock. And even the buds of the tardy oak were swelling with the promise of the coming summer. The gay and fluttering bluebird, the social robin, and the industrious little wren were all to be seen enlivening the fields with their presence and their songs, while the soaring fish-hawk was already hovering over the waters of the atzigo, watching with native voracity for the appearance of his prey. The tenets of the lake were far famed for both their quantities and their quality, and the ice had hardly disappeared before a numberless little boats were launched from the shores and the lines of the fishermen were dropped into the inmost recesses of its deepest caverns, tempting the unwary animals with every variety of bait that the ingenuity or the art of man had invented. But the slow, though certain adventures with hook and line were ill-suited to the perfusion and impatience of the settlers. More destructive means were resorted to. And as the season had now arrived when the bass fisheries were allowed by the provisions of the law that Judge Temple had procured, the sheriff declared his intention by availing himself of the first dark night to enjoy the sport in person. And you shall be present, cousin Bess, he added, when he announced this design. And Miss Grant and Mr. Edwards. And I will show you what I call fishing, not nibble, nibble, nibble, as Duke does when he goes after the salmon-trout. There he will sit for hours in a broiling sun, or perhaps over a hole in the lee, in the coldest days in winter, under the lee of a few bushes, and not a fish will he catch after all this mortification of the flesh. No, no, give me a good saying that's fifty or sixty fathoms in length, with a jolly parcel of boatmen to crack their jokes the while, with Benjamin to steer, and let us haul them in by thousands. I call that fishing. Ah, dicken! cried Mama Duke. Thou knowest but little of the pleasure there is in playing with the hook and line, or thou wouldst be more saving of the game. I have known thee to leave fragments enough behind thee, when thou hast headed a night-party on the lake, to feed a dozen famishing families. I shall not dispute the matter, Judge Temple. This night will I go, and I invite the company to attend, and then let them decide between us. Richard was busy during most of the afternoon making his preparations for the important occasion. Just as the light of the settling sun had disappeared, and a new moon had begun to throw its shadows on the earth, the fishermen took their departure, in a boat, for a point that was situated on the western shore of the lake, at the distance of rather more than half a mile from the village. The ground had become settled, and the walking was good and dry. Mama Duke, with his daughter, her friend, and young Edwards, continued on the high grassy banks at the outlet of the placid sheet of water, watching the dark object that was moving across the lake, until it entered the shade of the western hills, and was lost to the eye. The distance round by land to the point of destination was a mile, and he observed, It is time for us to be moving. The moon will be down ere we reach the point, and then the miraculous halls of Dickon will commence. The evening was warm, and after the long and dreary winter from which they had just escaped, delightfully invigorating. Inspirited by the scene of their anticipated amusement, the youthful companions of the judge followed his steps, as he led them along the shores of the outsego, and through the skirts of the village. See, said young Edwards, they are building their fire already, it glimmers for a moment, and dies again like the light of a firefly. Now it blazes, cried Elizabeth, you can perceive figures moving around the light. Oh, I would bet my jewels against the gold beads of remarkable, that my impatient cousin Dickon had an agency in raising that bright flame. And see, it fades again, like most of his brilliant schemes. Thou hast guessed the truth best, said her father. He has thrown an armful of brush on the pile, which has burnt out as soon as lighted. But it has enabled them to find a better fuel, for their fire begins to blaze with a more steady flame. It is the true fisherman's beacon now. Observe how beautifully it throws its little circle of light on the water. The appearance of the fire urged the pedestrians on, for even the ladies had become eager to witness the miraculous draft. By the time they reached the bank which rose above the low point where the fisherman had landed, the moon had sunk behind the top of the western pines. And, as most of the stars were obscured by clouds, there was but little other light than that which proceeded from the fire. At the suggestion of Marmadu, his companions paused to listen to the conversation of those below them, and examine the party for a moment before they descended to the shore. The whole group receded around the fire, with the exception of Richard and Benjamin, the former of whom occupied the root of a decayed stump that had been drawn to the spot as part of their fuel. And the latter was standing with his arms akimbo, so near to the flame that the smoke occasionally obscured his solemn visage, as it waved around the pile in obedience to the night airs that swept gently over the water. Why look, you squire, said the Major Domo. You may call a lake fish that will weigh twenty or thirty pounds a serious matter, but to a man who has hauled in a shovel-nosed shirk, do you see, it's but a poor kind of fishing after all. I don't know, Benjamin, returned the sheriff, a haul of one thousand atzigo bass. Without counting pike, piquero, perch, bullpouts, salmon-trouts, and suckers, is no bad fishing, let me tell you. There may be sport in sticking a shark, but what is he good for after you have got him? Now any one of the fish that I have named is fit to set before a king. Well, squire, returned Benjamin, just listen to the philosophy of the thing. Would it stand to reason that such a fish should live and be catched in this here little pond of water, where it's hardly deep enough to drown a man, as you'll find in the wide ocean, where as everybody knows, that is, everybody that has followed the seas, whales and grampuses are to be seen, that are as long as one of the pine trees on Yonder Mountain? Softly, softly, Benjamin said the sheriff, as if he wished to save the credit of his favorite, why, some of the pines will measure two hundred feet and even more. Two hundred or two thousand, it's all the same thing, cried Benjamin, with an air which manifested that he was not easily to be bullied out of his opinion, on a subject like the present. Haven't I been there? And haven't I seen? I have said that you fall in with whales as long as one of them their pines, and what I have once said I'll stand to. During this dialogue, which was evidently but the close of much longer discussion, the huge frame of Billy Kirby was seen extended on one side of the fire, where he was picking his teeth with splinters of the chips near him, and occasionally shaking his head with distrust of Benjamin's assertions. I've a notion, said the woodchapper, that there's water in this lake to swim the biggest whale that ever was invented. And as to the pines, I think I ought to know something concerning them. I have chapped many a one that was sixty times the length of my health, without counting the eye. And I believe, many, that if the old pine that stands in the hollow of the Vision Mountain just over the village, you may see the tree itself by looking up. For the moon is on its top yet. Well, now I believe if that same tree was planted out in the deepest part of the lake, there would be water enough for the biggest ship that ever was built to float over it without touching its upper branches, I do. Did he ever see a ship, Master Kirby, roared the steward? Did he ever see a shipman, or any craft bigger than a lime-scow or a woodboat, on this here small bit of fresh water? Yes, I have, said the woodchapper stoutly. I can say that I have, and tell no lie. Did he ever see a British ship, Master Kirby, an English line of battleship, boy? Where did he ever fall in with a regular built vessel with stern posts and cut water, garboard streak, and plank shear, gangways and hatchways and waterways, quarter-deck and forcasel, eye, and flush-deck? Tell me that, man, if you can. Where away did he ever fall in with a full-rigged, regular-built necked vessel? The whole company were a good deal astounded with this overwhelming question, and even Richard afterward remarked that it was a thousand pitties that Benjamin could not read, or he must have made a valuable officer to the British Marine. It is no wonder that they overcame the French so easily on the water, when even the lowest sailor so well understood the different parts of a vessel. But Billy Kirby was a fearless white, and had great jealousy of foreign dictation. He had risen on his feet, and turned his back to the fire during the valuable delivery of this interrogatory, and when the steward ended, contrary to all expectation, he gave the following spirited reply. Where? Why, on the North River, and maybe on Champlain. There's sloops on the river, boy, that would give a hard time on it to the stoutest vessel, King George Jones. They carry masts of ninety feet in the clear of good solid pine, for I've been at the chopping of many a one in Vermont State. I wish I was captain in one of them, and you was in that board-dish that you talk so much about, and we'd soon see what good Yankee stuff is made on, and whether a Vermonter's hide ain't as thick as an Englishman's. The echoes from the opposite hills, which were more than half a mile from the fishing-point, sent back the discordant laugh that Benjamin gave forth at this challenge, and the woods that covered their sides seemed by the noise that issued from their shades to be full of mocking demons. Let us descend to the shore, whispered Mammerdook, or there will soon be ill blood between them. Benjamin is a fearless boaster, and Kirby, though good-natured, is a careless son of the forest, who thinks one American more than a match for six Englishmen. I marvel that Dickon is silent, where there is such a trial of skill in the superlative. The appearance of Judge Temple and the ladies produced, if not a pacification, at least a cessation of hostilities. Obedient to the directions of Mr. Jones the fishermen prepared to launch their boat, which had been seen in the background of the view, with the net carefully disposed on a little platform in its stern, ready for service. Richard gave vent to his reproaches of the tardiness of the pedestrians when all the turbulent passions of the party were succeeded by a calm, as mild and as placid as that which prevailed over the beautiful sheet of water that they were about to rifle of its best treasures. The night had now become so dark as to render objects without the reach of the light of the fire not only indistinct, but in most cases invisible. For a little distance the water was discernible, glistening as the glare from the fire danced over its surface, touching it here and there with red quivering streaks, but at a hundred feet from the shore there lay a boundary of impenetrable gloom. One or two stars were shining through the openings of the clouds, and the lights were seen in the village, glimmering faintly, as if at an immeasurable distance. At times as the fire lowered or as the horizon cleared the outline of the mountain on the other side of the lake might be traced by its undulations, but its shadow was cast wide and dense on the bosom of the water rendering the darkness in that direction trebly deep. Benjamin Pump was invariably the coxswain and netcaster of Richard's boat, unless the sheriff saw fit to preside in person. And on the present occasion Billy Kirby and a youth of about half his strength were assigned to the oars. The remainder of the assistants were stationed at the drag ropes. The arrangements were speedily made, and Richard gave the signal to shove off. Elizabeth watched the motion of the bateau as it pulled from the shore, letting loose its rope as it went, but it soon disappeared in the darkness, when the ear was her only guide to its evolutions. There was great affectation of stillness during all these maneuvers, in order as Richard assured them not to frighten the bass who were running into the shoal waters, and who would approach the light if not disturbed by the sounds from the fisherman. The horse voice of Benjamin was alone heard, issuing out of the gloom as he uttered in authoritative tones, Pull Larbert Orr! Pull Starbert! Give way together, boys! And such other indicative mandates as were necessary for the right disposition of his sain. A long time was passed in this necessary part of the process, for Benjamin prided himself greatly on his skill in throwing the net, and in fact most of the success of the sport depended on its being done with judgment. At length a loud splash in the water, as he threw away the staff or stretcher, with a hoarse call from the steward of clear, announced that the boat was returning. When Richard seized a brand from the fire, and ran to a point as far above the center of the fishing ground, as the one from which the bateau had started was below it. Sticker and dead for the squire, boys, said the steward, and will have a look at what grows on this here pond. In place of the falling net were now to be heard the quick strokes of the oars, and the noise of the rope running out of the boat. Presently the bateau shot into the circle of light, and in an instant she was pulled to the shore. Several eager hands were extended to receive the line, and both ropes being equally well manned, the fishermen commenced hauling in with slow and steady drags. Richard standing to the center, giving orders, first to one party and then to the other, to increase or slacken their efforts as occasion required. The visitors were posted near him, and enjoyed a fair view of the whole operation, which was slowly advancing to an end. Opinions as to the result of their adventure were now freely hazarded by all the men, some declaring that the net came in as light as a feather, and others affirming that it seemed to be full of logs. As the ropes were many hundred feet in length, these opposing sentiments were thought to be a little moment by the sheriff, who would go first to one line and then to the other, giving each small poles in order to enable him to form an opinion for himself. Why, Benjamin, he cried, as he made his first effort in this way, you did not throw the net clear, I can move it with my little finger, the rope slackens in my hand. Did you ever see a whale squire respond to the steward? I say that if that there net is foul, the devil is in the lake in the shape of a fish, for I cast it as far as ever rigging was rove over the quarter-deck of a flagship. But Richard discovered his mistake when he saw Billy Kirby before him standing with his feet in the water at an angle of forty-five degrees, inclining southward, and expending his gigantic strength in sustaining himself in that posture. He ceased his remonstrances and proceeded to the party at the other line. I see the staffs! shouted Mr. Jones. Gather in, boys, and away with it, to shore with her. To shore with her. At this cheerful sound Elizabeth strained her eyes and saw the ends of the two sticks on the scene emerging from the darkness, while the men closed nearer to each other and formed a deep bag of their net. The exertions of the fishermen sensibly increased, and the voice of Richard was heard encouraging them to make their greatest efforts at the present moment. Now's the time, my lads! he cried. Let us get the ends to land, and all we have will be our own. Away with her. Away with her it is! echoed Benjamin. In with her! shouted Kirby, exerting himself in a manner that left nothing for those in his rear to do but to gather up the slack of the rope which passed through his hands. Staff, ho! shouted the steward. Staff, ho! echoed Kirby from the other rope. The men rushed to the water's edge, some seizing the upper rope and some the lower or lead rope, and began to haul with great activity and zeal. A deep semicircular sweep of the little balls that supported the seign in its perpendicular position was plainly visible to the spectators, and as it rapidly lessened in size, the bag of the net appeared, while an occasional flutter on the water announced the uneasiness of the prisoners it contained. Hall in, my lads! shouted Richard. I can see the dogs kicking to get free. Hall in, and here's a cast that will pay for the labor. Fishes of various sorts were now to be seen and tangled in the meshes of the net, as it was passed through the hands of the laborers. And the water, at a little distance from the shore, was alive with the movements of the alarmed victims. Hundreds of white sides were glancing up to the surface of the water and glistening in the firelight, when, frightened at the uproar and the change, the fish would again dart to the bottom in fruitless efforts for freedom. Hurrah! shouted Richard. One or two more heavy drags, boys, and we are safe. Cheerily, boys, cheerily! cried Benjamin. I see a salmon trout that is big enough for a chowder. Away with you, varmints said Billy Kirby, plucking a bullpout from the meshes, and casting the animal back into the lake with contempt. Pull, boys, pull! Here's all kinds, and the Lord condemned me for a lyre if there ain't a thousand bass. Inflamed beyond the bounds of discretion at the site, and forgetful of the season, the woodchapper rushed to his middle into the water, and began to drive the reluctant animals before him from their native element. Pull hardly, boys! cried Marmaduke, yielding to the excitement of the moment, and laying his hands to the net with no trifling addition to the force. Edwards had preceded him, for the sight of the immense piles of fish that were slowly rolling over on the gravelly beach had impelled him also to leave the ladies and join the fishermen. Great care was observed in bringing the net to land, and after much toil the whole shoal of victims was safely deposited in a hollow of the bank, where they were left to flutter away their brief existence in the new and fatal element. Even Elizabeth and Louisa were greatly excited and highly gratified by seeing two thousand captives thus drawn from the bosom of the lake, and laid prisoners at their feet. But when the feelings of the moment were passing away, Marmaduke took in his hands a bass that might have weighed two pounds, and after viewing it a moment, in melancholy musing, he turned to his daughter and observed, This is a fearful expenditure of the choicest gifts of providence. These fish, bests, which thou seest lying in such piles before thee, in which by tomorrow evening will be rejected food on the meanest table in Templeton, are of a quality and flavor that, in other countries, would make them esteemed to luxury on the tables of princes or epicures. The world has no better fish than the bass of Ossego. It unites the richness of the shad to the firmness of the salmon. Author's insertion? Of all the fish the writer has ever tasted, he thinks the one in question the best. End author's insertion. But surely, dear sir, cried Elizabeth, they must prove a great blessing to the country, and a powerful friend to the poor. The poor are always proud to go, my child, where there is plenty, and seldom think of a provision against the moral. But if there can be any excuse for destroying animals in this manner, it is in taking the bass. During the winter, you know, they are entirely protective from our assaults by the ice, for they refuse the hook, and during the hot months they are not seen. It is supposed they retreat to the deep and cool waters of the lake at that season. And it is only in the spring and autumn that for a few days they are to be found around the points where they are within the reach of Ossego. But like all the other treasures of the wilderness, they already begin to disappear before the wasteful extravagance of man. Disappear, Duke! Disappear, exclaimed the sheriff. If you don't call this appearing, I know not what you will. Here are a good thousand of the shiners, some hundreds of suckers, and a powerful quantity of other fry. But this is always the way with you, Mama Duke. First it's the trees, then it's the deer, after that it's the maple sugar, and so on to the end of the chapter. One day you talk of canals through a country where there's a river or a lake every half mile, just because the water won't run the way you wish it to go. And the next you say something about mines of coal, though any man who has good eyes like myself, I say with good eyes, can see more wood than would keep the city of London in fuel for fifty years. Wouldn't it, Benjamin? Why for that, squire, said the steward. London is no small place. If it was stretched on end, all the same as a town on one side of the river, it will cover some such matter as this here lake. Though if I dares to say that the wood in sight might serve them a good turn, seeing that the Londoners mainly burn coal. Now we are on the subject of coal, Judge Temple, interrupted the sheriff. I have a thing of much importance to communicate to you, but I will defer it until tomorrow. I know that you intend riding into the eastern part of the patent, and I will accompany you and conduct you to a spot where some of your projects may be realized. We will say no more now, for there are listeners. But a secret has this evening been revealed to me, Duke, that is of much more consequence to your welfare than all your estate united. Marmaduke laughed at the important intelligence, to which in a variety of shapes he was accustomed, and the sheriff with an air of great dignity, as if pitying his want of faith, proceeded in the business more immediately before them. As the labour of drawing the net had been very great, he directed one party of his men to commence throwing the fish into piles, preparatory to the usual division, while another, under the superintendent of Benjamin, prepared the same for a second haul. 24 While from its margin terrible to tell, three sailors with their gallant boatson fell. Falconer. While the fishermen were employed in making the preparations for an equitable division of the spoil, Elizabeth and her friends strolled a short distance from the group along the shore of the lake, after reaching a point to which even the brightest of the occasional gleams of the fire did not extend. They turned, and paused a moment in contemplation of the busy and lively party they had left, and of the obscurity which, like the gloom of oblivion, seemed to envelop the rest of the creation. This is indeed a subject for the pencil, exclaimed Elizabeth. Observe the countenance of that woodchopper, while he exalts in presenting a larger fish than common to my cousin's sheriff, and see, Louisa, how handsome and considerate my dear father looks by the light of that fire, where he stands viewing the havoc of the game. He seems melancholy, as if he actually thought that a day of retribution was to follow this hour of abundance and prodigality. Would they not make a picture, Louisa? You know that I am ignorant of all such accomplishments, Miss Temple. Call me by my Christian name, interrupted Elizabeth. This is not a place, neither is this a scene for forms. Well, then, if I may venture an opinion, said Louisa timidly. I should think it might indeed make a picture. The selfish earnestness of that curbie over his fish would contrast, finally, with the expression of Mr. Edward's face. I hardly know what to call it, but it is a— You know what I would say, dear Elizabeth. You do me too much credit, Miss Grant, said the heiress. I am no diviner of thoughts or interpreter of expressions. There was certainly nothing harsh or even cold in the manner of the speaker. But still it repressed the conversation, and they continued to stroll still farther from the party, retaining each other's arm, but observing a profound silence. Elizabeth, perhaps conscious of the improper phraseology of her last speech, or perhaps excited by the new object that met her gaze, was the first to break the awkward cessation and the discourse by exclaiming, Look, Louisa, we are not alone. There are fishermen lighting a fire on the other side of the lake, immediately opposite to us. It must be in front of the cabin of leather stocking. Through the obscurity, which prevailed most immediately under the eastern mountain, a small and uncertain light was plainly to be seen, though, as it was occasionally lost to the eye, it seemed struggling for existence. They observed it to move, and sensibly to lower as it carried down the descent of the bank to the shore. Here, in a very short time, its flame gradually expanded and grew brighter until it became the size of a man's head. When it continued to shine a steady ball of fire. Such an object, lighted as it were by magic, under the brow of the mountain, and in that retired and unfrequited place gave double interest to the beauty and singularity of its appearance. It did not at all resemble the large and unsteady light of their own fire, being much more clear and bright, and retaining its size and shape with perfect uniformity. There are moments when the best-regulated minds are more or less subjected to the injurious impressions which few have escaped in infancy, and Elizabeth smiled at her own weakness while she remembered the idle tales which were circulated through the village at the expense of the leather stocking. The same idea seized her companion, and at the same instant for Luisa pressed nearer to her friend, as she said in a low voice stealing a timid glance toward the bushes and trees that overhung the bank near them. Did you ever hear the singular ways of this natty spoken of, Ms. Temple? They say that in his youth he was an Indian warrior, or what is the same thing a white man leagued with the savages, and it is thought he has been concerned in many of their inroads in the old wars. The thing is not at all improbable, returned Elizabeth, he is not alone in that particular. No, surely. But is it not strange that he is so cautious with his hut? He never leaves it without fastening it in a remarkable manner, and in several instances, when the children or even the men of the village have wished to seek a shelter there from the storms, he has been known to drive them from his door with rudeness and threats. That surely is singular to this country. It is certainly not very hospitable, but we must remember his aversion to the customs of civilized life. You heard my father say a few days since how kindly he was treated by him on his first visit to his place. Elizabeth paused and smiled with an expression of peculiar arch-ness, though the darkness hid its meaning from her companion as she continued. Besides, he certainly admits the visits of Mr. Edwards, whom we both know to be far from a savage. To this speech, Louisa made no reply, but continued gazing on the object which had elicited her remarks. In addition to the bright and circular flame was now to be seen a fainter, though a vivid light, of an equal diameter to the other at the upper end, but which, after extending downward for many feet gradually tapered to a point at its lower extremity. A dark space was plainly visible between the two, and the new illumination was placed beneath the other, the whole forming an appearance not unlike an inverted note of admiration. It was soon evident that the latter was nothing but the reflection from the water of the former, and that the object, whatever it might be, was advancing across or rather over the lake, for it seemed to be several feet above its surface, in a direct line with themselves. Its motion was amazingly rapid, the ladies having hardly discovered that it was moving at all, before the waving light of a flame was discerned, losing its regular shape while it increased in size as it approached. It appears to be supernatural! whispered Louisa, beginning to retrace her steps toward the party. It is beautiful, exclaimed Elizabeth. A brilliant though waving flame was now plainly visible. Gracefully gliding over the lake, and throwing its light on the water in such a manner as to tinge it slightly though in the air. So strong was the contrast, the darkness seemed to have the distinctness of material substances, as if the fire were embedded in a setting of ebony. This appearance, however, gradually wore off, and the rays from the torch struck out and enlightened the atmosphere in front of it, leaving the background in a darkness that was more impenetrable than ever. Ho! Natty! Is that you? shouted the sheriff. Petal in, old boy, and I'll give you a mess of fish that is fit to place before the Governor. The light suddenly changed its direction, and a long and slightly built boat hoved up out of the gloom, while the red glare fell on the weather-beaten features of the leather stocking, whose tall person was seen erect in the frail vessel, wielding with the grace of an experienced boatman, a long fishing spear, which he held by its center, first dropping one end and then the other into the water, to aid in propelling the little canoe of bark. We will not say through, but over, the water. At the farther end of the vessel a form was faintly seen, guiding its motions, and using a paddle with the ease of one who felt there was no necessity for exertion. The leather stocking struck his spear lightly against the short staff which upheld on a rude grating framed of old hoops of iron, the knots of pine that composed the fuel and the light, which glared high for an instant fell on the swarthy features and dark glancing eyes of Mohegan. The boat glided along the shore until it arrived opposite the fishing ground, when it again changed its direction and moved on to the land, with emotions so graceful and yet so rapid that it seemed to possess the power of regulating its own progress. The water in front of the canoe was hardly ruffled by its passage, and no sound betrayed the collision, when the light fabric shot on the gravely beach for nearly half its length, net he receding a step or two from its bow in order to facilitate the landing. Approach, Mohegan, said Mama Duke. Approach, leather stocking, and load your canoe with bass. It would be a shame to assail the animals with the spear, when such multitudes of victims lie here, that will be lost his foo for the want of mouths to consume them. No, no, Judge returned to Natty, his tall figure stocking over the narrow beach and ascending to the little grassy bottom where the fish were laid in piles. I eat of no man's wastey ways. I strike my spear into the eels or the trout when I crave the creature, but I wouldn't be helping to such a sinful kind of fishing for the best rifle that was ever brought out from the old countries. If they had fur like the beaver, or you could tan their hides like a buck, something might be said in favor of taking them by the thousand with your nets. But as God made them for man's food, and for no other discernable reason, I call it sinful and wastey to catch more than can be eaten. Your reasoning is mine. For once, old Hunter, we agree in opinion, and I heartily wish we could make a convert of the sheriff. A net of half the size of this would supply the whole village with fish for a week at one haul. The leather stocking did not relish this alliance in sentiment, and he shook his head doubtingly as he answered, No, no, we are not much of one mind, Judge, or you'd never turn good hunting grounds into stumpy pastures. And you fish and hunt out of rule. But to me the flesh is sweeter where the creature has some chance for its life. For that reason I always use a single ball, even if it be at a bird or a squirrel, besides it saves lead. For when a body knows how to shoot, one piece of lead is enough for all, except hard-lived animals. The sheriff heard these opinions with great indignation, and when he completed the last arrangement for the division by carrying with his own hands a trout of a large size, and placing it on four different piles in succession, as his vacillating ideas of justice required, gave vent to his spleen. A very pretty Confederacy indeed, Judge Temple, the landlord and owner of a township, with Nathaniel Bumpo, a lawless squatter, and professed dear killer in order to preserve the game of the county. But Duke, when I fish, I fish. So away, boys, for another haul, and we'll send out wagons and carts in the morning to bring in our prizes. Marmaduke appeared to understand that all opposition to the will of the sheriff would be useless, and he strolled from the fire to the place where the canoe of the hunters lay, whether the ladies and Oliver Edwards had already preceded him. Curiosity induced the females to approach this spot. But it was a different motive that led the youth thither. Elizabeth examined the light, ashen timbers, and thin bark covering of the canoe in admiration of its neat but simple execution, and with wonder that any human being could be so daring as to trust his life in so frail a vessel. But the youth explained to her the buoyant properties of the boat, and its perfect safety when under proper management. Adding in such glowing terms a description of the matter in which the fish were struck with the spear, that she changed suddenly from an apprehension of the danger of the excursion, to a desire to participate in its pleasures. She even ventured a proposition to that effect to her father, laughing at the same time at her own wish, and accusing herself of acting under a woman's caprice. Say not so best, returned the judge. I would have you above the idle fears of a silly girl. These canoes are the safest kind of boats to those who have skill and steady nerves. I have crossed the broadest part of the Anida, in one much smaller than this. And I, the Ontario, interrupted the leather stocking. And that would squazz in the canoe, too. But the Delaware women are used to the paddle and are good hands in a boat of this nature. If the young lady would like to see an old man strike a trout for his breakfast, she is welcome to a seat. John will say the same, seeing that he built the canoe which was only launched yesterday. For I'm not over-curious at such small work as brooms and basket-making and other like Indian trades. Natty gave Elizabeth one of his significant laughs, with the kind of nod of the head when he concluded his invitation but Mohegan, with the native grace of an Indian, approached, and taking her soft white hand into his own swarthy and wrinkled palms, said, Come, granddaughter of Mekwan, and John will be glad. Trust the Indian. His head is old, though his hand is not steady. The young eagle will go and see that no harm hurts his sister. Mr. Edwards, said Elizabeth, blushing slightly, your friend Mohegan has given a promise for you. Do you redeem the pledge? With my life, if necessary, Miss Temple cried the youth with fervor. The sight is worth some little apprehension. For a real danger there is none. I will go with you and Miss Grant, however, to save appearances. With me, exclaimed Louisa, no, not with me, Mr. Edwards, nor surely do you mean to trust yourself in that slight canoe. But I shall, for I have no apprehensions any longer, said Elizabeth, stepping into the boat, and taking a seat where the Indian directed. Mr. Edwards, you may remain, as three do seem to be enough for such an eggshell. It shall hold a forth, cried the young man, springing to her side, with a violence that nearly shook the weak fabric of the vessel asunder. Pardon me, Miss Temple, that I do not permit these venerable carons to take you to the shades unattended by your genius. Is it a good or evil spirit? asked Elizabeth. Good to you. And mine, added the maiden, with an air that strangely blended peak with satisfaction. But the motion of the canoe gave rise to new ideas, and fortunately afforded a good excuse to the young man to change the discourse. It appeared to Elizabeth that they glided over the water by magic, so easy and graceful was the manner in which Mohegan guided his little bark. A slight gesture with his spear indicated the way in which leather stocking wished to go, and a profound silence was preserved by the whole party, as the precaution necessary to the success of their fishery. At that point of the lake the water shoaled regularly, differing in this particular altogether from those parts where the mountains rose nearly in perpendicular precipices from the beach. There the largest vessels could have lain, with their yards interlocked with the pines. While here a scanty growth of rushes lifted their tops above the lake, gently curling the waters, as their bending heads waved with the passing breath of the night air. It was at the shallow points only that the bass could be found, or the net cast with success. Elizabeth saw thousands of these fish swimming in shoals along the shallow and warm waters of the shore. For the flaring light of their torch laid bare the mysteries of the lake, as plainly as if the limpid sheet of the atsego was but another atmosphere. Every instant she expected to see the impending spear of leather stocking darting into the thronging hosts that were rushing beneath her, where it would seem that a blow could not go amiss, and where, as her father had already said, the prize that would be obtained was worthy any epicure. But Natty had his peculiar habits, and it would seem his peculiar tastes also. His tall stature and his erect posture enabled him to see much farther than those who were seated in the bottom of the canoe, and he turned his head warily in every direction, frequently bending his body forward and straining his vision as if desirous of penetrating the water that surrounded their boundary of light. At length his anxious scrutiny was rewarded with success, and waving his spear from the shore he said in a cautious tone, "'Send her outside the bass, John. I see a laker there that has run out of the school. It seldom one finds such a creature in shallow water where a spear can touch it.' Mohegan gave a wave of assent with his hand, and in the next instant the canoe was without the run of the bass, and in water nearly twenty feet in depth. A few additional knots were laid on the grating, and the light penetrated to the bottom. Elizabeth then saw a fish of unusual size floating above small pieces of logs and sticks. The animal was only distinguishable at that distance by a slight but almost imperceptible motion of its fins and tail. The curiosity excited by this unusual exposure of the secrets of the lake seemed to be mutual between the heiress of the land and the lord of these waters. For the salmon trout soon announced his interest by raising his head and body for a few degrees above a horizontal line, and then dropping them again into a horizontal position. "'Whist! Whist!' said Natty, in a low voice, on hearing a slight sound made by Elizabeth in bending over the side of the canoe in curiosity. "'Tis a skeery animal, and it's a far stroke for a spear. My handle is but fourteen foot, and the creature lies a good eighteen from the top of the water. But I'll try him, for he's a ten-pounder.' While speaking the leather stocking was poisoning and directing his weapon, Elizabeth saw the bright polished tines as they slowly and silently entered the water, where the refraction pointed them many degrees from the true direction of the fish, and she thought that the intended victim saw them also as he seemed to increase the play of his tail and fins, though without moving his station. At the next instant the tall body of Natty bent to the water's edge, and the handle of his spear disappeared in the lake. The long, dark streak of the gliding weapon and the little bubbling vortex which followed its rapid flight were easily to be seen. But it was not until the handle shot again into the air by its own reaction, and its master catching it in his hand through its tines uppermost that Elizabeth was acquainted with the success of the blow. A fish of great size was transfixed by the barbed steel, and was very soon shaken from its impaled situation into the bottom of the canoe. That will do, John, said Natty, raising his prize by one of his fingers, and exhibiting it before the torch. I shall not strike another blow to-night. The Indian again waved his hand, and replied with the simple and energetic monosullible of good. Elizabeth was awakened by the trance created by this scene and by gazing in that unusual manner at the bottom of the lake, by the hoarse sounds of Benjamin's voice, and the dashing of oars as the heavier boat of the sane drawers approached the spot where the canoe lay, dragging after it the folds of the net. Hall off! Hall off, Master Bumple, cried Benjamin, your top light frightens the fish, who see the net and cheer off soundings. A fish knows as much as a horse, or for that matter more, seeing that it's brought up on the water. Hall off, Master Bumple! Hall off, I say, and give a wide berth to the sane. Mohican guided their little canoe to a point where the movements of the fisherman could be observed, without interruption to the business, and then suffered it to lie quietly in the water, looking like an imaginary vessel floating in air. There appeared to be much ill-humor among the party in the Betot, for the directions of Benjamin were not only frequent, but issued in a voice that partook largely of dissatisfaction. Pull Larbert oar, William, Master Kirby, cried the old seaman. Pull Larbert best. It would puzzle the oldest admiral in the British fleet to cast this here net fare with a wake like a corkscrew. Full Starbert boy, pull Starbert oar with a will. Harkey, Mr. Pump, said Kirby, ceasing to row, and speaking with Sonic's spirit, I'm a man that likes civil language and decent treatment such as his right-twixed man-and-man. If you want us to go hoy, say so, and hoy I'll go for the benefit of the company, but I'm not used to being ordered about like dumb cattle. Who's dumb cattle? echoed Benjamin fiercely, turning his forbidding face to the glare of light from the canoe, and exhibiting every feature teeming with the expression of disgust. If you want to come aft and run the boat round, come and be damned and pretty steerage you'll make of it. There's but another heave of the net in the stern sheets, and we're clear of the thing. Give way, will ya? And shoot her head for a fathom or two, and if you catch me afloat again with such a horse marine as yourself, why rate me a ship's jackass, that's all. Probably encouraged by the prospect of a speedy termination to his labor, the woodchopper resumed his oar and, under strong excitement, gave a stroke that not only cleared the boat of the net, but of the steward at the same instant. Benjamin had stood on the little platform that held the sain in the stern of the boat, and the violent whirl occasioned by the vigor of the woodchopper's arm completely destroyed his balance. The position of the light's rendered objects in the bateau distinguishable, both from the canoe and the shore, and the heavy fall on the water drew all eyes to the steward as he lay struggling for a moment in sight. A loud burst of merriment to which the lungs of Kirby contributed no small part broke out like a chorus of laughter and ran along the eastern mountain in echoes until it died away in distant mocking mirth among the rocks and woods. The body of the steward was seen slowly to disappear as was expected, but when the light waves which had been raised by his fall began to sink in calmness, and the water finally closed over his head, unbroken and still, a very different feeling pervaded the spectators. How fare you, Benjamin? shouted Richard from the shore. The dumb devil can't swim a stroke! exclaimed Kirby, rising and beginning to throw aside his clothes. Petal up, Mohegan! cried young Edwards. The light will show us where he lies, and I will die for the body. Oh, save him! For God's sake, save him! exclaimed Elizabeth, bowing her head on the side of the canoe in horror. A powerful and dexterous sweep of Mohegan's paddles sent the canoe directly over the spot, where the steward had fallen, and a loud shout from the leather stocking announced that he saw the body. Steady the boat while I dive! again cried Edwards. Gently lad, gently said Natty, I'll spear the creature up in half the time and no risk to anybody. The form of Benjamin was lying about halfway to the bottom, grasping with both hands some broken rushes. The blood of Elizabeth curdled to her heart as she saw the figure of a fellow creature thus extended under an immense sheet of water, apparently in motion by the undulations of the dying waves, with its face and hands viewed by that light and through the medium of the fluid already colored with hues like death. At the same instant she saw the shining tines of Natty's spear, approaching the head of the sufferer, and entwining themselves rapidly and dexterously in the hairs of his queue and the cape of his coat. The body was now raised slowly, looking gasly and grim as its features turned upward to the light and approached the surface. The arrival of the nostrils of Benjamin into their own atmosphere was announced by a breathing that would have done credit to a porpoise. For a moment Natty held the steward suspended, with his head just above the water, while his eyes slowly opened and stared about him as if he thought that he had reached a new and unexplored country. As all the parties acted and spoke together much less time was consumed in the occurrence of these events than in their narration, to bring the bateau to the end of the spear and to raise the form of Benjamin into the boat, and for the whole party to regain the shore required but a minute. Kirby, aided by Richard, whose anxiety induced him to run into the water to meet his favorite assistant, carried the motionless steward up the bank and seated him before the fire, while the sheriff proceeded to order the most approved measures than in use for the resuscitation of the drowned. Run, Billy! he cried, to the village and bring up the rum hog's head that lies before the door, in which I am making vinegar, and be quick, boy. Don't stay to empty the vinegar and stop it, Mr. Lacroix, and buy a paper of tobacco and half a dozen pipes, and ask remarkable for some salt and one of her flannel petticoats, and ask Dr. Todd to send his lancet and to come himself, and, ha, Duke, what are you about? Would you strangle a man who is full of water by giving him rum? Help me to open his hand that I may pat it. All this time Benjamin sat with his muscles fixed, his mouth shut, and his hands clenching the rushes which he had seized in the confusion of the moment and which, as he held fast like a true seaman, had been the means of preventing his body from rising again to the surface. His eyes, however, were open and stared wildly on the group about the fire, while his lungs were playing like a blacksmith's bellows, as if to compensate themselves for the minute of inaction to which they had been subjected. As he kept his lips compressed, with the most inveterate determination, the air was compelled to pass through his nostrils, and he rather snorted than breathed, and in such a manner that nothing but the excessive agitation of the sheriff could at all justify his precipitous orders. The bottle, applied to the steward's lips by Mama Duke, acted like a charm. His mouth opened instinctively, his hands dropped the rushes and seized the glass, his eyes raised from their horizontal stare to the heavens, and the whole man was lost for a moment in a new sensation. Unhappily for the propensity of the steward, breath was as necessary after one of these drafts, as after his submersion, and the time at length arrived when he was compelled to let go the bottle. Why, Benjamin, roared the sheriff, you amaze me for a man of your experience in drownings to act so foolishly. Just now you are half full of water, and now you are full of grog, interrupted the steward, his features settling down with amazing flexibility into their natural economy. But do you see, Squire, I kept my hatches close, and it's but little water that ever gets into my scuttlebut. Harky, Master Kirby, I've followed the salt water for the better part of a man's life, and have seen some navigation on the fresh, but this here matter I will say in your favor, and that is that you're the awkwardest greenon that ever straddled a boat's thwart. Them that likes you for a shipmate may sail with you and no thanks, but dam me if I even walk on the lakeshore in your company. For why, you'd as leaf drown a man as one of them there fish, not to throw a Christian creature so much as a rope's end when he was adrift, and no life-boy in sight. Natty Bumpo, give us your fist. There's them that says you're an Indian and a scalper, but you've served me a good turn, and you may set me down for a friend. Though it would have been more ship shape like to lower the bite of a rope or running bow-line below me than to seize an old seaman by his head lanyard, but I suppose you are used to taking men by the hair, and seeing you did me good instead of harm thereby, why, it's the same thing, do you see? Marmaduke prevented any reply, and assuming the action of matters with a dignity and discretion that at once silenced all opposition from his cousin, Benjamin was dispatched to the village by land, and the net was hauled to shore in such a manner that the fish for once escaped its meshes with impunity. The division of the spoils was made in the ordinary manner by placing one of the party with his back to the game, who named the owner of each pile. Bill Kirby stretched his large frame on the grass by the side of the fire as sentinel until morning over net and fish, and the remainder of the party embarked in the bateau to return to the village. The woodchopper was seen broiling his supper on the coals as they lost sight of the fire, and when the boat approached the shore the torch of Mohican's canoe was shining again under the gloom of the eastern mountain. Its motion ceased suddenly, a scattering of brands was in the air, and then all remained dark as the conjunction of night, forest, and mountain could render the scene. The thoughts of Elizabeth wandered from the youth who was holding a canopy of shawls over herself and Louisa to the hunter and the Indian warrior, and she felt an awakening curiosity to visit a hut where men of such different habits and temperament were drawn together as by common impulse. CHAPTER XXV CHAPTER XXV CHAPTER XXV Mr. Jones arose on the following morning with the sun, and ordering his own and Marmaduke's steeds to be saddled he proceeded with accountants big with some business of unusual moment to the apartment of the judge. The door was unfastened, and Richard entered with the freedom that characterized not only the intercourse between the cousins, but the ordinary manners of the sheriff. Well, Duke, to horse, he cried, and I will explain to you my meaning in the allusions I made last night. David says in the Psalms—no, it was Solomon—but it was all in the family. Solomon said there was a time for all things, and in my humble opinion a fishing-party is not the moment for discussing important subjects. Ha! Why, what the devil ails you, Marmaduke? Ain't you well? Let me feel your pulse. My grandfather, you know, quite well in the body, Richard, interrupted the judge, repulsing his cousin, who was about to assume the functions that rightly belong to Dr. Todd, but ill at heart. I received letters by the post last night after we returned from the point, and this among the number. The sheriff took the letter, but without turning his eyes on the writing, for he was examining the appearance of the other with astonishment, from the face of his cousin the gaze of Richard wandered to the table, which was covered with letters, packets, and newspapers, then to the apartment and all it contained. On the bed there was the impression that had been made by a human form, but the coverings were unmoved, and everything indicated that the occupant of the room had passed a sleepless night. The candles had burned to the sockets, and had evidently extinguished themselves in their own fragments. Marmaduke had drawn his curtains and opened both the shutters and the sashes to admit the balmy air of a spring morning, but his pale cheek, his quivering lip, and his sunken eye, presented altogether so very different an appearance from the usual calm, manly, and cheerful aspect of the judge. That the sheriff grew each moment more and more bewildered with astonishment. At length Richard found time to cast his eyes on the direction of the letter, which he still held unopened, crumpling it in his hand. What! A ship letter, he exclaimed, and from England! Ha! Duke, there must be news of importance indeed! Read it, said Marmaduke, pacing the floor in excessive agitation. Richard, who commonly thought aloud, was unable to read a letter without suffering part of its contents to escape him in audible sounds. So much of the epistle as was divulged in that manner we shall lay before the reader, accompanied by the passing remarks of the sheriff. London, February 12, 1793 What a devil of a passage she had! But the wind has been northwest for six weeks until within the last fortnight. Sir, your favors of August 10, September 23, and of December 1, were received in due season, and the first answered by return of packet. Since the receipt of the last I hear a long passage was rendered indistinct by a kind of humming noise by the sheriff. I grieve to say that, bad enough to be sure, but trusts that a merciful providence has seen fit, seems to be a good pious sort of a man, Duke. Belongs to the established church, I dare say. Vessels sailed from Falmouth on or about the first September of last year, and if anything should transpire on this afflicting subject shall not fail, really a good-hearted man for a lawyer, but can communicate nothing further at present. The National Convention, unfortunate Lewis, example of your Washington, a very sensible man, I declare, and none of your crazy Democrats, our gallant navy, under our most excellent monarch, I, a good man enough, that King George, but bad advisors. I beg to conclude with assurances of my perfect respect. Andrew Holt, a very sensible feeling man, this Mr. Andrew Holt. But the writer of evil tidings, what will you do next, cousin Marmaduke? What can I do, Richard, but trust to time, and the will of heaven. Here is another letter from Connecticut, but it only repeats the substance of the last. There is but one consoling reflection to be gathered from the English news, which is that my last letter was received by him before the ship sailed. This is bad enough indeed. Duke, bad enough indeed. And away go all my plans of putting wings to the house, to the devil. I had made arrangements for a ride to introduce you to something of a very important nature. You know how much you think of minds, talk not of minds, interrupted the judge. There is a sacred duty to be performed, and that without delay I must devote this day to writing. And thou must be my assistant, Richard. It will not do to employ Oliver in a matter of such secrecy and interest. No, no, Duke, cried the sheriff, squeezing his hand. I am your man. Just now. We are sister's children, and blood, after all, is the best cement to make friendships stick together. Well, well, there is no hurry about the silver mine just now. Another time will do as well. We shall want Dierke van, I suppose. Mama Duke assented to this indirect question, and the sheriff relinquished all his intentions on the subject of the ride, and, repairing to the breakfast parlor, he dispatched a messenger to require the immediate presence of Dierke van der school. The village of Templeton, at that time, supported but two lawyers, one of whom was introduced to our readers in the bar room of the bold dragoon, and the other was the gentleman of whom Richard spoke by the friendly yet familiar appellation of Dierke, or Dierke van. Great good nature, a very tolerable sheriff's skill in his profession, and considering the circumstances no contemptible degree of honesty, were the principal ingredients in the character of this man, who was known to the settlers as Squire van der school, and sometimes by the flattering though anomalous title of the Dutch, or honest lawyer. We would not wish to mislead our readers in their conceptions of any of our characters, and we therefore feel it necessary to add that the adjective in the preceding agnomen of Mr. van der school was used in direct reference to its substantive. Our orthodox friends need not be told that all the merit in this world is comparative, and once for all we desire to say that where anything which involves qualities or characters is asserted, we must be understood to mean under the circumstances. During the remainder of the day the judge was closeted with his cousin and his lawyer, and no one else was admitted to his apartment accepting his daughter. The deep distress that so evidently affected Marmaduke was in some measure communicated to Elizabeth also, for a look of dejection shaded her intelligent features, and the buoyancy of her animated spirits was sensibly softened. Once on that day young Edwards, who was a wondering and observant spectator of the sudden alteration produced in the heads of the family, detected a tear stealing over the cheek of Elizabeth, and suffusing her bright eyes with the softness that did not always belong to their expression. Have any evil tidings been received, Miss Temple? he inquired, with an interest and voice that caused Louisa Grant to raise her head from her needlework with a quickness at which she instantly blushed herself. I would offer my services to your father if as I suspect he needs an agent in some distant place, and I thought it would give you relief. We have certainly heard bad news, returned Elizabeth, and it may be necessary that my father should leave home for a short period unless I can persuade him to trust my cousin Richard with the business, whose absence from the country just at this time, too, might be an expedient. The youth paused a moment, and the blood gathered slowly to his temples as he continued. If it be of a nature that I could execute, it is such as can only be confided to one we know, one of ourselves. Surely you know me, Miss Temple, he added, with the warmth that he seldom exhibited, but which did sometimes escape him in the moments of their frank communications. Have I lived five months under your roof to be a stranger? Elizabeth was engaged with her needle also, and she bent her head to one side, affecting to arrange her muslin. But her hands shook, her color heightened, and her eyes lost their moisture in an expression of ungovernable interest, as she said, How much do we know of you, Mr. Edwards? How much? echoed the youth gazing from the speaker to the mild countenance of Louisa that was also illuminated with curiosity. How much have I been so long an inmate with you and not known? The head of Elizabeth turned slowly from its affected position and the look of confusion that had blended so strongly with an expression of interest changed to a smile. We know you, sir, indeed. You are called Mr. Oliver Edwards. I understand that you have informed my friend Miss Grant that you are a native Elizabeth, exclaimed Louisa, blushing to the eyes and trembling like an aspen. You misunderstood me, dear Miss Temple. I—I—it was only a conjecture. Besides, if Mr. Edwards is related to the natives, why should we reproach him? In what are we better? At least I, who am the child of a poor and unsettled clergyman. Elizabeth shook her head doubtingly, and even laughed, but made no reply, until observing the melancholy which pervaded the countenance of her companion, who was thinking of the poverty and labors of her father, she continued, Nay, Louisa! Humility carries you too far. The daughter of a minister of the church can have no superiors. Neither I nor Mr. Edwards is quite your equal, unless she added again smiling, he is in secret a king. A faithful servant of the king of kings, Miss Temple, is inferior to none on earth, said Louisa. But his honors are his own. I am only the child of a poor and friendless man, and can claim no other distinction. Why, then, should I feel myself elevated above Mr. Edwards because—because perhaps he is only very, very distantly related to John Mohegan? Glances of a very comprehensive meaning were exchanged between the heiress and the young man, as Louisa betrayed while vindicating his lineage the reluctance with which she admitted his alliance with the old warrior. But not even a smile at the simplicity of their companion was indulged in by either. On reflection I must acknowledge that my situation here is somewhat equivocal, said Edwards, though I may be said to have purchased it with my blood. The blood, too, of one of the native lords of the soil, cried Elizabeth, who evidently put little faith in his aboriginal descent. Do I bear the marks of my lineage so very plainly impressed on my appearance? I am dark, but not very red, not more so than common—rather more so just now. I am sure, Miss Temple, cried Louisa, you cannot have taken much notice of Mr. Edwards. His eyes are not so black as Mohegan's, or even your own, nor is his hair. Very possibly, then, I can lay claim to that same descent. It would be a great relief to my mind to think so, for I own that I grieve when I see old Mohegan walking about these lands like the ghost of one of their ancient possessors, and feel how small is my own right to possess them. Do you, cried the youth, with the vehemence that startled the ladies? I do indeed, returned Elizabeth after suffering a moment to pass in surprise. But what can I do? What can my father do? Should we offer the old man a home and a maintenance? His habits would compel him to refuse us. Neither were we so silly as to wish such a thing could we convert these clearings and farms again into hunting grounds, as the leather stocking would wish to see them. You speak the truth, Miss Temple, said Edwards. What can you do indeed? But there was one thing that I am certain you can and will do when you become the mistress of these beautiful valleys. Use your wealth with indulgence to the poor and charity to the needy. Indeed, you can do no more. And that will be doing a good deal, said Louisa, smiling in her turn, but there will doubtless be one to take the direction of such things from her hands. I am not about to disclaim matrimony like a silly girl who dreams of nothing else from war until night. But I am a nun here, without the vow of celibacy. Where shall I find a husband in these forests? There is none, Miss Temple, said Edwards quickly. There is none who has a right to aspire to you, and I know that you will wait to be sought by your equal, or die as you live, loved, respected, and admire by all who know you. The young man seemed to think that he had said all that was required by gallantry. For he arose, and taking his hat hurried from the apartment. Perhaps Louisa thought that he had said more than was necessary, for she sighed with an aspiration so low that it was scarcely audible to herself, and bent her head over her work again. And it is possible that Miss Temple wished to hear more, for her eyes continued fixed for a minute on the door through which the young man had passed. Then glanced quickly toward her companion when the long silence that succeeded manifested how much zest may be given to the conversation of two maidens under eighteen, by the presence of a youth of three and twenty. The first person encountered by Mr. Edwards as he rather rushed than walked from the house, was the little square-built lawyer with a large bundle of papers under his arm, a pair of green spectacles on his nose, with glasses at the sides as if to multiply his power of detecting frauds by additional organs of vision. Mr. Vander School was a well-educated man, but of slow comprehension, who had imbibed awareness in his speeches and actions from having suffered by his collisions with his more mercurial and apt brethren, who had laid the foundations of their practice in the Eastern Courts, and who had sucked in shrewdness with their mother's milk. The caution of this gentleman was exhibited in his actions by the utmost method and punctuality tinctured with a good deal of timidity, and in his speeches by a parenthetical style that frequently left to his auditors a long search after his meaning. A good morning to you, Mr. Vander School, said Edwards, it seems to be a busy day with us at the mansion house. Good morning, Mr. Edwards, if that is your name, for being a stranger we have no other evidence of the fact than your own testimony, as I understand you have given it to Judge Temple. Good morning, sir. It is apparently a busy day, but a man of your discretion need not be told, having doubtless discovered it of your own accord, that appearances are often deceitful, up at the mansion house. Have you papers of consequence that will require copying? Can I be of assistance in any way? There are papers, as doubtless you see, for your eyes are young by the outsides that require copying. Well, then, I will accompany you to your office and receive such as are most needed, and by night I shall have them done if there be much haste. I shall always be glad to see you, sir, at my office, as in duty bound, not that it is obligatory to receive any man within your dwelling unless so inclined, which is a castle, according to the forms of politeness, or at any other place. But the papers are most strictly confidential, and, as such cannot be read by any one, unless so directed by Judge Temple's solemn injunctions, and are invisible to all eyes, excepting those whose duties I mean assumed duties require it of them. Well, sir, as I perceive that I can be of no service, I wish you another good morning, but beg you well remember that I am quite idle just now, and I wish you would intimate as much to Judge Temple, and make him a tender of my services in any part of the world, unless it be far from Templeton. I will make the communication, sir, in your name, with your own qualifications, as your agent. Good morning, sir. But state proceedings, Mr. Edwards, so called, for a moment. Do you wish me to state the offer of traveling as a final contract for which consideration has been received at former dates by some's advanced, which would be binding, or as a tender of services for which compensation is to be paid, according to future agreement between the parties, on performance of the conditions? Any way, any way, said Edwards, he seems in distress, and I would assist him. The motive is good, sir, according to appearances, which are often deceitful, on first impressions, and does you honor. I will mention your wish, young gentleman, as you now seem, and will not fail to communicate the answer by five o'clock p.m. of this present day, God willing, if you give me an opportunity so to do. The ambiguous nature of the situation and character Mr. Edwards had rendered him an object of peculiar suspicion to the lawyer, and the youth was consequently too much accustomed to similar equivocal and guarded speeches to feel any unusual disgust at the present dialogue. He saw at once that it was the intention of the practitioner to conceal the nature of his business, even from the private secretary of Judge Temple, and he knew too well the difficulty of comprehending the meaning of Mr. Vander School when the gentleman most wished to be luminous in his discourse, not to abandon all thoughts of a discovery when he perceived that the attorney was endeavoring to avoid anything like an approach to a cross-examination. They parted at the gate, the lawyer walking with an important and hurried air toward his office, keeping his right hand firmly clenched on the bundle of papers. It must have been obvious to all our readers that the youth entertained an unusual and deeply seated prejudice against the character of the judge. But owing to some counteracting cause, his sensations were now those of powerful interest in the state of his patron's present feelings, and in the cause of his secret uneasiness. He remained gazing after the lawyer until the door closed on both the bearer and the mysterious packet, when he returned slowly to the dwelling, and endeavored to forget his curiosity in the usual avocations of his office. When the judge made his reappearance in the circles of his family, his cheerfulness was tempered by a shade of melancholy that lingered for many days around his manly brow, but the magical progression of the season aroused him from his temporary apathy, and his smiles returned with the summer. The heats of the days and the frequent occurrence of balmy showers had completed, in an incredibly short period, the growth of plants which the lingering spring had so long regarded in the germ, and the woods presented every shade of green that the American forests know. The stumps in the cleared fields were already hidden beneath the wheat that was waving with every breath of the summer air, shining and changing its hues like velvet. During the continuance of his cousin's dejection, Mr. Jones forebored with much consideration to press on his attention a business that each hour was drawing nearer to the heart of the sheriff, and which, if any opinion could be formed by his frequent private conferences with the man who was introduced in these pages by the name of Jotham, at the bar room of the bold Dragoon, was becoming also of great importance. At length the sheriff ventured to elude again to the subject, and one evening in the beginning of July Marmaduke made him a promise of devoting the following day to the desired excursion. Speak on, my dearest father, thy words are like the breezes of the west. Millman. It was a mild and soft morning when Marmaduke and Richard mounted their horses and proceeded on the expedition that had so long been uppermost in the thoughts of the latter, and Elizabeth and Louisa appeared at the same instant in the hall, attired for an excursion on foot. The head of Miss Grant was covered by a neat little hat of green silk, and her modest eyes peered from under its shade, with the soft langer that characterized her whole appearance. But Miss Temple trod her father's wide apartments with the step of their mistress, holding in her hands dangling by one of its ribbons the gypsy that was to conceal the glossy locks that curled around her polished forehead in rich perfusion. What, are you for a walk best? Bride the judge, suspending his movements for a moment to smile, with a father's fondness at the display of womanly grace and beauty that his child presented. Remember the heats of July, my daughter, nor venture further than thou canst retrace before the meridian. Where is thy parasol, girl? Thou wilt lose the polish of that brow under this sun and southern breeze, unless thou guard it with unusual care. I shall then do more honour to my connections, returned the smiling daughter. When Richard has a bloom that any lady might envy, at present the resemblance between us is so trifling that no stranger would know us to be sisters' children. Grandchildren, you mean, cousin Bess, said the sheriff. But on, Judge Temple, time and tide wait for no man, and if you take my counsel, sir, in twelve months from this day you may make an umbrella for your daughter, of her camel's hair shawl, and have its frame of solid silver. I ask nothing for myself, Duke. You have been a good friend to me already. Besides, all that I have will go to best there, one of these melancholy days, so it's as long as it's short, whether I or you leave it. But we have a day's ride before us, sir, so move forward, or dismount, and say you won't go at once. Patience, patience, Dickon, returned the judge, checking his horse and turning again to his daughter. With thou art for the mountains, love, stray not too deep into the forest, I entreat thee, for, though it is done often with impunity, there is sometimes danger. Not at this season, I believe, sir, said Elizabeth, for I will confess it is the intention of Louisa and myself to stroll among the hills. Less at this season than in the winter, dear, but still there may be danger in venturing too far. But though thou art resolute, Elizabeth, thou art too much like thy mother not to be prudent. The eyes of the parent turned reluctantly from his child, and the judge and sheriff rode slowly through the gateway and disappeared among the buildings of the village. During this short dialogue, young Edward stood, an attentive listener, holding in his hand a fishing rod, the day in the season having tempted him also to desert the house for the pleasure of exercise in the air. As the equestrians turned through the gate, he approached the young females, who were already moving toward the street, and was about to address them, as Louisa paused and said quickly, Mr. Edwards would speak to us, Elizabeth. The other stopped also, and turned to the youth, politely but with a slight coldness in her air, that sensibly checked the freedom with which he had approached them. Your father is not pleased that you should walk unattended in the hills, Miss Temple. If I might offer myself as a protector, does my father select Mr. Oliver Edwards as the organ of his displeasure, interrupted the lady? Good Heaven, you misunderstood my meaning. I should have said uneasy or not pleased. I am his servant, madam, and in consequence yours. I repeat that with your consent I will change my rod for a following piece, and keep nigh you on the mountain. I thank you, Mr. Edwards. But where there is no danger, no protection is required. We are not yet reduced to wandering among these free hills, accompanied by a bodyguard. If such a one is necessary, there he is, however. Here brave, brave, my noble brave, the huge mastiff that has already been mentioned, appeared from his kennel, gaping and stretching himself with pampered laziness, but as his mistress again called, Come, dear brave, once you have served your master well, let us see how you can do your duty by his daughter. The dog wagged his tail as if he understood her language, walked with a stately gate to her side, where he seated himself and looked up at her face, with an intelligence but little inferior to that which beamed in her own lovely countenance. She resumed her walk, but again paused after a few steps and added in tones of conciliation. You can be serving us equally, and I presume more agreeably to yourself, Mr. Edwards, by bringing us a string of your favorite perch for the dinner table. When they again began to walk, Miss Temple did not look back to see how the youth bore this repulse. But the head of Louisa was turned several times before they reached the gate on that considerate errand. I am afraid, Elizabeth, she said, that we have mortified Oliver. He is still standing where we left him, leaning on his rod. Perhaps he thinks us proud. He thinks justly, exclaimed Miss Temple, as if awaking from a deep musing. He thinks justly, then. We are too proud to admit of such particular attentions from a young man in an equivocal situation. What, make him the companion of our most private walks? It is pride, Louisa, but it is the pride of a woman. It was several minutes before Oliver aroused himself from the abstracted position in which he was standing when Louisa last saw him. But when he did he muttered something rapidly and incoherently, and throwing his rod over his shoulder he strode down the walk through the gate and along one of the streets of the village, until he reached the lakeshore with the air of an emperor. At this spot boats were kept for the use of Judge Temple and his family. The young man threw himself into a light skiff, and, seizing the oars, he sent it across the lake toward the hut of leather stocking, with a pair of vigorous arms. By the time he had rode a quarter of a mile his reflections were less bitter, and when he saw the bushes that lined the shore in front of Natty's habitation gliding by him as if they possessed the motion which proceeded from his own efforts, he was quite cooled in mind, though somewhat heated in body. It is quite possible that the very same reason which guided the conduct of Miss Temple suggested itself to a man of the breeding and education of the youth. And it is very certain that if such were the case, Elizabeth rose instead of falling in the estimation of Mr. Edwards. The oars were now raised from the water, and the boat shot close in to the land where it lay gently agitated by waves of its own creating. While the young man first casting a cautious and searching glance around him in every direction, put a small whistle to his mouth and blew a long shrill note that rang among the echoing rocks behind the hut. At this alarm the hounds of Natty rushed out of their bark kennel, and commenced their long piteous howls, leaping about as if half frantic, though restrained by the leashes of buckskin by which they were fastened. "'Quiet, Hector, quiet,' said Oliver, again applying his whistle to his mouth, and drawing out notes still more shrill than before. No reply was made, the dogs having returned to their kennel at the sound of his voice. Edwards pulled the bow of the boat on the shore, and landing ascended the beach and approached the door of the cabin. The fastenings were soon undone, and he entered closing the door after him when all was as silent in that retired spot as if the foot of man had never trod the wilderness. The sounds of the hammers that were in incessant motion in the village were faintly heard across the water, but the dogs had crouched into their lairs, satisfied that none but the privileged had approached the forbidden ground. A quarter an hour elapsed before the youth reappeared when he fastened the door again and spoke kindly to the hounds. The dogs came out at the well-known tones, and the slut jumped upon his person, whining and barking as if in treating Oliver to release her from prison. But old Hector raised his nose to the light current of air and opened a long howl that might have been heard for a mile. Ha! What do you sent, old veteran of the woods, cried Edwards? If a beast it is a bold one, and if a man an impudent. He sprang through the top of a pine that had fallen near the side of the hut, and ascended a small hillock that sheltered the cabin to the south, where he caught a glimpse of the formal figure of Hiram Doolittle, as it vanished with unusual rapidity for the architect amid the bushes. What can that fellow be wanting here, muttered Oliver? He has no business in this quarter, unless it be curiosity, which is an endemic in these woods. But against that I will effectually guard, though the dog should take a liking to his ugly visage and let him pass. The youth returned to the door while giving vent to this soliloquy, and completed the fastenings by placing a small chain through a staple, and securing it there by a padlock. He is a pettifogger, and surely must know that there is such a thing as feloniously breaking into a man's house. Apparently well satisfied with this arrangement the youth again spoke to the hounds. And descending to the shore he launched his boat, and taking up his oars, pulled off into the lake. There were several places in the outsego that were celebrated fishing ground for perch. One was nearly opposite to the cabin, and another still more famous was near a point at the distance of a mile and a half above it, under the brow of the mountain, and on the same side of the lake with the hut. Oliver Edwards pulled his little skiff to the first, and sat for a minute undecided whether to continue there, with his eyes on the door of the cabin, or to change his ground with a view to get superior game. While gazing about him he saw the light-colored bark canoe of his old companions riding on the water, at the point we have mentioned, and containing two figures that he had once knew to be Mohegan and the leather stocking. This decided the matter, and the youth pulled, in a very few minutes, to the place where his friends were fishing, and fastened his boat to the light vessel of the Indian. The old men received Oliver with welcoming nods, but neither drew his line from the water nor in the least buried his occupation. When Edwards had secured his own boat he baited his hook and threw it into the lake without speaking. Did you stop at the wigwam lad, as you rode past, asked Natty. Yes, and I found all safe. But that carpenter and justice of the peace, mister, or as they call him squire, do little, was prowling through the woods. I made sure of the door before I left the hut, and I think he is too great a coward to approach the hounds. There's little to be said in favor of that man, said Natty, while he drew in a perch and baited his hook. He craves dreadfully to come into the cabin, and has as good as asked me as much to my face. But I put him off with uncertain answers, so that he is no wiser than Solomon. This comes of having so many laws that such a man may be called on to interpret them. I fear he is more naïve than fool, cried Edwards. He makes a tool of that simple man, the sheriff, and I dread that his impertinent curiosity may yet give us much trouble. If he harbors too much about the cabin, lad, I'll shoot the creature, said Leatherstocking, quite simply. No, no, Natty, you must remember the law, said Edwards, or we shall have you in trouble. And that old man would be an evil day, and so are tidings to us all. Would it, boy, exclaimed the hunter, raising his eyes with the look of friendly interest toward the youth? You have the true blood in your veins, Mr. Oliver, and I'll support it to the face of Judge Temple, or in any court in the country. How is it, John, do I speak the true word? Is the lad staunch, and of the right blood? He is a Delaware, said Mohegan, and my brother. The young eagle is brave, and he will be a chief. No harm can come. Well, well, cried the youth impatiently, say no more about it, my good friends. If I am not all that your partiality would make me, I am yours through life, in prosperity as in poverty. We will talk of other matters. The old hunters yielded to his wish, which seemed to be their law. For a short time a profound silence prevailed, during which each man was very busy with his hook and line. But Edwards, probably feeling that it remained with him to renew the discourse, soon observed with the air of one who knew not what he said. How beautifully tranquil and glassy the lake is! Saw you it ever more calm, and even than at this moment, Natty? I have known the Otsego water for five and forty years, said Leather Stocking, and I will say that for it, which is that a cleaner spring or better fishing is not to be found in the land. Yes, yes. I had the place to myself once, and a cheerful time I had of it. The game was plenty as heart could wish, and there was none to meddle with the ground unless there might have been a hunting party of the Delaware's crossing the hills, or maybe a rifling scout of them thieves, the Iroquois. There was one or two Frenchmen that squatted in the flats further west and married squaws, and some of the Scotch Irishers from the Cherry Valley would come on to the lake and borrow my canoe to take a mess of parche, or drop a line for salmon trout. But in the main it was a cheerful place, and I had but little to disturb me in it. John would come and John knows, though he can turn to his dark face at this appeal, and, moving his hand forward with graceful motion of assent, he spoke using the Delaware language. The land was owned by my people. We gave it to my brother in council, to the fire-eater. And what the Delaware's give lasts as long as the waters run. Hawkeye smoked at that council, for we loved him. No, no, John, said Natty. I was no chief, seeing that I knowed nothing of scholarship and had a white skin. But it was a comfortable hunting-ground, then, lad, and would have been so this day, but for the money of Marmaduke Temple, and the twisty ways of the law. It must have been a sight of melancholy pleasure, indeed, said Edwards, while his eye roved along the shores and over the hills where the clearings groaning with the golden corn were cheering the forest with the signs of life, to have roamed over these mountains and along this sheet of beautiful water without a living soul to speak to or to thwart your humor. Haven't I said it was cheerful, said Lother Stocking? Yes, yes, when the trees began to be covered with leaves and the ice was out of the lake, it was a second paradise. I have traveled the woods for fifty-three years and have made them my home for more than forty, and I can say that I have met but one place that was more to my liking, and that was only to eyesight and not for hunting or fishing. And where was that? asked Edwards. Where? Why up on the Catskills? I used often to go up into the mountains after wolveskins and bears, once they paid me to get them a stuffed painter, and so I often went. There's a place in them hills that I used to climb to when I wanted to see the carrying zone of the world that would well pay any man for a barked shin or a torn moccasin. You know the Catskills, lad. For you must have seen them on your left as you followed the river up from York, looking as blue as a piece of clear sky, and holding the clouds on their tops as the smoke curls over the head of an Indian chief at the council fire. Well, there's the high peak and the round top which lay back like a father and mother among their children, seeing they are far above all the other hills. But the place I mean is next to the river, where one of the ridges juts out a little from the rest, and where the rocks fall, for the best part of a thousand feet, so much up and down that a man standing on their edges is fool enough to think he can jump from top to bottom. What's see you when you get there? asked Edwards. Creation, said Natty, dropping the end of his rod into the water and sweeping one hand around him in a circle, all creation, lad. I was on that hill when Vaughn burned Supus in the last war, and I saw the vessels come out of the highlands as plain as I can see that lime-scow rowing into the Susquehanna, though one was twenty times farther from me than the other. The river was in sight for seventy miles, looking like a curled shaving under my feet, though it was eight long miles to its banks. I saw the hills in the Hampshire grants, the highlands of the river, and all that God had done or man could do, far as I could reach. You know that the Indians named me for my sight, lad, and from the flat on the top of that mountain I have often found the place where Albany stands. And as for Supus, the day the royal troops burnt the town, the smoke seemed so nigh that I thought I could hear the screeches of the women. It must have been worth the toil to meet with such a glorious view. Being the best part of a mile in the air and having men's farms and houses at your feet, with rivers looking like ribbons and mountains bigger than the visions seeming to be haystacks of green grass under you, gives any satisfaction to a man. I can recommend this spot. When I first came into the woods to live, I used to have weak spells when I felt lonesome, and then I would go into the cat skills and spend a few days on that hill to look at the ways of man. But it's now many a year since I felt any such longings, and I am getting too old for rugged rocks. But there's a place, a short two miles back of that very hill, that in late times I relished better than the mountains, for it was more covered with the trees, and natural. And where was that, inquired Edwards, whose curiosity was strongly excited by the simple description of the hunter. Why there's a fall in the hills where the water of two little ponds that lie near each other breaks out of their bounds and runs over the rocks into the valley. The stream is maybe such a one as would turn a mill, if so useless thing was wanted in the wilderness. But the hand that made that leap never made a mill. There the water comes croaking and winding among the rocks first so slow that a trout could swim in it. And then starting and running like a creature that wanted to make a fire spring, till it gets to where the mountain divides like the cleft hoof of a deer, leaving a deep hollow for the brook to tumble into. The first pitch is nigh two hundred feet, and the water looks like flakes of driven snow afore it touches the bottom. And there the stream gathers itself together again for a new start, and maybe flutters over fifty feet of flat rock before it falls for another hundred. When it jumps about from shelf to shelf, first turning this away and then turning that away, striving to get out of the hollow till it finally comes to the plain. I have never heard of this spot before. It is not mentioned in the books. I never read a book in my life, said Leatherstocking, and how should a man who has lived in towns and schools know anything about the wonders of the woods? No, no, lad. There has that little stream of water been playing among the hills since he made the world, and not a dozen white men have ever laid eyes on it. The rock sweeps like mason work in a half-round, on both sides of the fall, and shelves over the bottom for fifty feet, so that when I have been sitting at the foot of the first pitch and my hounds have run into the caverns behind the sheet of water, they have looked no bigger than so many rabbits. To my judgment, lad, it is the best piece of work that I have met in the woods, and none know how often the hand of God is seen in the wilderness. But then that rove it for a man's life. What becomes of the water, in which direction does it run? Is it a tributary of the Delaware? Anon, said Natty. Does the water run into the Delaware? No, no, it's a drop for the old Hudson, and a merry time it has till it gets down off the mountain. I've sat on the shelving rock many a long hour, boy, and watched the bubbles as they shot by me, and thought how long it would be before that very water, which seemed made for the wilderness, would be under the bottom of a vessel and tossing in the salt sea. It is a spot to make a man solemnize. You go right down into the valley that lies to the east of the high peak, where, in the fall of the year, thousands of acres of woods are before your eyes, in the deep hollow, and along the side of the mountain, painted like ten thousand rainbows, by no hand of man, though without the ordering of God's providence. You are eloquent, Leather-stocking, exclaimed the youth. Anon, repeated Natty, the recollection of the sight has warmed your blood, old man. How many years is it since you saw the place? The hunter made no reply, but bending his ear near the water he sat holding his breath, and listening attentively as if to some distant sound. At length he raised his head and said, If I hadn't fastened the hounds with my own hands, with a fresh leash of green buck-skin, I'd take a Bible oath that I heard old Hector ringing his cry on the mountain. It is impossible, said Edwards. It is not an hour since I saw him in his kennel. By this time the attention of Mohegan was attracted to the sounds, but notwithstanding the youth was both silent and attentive, he could hear nothing but the lowing of some cattle from the western hills. He looked at the old man, Natty sitting with his hand to his ear, like a trumpet, and Mohegan bending forward with an arm raised to a level with his face, holding the forefinger elevated as a signal for attention, and laughed aloud at what he deemed to be imaginary sounds. Laugh if you will, boys, said Leatherstocking. The hounds be out and are hunting a deer. No man can deceive me in such a matter. I wouldn't have had the thing happen for a beaver's skin, not that I care for the law, but the venison is lean now, and the dumb things run the flesh off their own bones for no good. Now do you hear the hounds? Edwards started, as a full cry broke on his ear, changing from the distant sounds that were caused by some intervening hill, to confused echoes that rang among the rocks that the dogs were passing, and then directly to a deep and hollow baying that peeled under the forest under the lakeshore. These variations in the tones of the hounds passed with amazing rapidity, and while his eyes were glancing along the margin of the water a tearing of the branches of the alder and dogwood caught his attention, at a spot near them, and at the next moment a noble buck sprang on the shore, and buried himself in the lake. A full-mouthed cry followed, when Hector and the Slut shot through the opening in the bushes, and darted into the lake also, bearing their breasts gallantly against the water. CHAPTER XXVII Here, here, shore with you, rascals, shore with you, will you? Oh, off with you, old Hector, or I'll hackle your hide with my ramrod when I get you. The dogs knew their master's voice, and after swimming in a circle, as if reluctant to give over the chase, and yet afraid to persevere, they finally obeyed, and returned to the land, where they filled the air with their cries. In the meantime the deer, urged by his fears, had swum over half the distance between the shore and the boats, before his terror permitted him to see the new danger. But at the sounds of Natty's voice he turned short in his course, and for a few moments seemed about to rush back again, and brave the dogs. His retreat in this direction was, however, effectually cut off, and turning a second time he urged his course obliquely for the center of the lake, with an intention of landing on the western shore. As the buck swam by the fisherman, raising his nose high into the air, curling the water before his slim neck like the beak of a galley, the leather stocking began to sit very uneasy in his canoe. "'Tis a noble creature,' he exclaimed. "'What a pair of horns! A man might hang up all his garments on the branches. Let me see, July is the last month, and the flesh must be getting good.' While he was talking, Natty had instinctively employed himself in fastening the inner end of the bark-rope that served him for a cable to a paddle, and rising suddenly on his legs he cast this buoy away, and cried, "'Strike out, John! Let her go! The creature's a fool to tempt a man in this way.' Mohegan threw the fastening of the youth's boat from the canoe, and with one stroke of his paddle sent the light bark over the water like a meteor. "'Hold!' exclaimed Edwards. "'Remember the law, my old friends. You are in plain sight of the village, and I know the Judge Temple is determined to prosecute all indiscriminately who kill deer out of season.' The remonstress came too late. The canoe was already far from the skiff, and the two hunters were too much engaged in the pursuit to listen to his voice. The buck was now within fifty yards of his pursuers, cutting the water gallantly, and snorting at each breath with terror and his exertions while the canoe seemed to dance over the waves as it rose and fell with the undulations made by its own motion. Leather stocking raised his rifle, and freshened the priming, but stood in suspense whether to slay his victim or not. "'Shall I, John, or no?' he said. "'It seems but a poor advantage to take of the dumb thing, too. I won't. It is taken to the water on its own nature, which is the reason that God is given to a deer, and I'll give it the lake play. So, John, lay out your arm, and mind the turn of the buck. It's easy to catch them, but they'll turn like a snake.' The Indian laughed at the conceit of his friend, but continued to send the canoe forward with a velocity that proceeded much more from skill than his strength. Both of the old men now used the language of the Delaware's when they spoke. "'Hew!' exclaimed Mohegan. The deer turns his head. Hawkeye lift your spear. Natty never moved abroad without taking with him every implement that might by possibility be of service in his pursuits. From his rifle he never parted, and although intending to fish with the line, the canoe was invariably furnished with all of its utensils, even to its grate. This precaution grew out of the habits of the hunter, who was often led by his necessities or his sports far beyond the limits of his original destination. A few years earlier than the date of our tail, the leather stocking had left his hut on the shores of the Otsigo, with his rifle and his hounds, for a few days hunting in the hills. But before he returned he had seen the waters of Ontario. One, two, or even three hundred miles had once been nothing to his sinews, which were now a little stiffened by age. The hunter did as Mohegan advised, and prepared to strike a blow with the barbed weapon into the neck of the buck. Lay her more to the left, John, he cried. Lay her more to the left, another stroke of the paddle, and I have him. While speaking he raised the spear and darted it from him like an arrow. At that instant the buck turned, the long pole glanced by him, the iron striking against his horn, and buried itself harmlessly in the lake. Back water, cried Natty, as the canoe glided over the place where the spear had fallen. Hold water, John. The pole soon reappeared, shooting up from the lake, and as the hunter seized it in his hand the Indian whirled the light canoe round and renewed the chase. But this evolution gave the buck a great advantage, and it also allowed time for Edwards to approach the scene of action. Hold your hand, Natty, cried the youth. Hold your hand. For it is out of season. This remonstrance was made as the bateau arrived close to the place where the deer was struggling with the water. His back now rising to the surface, now sinking beneath it. As the waves curled from his neck, the animal still sustaining itself nobly against the odds. Hurrah! shouted Edwards, inflamed beyond prudence at the sight. Mind him as he doubles. Mind him as he doubles. Sheer more to the right. Mohegan, more to the right. And I'll have him by the horns. I'll throw the rope over his antlers. The dark eye of the old warrior was dancing in his head with a wild animation, and the sluggish repose in which his aged frame had been resting in the canoe was now changed to all the rapid inflections of practiced agility. The canoe whirled with each cunning evolution of the chase like a bubble floating in a whirlpool. And when the direction of the pursuit admitted of a straight course, the little bark skimmed the lake with a velocity that urged the deer to seek its safety in some new turn. It was the frequency of these circuitous movements that by confining the action to so small a compass enabled the youth to keep near his companions. More than twenty times both the pursuit and the pursuer glided by him, just without the reach of his oars, until he thought the best way to view the sport was to remain stationary, and by watching a favorable opportunity assist as much as he could in taking the victim. He was not required to wait long, for no sooner had he adapted this resolution and risen in the boat than he saw the deer coming bravely toward him with an apparent intention of pushing for a point of land at some distance from the hounds, who were still barking and howling on the shore. Edwards caught the painter of his skiff, and making a noose cast it from him with all his force, and luckily succeeded in drawing its knot close around one of the antlers of the buck. For one instant the skiff was drawn through the water, but in the next the canoe glided before it, and Natty, bending low, passed his knife across the throat of the animal, whose blood followed the wound, dying the waters. The short time that was passed in the last struggles of the animal was spent by the hunters in bringing their boats together and securing them in that position, and leather stocking drew the deer from the water and laid its lifeless form in the bottom of the canoe. He placed his hands on the ribs, and on different parts of the body of his prize, and then, raising his head, he laughed in his peculiar manner. "'So much for Marmaduke Temple's law,' he said. "'This warms a body's blood, old John. I haven't killed a buck in the lake before this since many a year. I call that good venison lad, and I know then that we'll relish the creature's stakes for all the betterments in the land.' The Indian had long been drooping with his years, and perhaps under the calamities of his race, but this invigorating and exciting sport caused a gleam of sunshine to cross his swarthy face, that had long been absent from his features. It was evident the old man enjoyed the chase more as a memorial of his youthful sports and deeds than with any expectation of profiting by the success. He felt the deer, however lightly, his hand already trembling with the reaction of his unusual exertions, and smiled with a nod of approbation, as he said in the emphatic and sententious manner of his people. "'Good. I am afraid, Nady,' said Edwards, when the heat of the moment had passed, and his blood began to cool, that we have all been equally transgressors of the law. But keep your own counsel, and there are none here to betray us. Yet how came those dogs at large? I left them securely fastened, I know, for I felt the thongs and examined the knots when I was at the hut.' "'It has been too much for the poor things,' said Nady, to have such a buck take the wind of them. See, lad, the pieces of the buckskin are hanging from their necks yet. Let us paddle up, John, and I will call them in and look a little into the matter.' When the old hunter landed and examined the thongs that were yet fast to the hounds, his countenance sensibly changed, and he shook his head doubtingly. "'Here has been a knife at work,' he said. This skin was never torn, nor is this the mark of a hound's tooth. No, no, Hector is not in fault as I feared.' "'Has the leather been cut?' cried Edwards. "'No, no, I didn't say it had been cut, lad. But this is a mark that was never made by a jump or a bite. Could that rascally carpenter have dared?' "'Aye.' He durst do anything when there is no danger,' said Nady. "'He is a curious body, and loves to be helping other people on with their concerns. But he had best not harbors so much near the wigwam.' In the meantime Mohegan had been examining with an Indian sagacity the place where the leather thong had been separated. After scrutinizing it closely he said in Delaware, "'It was cut with a knife, a sharp blade and a long handle. The man was afraid of the dogs.' "'How is this, Mohegan?' exclaimed Edwards. "'You saw it not. How can you know these facts?' "'Listen, son,' said the warrior. "'The knife was sharp, for the cut was smooth. The handle was long, for a man's arm would not reach from this gash to the cut that did not go through the skin. He was a coward, or he would have cut the thongs around the necks of the hounds. "'On my life,' cried Nady. "'John is on the scent. It was the carpenter, and he has got on the rock back of the kennel and left the dogs loose by fastening his knife to a stick. It would be an easy matter to do it where a man is so minded.' "'And why should he do so?' asked Edwards. "'Who has done him wrong that he should trouble two old men like you?' "'It's a hard matter, lad, to know men's ways, I find, since the settlers have brought in their new fashions. But is there nothing to be found out in the place? And maybe he is troubled with his longings after other people's business, as he often is.' "'Your suspicions are just. Give me the canoe. I am young and strong, and will get down there yet perhaps in time to interrupt his plans. Heaven forbid that we should be at the mercy of such a man.' His proposal was accepted, the deer being placed in the skiff in order to lighten the canoe, and in less than five minutes the little vessel of bark was gliding over the glassy lake, and was soon hid by the points of land as it shot close along the shore. Mohegan followed slowly with the skiff, while Nady called his hounds to him, bade them keep close, and shouldering his rifle he ascended the mountain with an intention of going to the hut by land.